When she arrived, she handed him a carton of eggnog.
He accepted it with one raised brow. “Thank you?”
She laughed off his confused expression. “The school district’s milk provider gave them out to all the central office staff.”
“I’ll put it in the fridge.”And there it will stay.
Her lips twitched. “Let me take a wild guess, you’re not a fan of eggnog?”
“Not really.”
“Me either.” She broke out in a laugh. “So much for pawning it off on you.”
“The Gunns next door always make it for the holidays. If you don’t mind, I’ll drop it off to them later.”
“Go for it. I’d hate for it to be wasted.” She adjusted her purse strap that had slipped down the navy sleeve of her cardigan. “Why’d you want me to stop by?”
He suggested they have a seat. It wasn’t a standing conversation.
She sat down and propped a pillow behind her back. “That feels better. My office chair is a killer.”
“Can you take a pillow to work?”
“I have one, but it puts me at an uncomfortable angle to work.” She stretched her arms.
“Only two more months to go.”
“Brilyn will be here before we know it.”
“I can’t wait.” Her smile softened her face, and she glowed. “Most women say their pregnancies drag, but once I decided to keep her, it’s flown by for me.”
“I’m glad.” He shifted and folded his hands in his laps, changed gears. “I received some interesting information today.”
“What kind?”
“I inherited a large plot of old family land that has a ranch.”
Her features tightened. “In Wyoming?”
“Yes.”
“Then you’re moving back?” she asked in a clipped tone.
“Not necessarily.”
Her entire countenance shouted that he’d have to take it easy with her.
She twisted the corner of her sweater. “Whatareyou planning to do then?”
“Be wherever my daughter is.”
“You’d give up a ranch for Brilyn?” Her jaw loosened a smidge.
“I’ll hire someone to run it, but I can’t give up the land. It belongs in the family.” He scooted to the middle of the sofa and placed his hands on her shoulders. “But I’m not leaving you and our daughter. No matter what.”
A long breath escaped her. “I’m trying to believe you. After years of having no one care about me, it’s hard to accept.”
He raised a hand and brushed a hair from her forehead. “I love you.” When he saw the fear rise in eyes, he pressed a finger to her mouth. “You don’t have to say anything—I just wanted you to know. I’d also like us to consider and pray about an idea.”
