Laughter danced in Cassie’s eyes. “You don’t have to explain. I understand. You do still hope for love, but you’re married to Cody and have no other option for finding it. Thinking about falling in love with someone you haven’t known long but are permanently connected to seems strange.”
Ella let out a breath. “Precisely.” She carried the mugs to the table and motioned for Cassie to sit. “Your brother is a good man. You were right—he’s all soft under that gruff facade. I like him.”
Cassie took up her mug. Her blue eyes, so like Cody’s, considered Ella with grave intensity. “But you’re afraid to be vulnerable enough with a man to lose your heart?”
Tears pricked her eyes. She stared down at the table. “Yes.”
“I could tell you it’ll all turn out all right, but none of us knows the future.” Cassie reached out, covering Ella’s left hand. “You don’t have to force anything, Ella. Sometimes the best things in life happen naturally.” She leaned back again, peering at Ella over the rim of her mug. “But please, don’t close yourself off if you start falling. Don’t shut Cody out because you’re afraid. He deserves happiness too. I want that for you both.”
Throat working, Ella nodded. “I’ll try.”
“Good. Now, I have some news to share with you.” A wide grin filled Cassie’s face.
The abrupt change in subject threw her, but Ella recovered, setting her cup down. “What’s that?”
Cassie glowed as she rested a hand on her stomach. “Well—I had a visit with Doc today. Want to guess what he told me?”
Ella gasped, hands flying to her mouth. “Are you having a baby?”
“Yes!” Her friend squealed, eyes lit up with excitement. “Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Amazing. How did Travis react?”
“He’s over the moon. I think he’s about to go into overprotective mode.” Cassie rolled her eyes. “He actually said I should take the buggy to see you rather than riding my horse. Silly man.” Her tone belied her words, warmth visible in her eyes. “Travis will be a great father.”
“I can’t wait to see that. What about Cody? Did you tell him?”
“Not yet.” Cassie grinned. “I want to surprise him when he gets home this evening, if that’s all right with you.”
“Of course. Would you like to stay for supper?”
“Thank you—that sounds great.”
Ella clasped Cassie’s hand, giving it a light squeeze before letting go. “I’m happy for you. You must be so excited.”
“I can’t wait to meet this little one.” Cassie lifted the cup to her lips, shooting Ella an innocent look. “When can I expect a niece or nephew?”
Choking on a sip of tea, Ella slapped a napkin to her mouth. “Cassie!”
“What?” Her friend looked like a perfect little imp, head tilted and eyes batting. “It’s a legitimate question.”
Never had Ella been asked something so forward. Her cheeks burned, and she scrambled for something to say. “That’s not something Cody and I have talked about.”
“Whyever not?”
Oh gracious, she wasn’t going to get out of this. Ella cleared her throat. “Our marriage is different. This entire arrangement was one of necessity.”
Cassie’s eyes widened. “Is this a marriage of convenience? You don’t plan on ever having kids?”
Ella shifted in her seat. “We never specified that.”
“So there’s a chance I’ll get to see those nieces and nephews? You two would have such cute children.”
How much more could her cheeks possibly heat? Ella picked up a napkin and fanned her face.
Cassie put a hand over her mouth, a little laugh escaping. “Oh dear. I’ve embarrassed you. I’m sorry. Sometimes I just say whatever comes to mind, and because I’m pregnant, I have babies on my brain.”
Shaking her head, Ella managed a smile. “I know you mean well. To be honest, this is something Cody and I should have talked about before we got married. The only thing we agreed on was that we couldn’t promise the other love.” She lifted one shoulder. “Going into this marriage, I just assumed that it would be one of practicality. I didn’t consider the idea of having children with him.”
