“Okay. Spill. What’s going on with you and the rodeo trio? I’ve been hearing some gossip on the town vine.”
Heat floods my face.
“Babe, everyone’s already talking about spotting you kissing two of them out in the parking lot this morning.” She’s grinning ear to ear. “So? What’s happening?”
I open my mouth to deflect, then stop. This is Sophia. My friend. The one person who might actually understand what I’m going through.
“Actually,” I say slowly, “I do have news.”
Her eyebrows shoot up. “Oh?”
“But you first. You look like you’re about to explode, needing to tell me something.”
She bites her lip, practically vibrating with excitement, her hand settling on her stomach. “Okay, okay. So, this has been in the works for a while, and it shouldn’t be a surprise really, but?—”
“Oh my God.” I gasp, my gaze dropping to her stomach and back up. “Sophia. Are you?—”
She’s nodding before I can finish, tears springing to her eyes even as she laughs. “I’m pregnant.”
I shriek, loud enough that people turn to look, and I don’t care even a little bit because I’m pulling her into a hug so tight she squeaks.
“That’samazing!” I release her just enough to look at her face, both of us grinning like idiots. “Oh my God, Sophia. I’m so happy for you. For all of you!”
“Cash and Walker and Ridge have been talking about babies forever,” she says, wiping at her eyes. “And I always thought I wasn’t ready, you know? But then something just… clicked. Like I could suddenly see all of us together, a little one running around the ranch, and it feltright.”
“You’re going to be such a good mom.”
“You think?” She laughs, a little wobbly. “I’m terrified.”
“The best parents always are.” I squeeze her hands. “Do you know what you’re having?”
She shakes her head. “We want it to be a surprise. But I know it’s only one right now, which means the guys are already placing bets on who it looks like most so they know which one ‘got me pregnant.’?” She makes air quotes. “And then the other two need to ‘do their part’ too, so we’re apparently having at least three kids.”
“Oh my God.”
“I know.” Her hand drifts to her still-flat stomach, something soft in her expression. “I had no idea I’d want this so much. But yeah. So much yes.”
I hug her again, holding on tight. “That’s the best news I’ve heard in forever. And I’m going to spoil that baby rotten. You know that, right? Auntie June is going to be insufferable.”
“I’m counting on it.”
When we finally separate, I glance around the arena. It’s filling up, but not as much as I expected. There are gaps in the seating, some small sections that look sparse. Was Holden right about the attendance issues, or is the first day slow, as it includes a lot of parades? If the rodeo isn’t profitable, Seth’s father might pull the circuit from Honeyspur Meadow entirely. So many local businesses depend on the annual influx of visitors…
“Okay, your turn.” Sophia elbows me. “What’s your news? And why do you keep touching your neck?”
I drop my hand guiltily. I hadn’t even realized I was doing it.
“So.” I take a deep breath. “You know I’m chaperoning the Wildfire Star guys. Seth, Carter, and Kai.”
“The insanely hot ones plastered all over the entrance banners, yes.”
“Well.” Another breath. “They’re… we’re… scent matches. All three of them. And please don’t judge me, but I’ve been hiding the fact that I’m an Omega for years. It’s a long story, as I know I told you I was a Beta.”
Sophia’s eyes go wide. “June. I would never judge you, no matter what, and you don’t owe me anything, as long as you’re safe and happy.”
I grin. “You’re amazing.”
She nods and I laugh. “That’s huge news about the scent matches, by the way!” She grabs my arm. “That’s… that’s fate, babe. That’s the universe screaming at you.”
