I lead him inside the barn and get him settled before returning to my search for Carla.
By the time evening settles in and the chores are done, my head is pounding.
I make my way back toward Caison’s office before heading to the house to pick up Ruby. The light is still on.
I knock once and step inside.
Caison looks up, tired but smiling.
“Matty okay?” I ask.
He leans back, rubs his face, then breaks into a wide grin. “Yeah. She’s fine. I took her over to my place, fed her some soda crackers and ginger ale, and left her napping.”
I nod. “She was in a bad way.”
He exhales. “She’s pregnant.”
The words land heavy.
“Oh,” I say. Then, “Wow. Congratulations, man.”
He chuckles softly. “Thanks.”
“How long have you known?”
“Since the night you arrived home.”
I drop into the seat across from him. “Well, I guess that explains the pharmacy stop,” I say. “And why you forgot I was waiting in the truck.”
He laughs. “Yep. She began to feel funny after a glass of wine with the girls and started doing the math. She freaked out and called me to go get a test.”
“You happy?”
His smile softens. “I really am. Just … stressed. She is too. Wedding was set for spring. She wanted to wear her mom’s dress. Can’t do that while she’s eight months pregnant.”
I nod, listening.
“And then there’s the house,” he continues. “Wasn’t supposed to be ready till summer. We planned to move in after the honeymoon. But now I want it done before the baby comes.”
He blows out a breath. “I’m freaking out. Just trying not to let her see it.”
I nod. “Trust me, life can throw some curveballs. But a baby? That’s the best kind.”
He smiles. “Yeah.”
“Yeah.”
“Listen. Just … keep it to yourself for now. We haven’t told her family or my mom yet.”
“My lips are sealed,” I say. “Last thing I need is another reason for Matty Storm to hate me.”
He chuckles. “You’re definitely not her favorite person.”
I frown. “I don’t understand why.”
He hesitates. Then sighs.
“She’s protective of the girls,” he says. “She found out what happened between you and Shelby, and she’s having a hard time with it. I told her it was a long time ago and that it’s not really any of our business, but she’s a momma bear.”
