She bit down on her lower lip. “Here or Wyoming? When did you plan to move?”
“Here, if that’s okay. My contract doesn’t expire until April, and I feel obligated to fulfill it.”
“Good.” Her chest fell with a relieved sigh. “I would have gone now if that’s what you wanted, but I’d really like to stay with my same doctor for the delivery.”
“Of course.” He dusted a kiss on her forehead. “Should I call my mom and Cara and tell them to book their flight?”
“Will they mind that it’s so soon?”
His laughter ended in a snort. “Not one iota. They can’t wait to meet you.”
Her shoulders shrank into her, revealing a glimpse of the old, insecure Sybil. “Are they upset I got pregnant how I did?”
He shook his head slowly. “Did I ever tell you about my great-great-grandmother Tallie?”
“No.”
“Most of the Scott family that’s still around consider her the matriarch of the clan. She was pregnant and never married when she met my great-great-grandfather.” He brushed a hand over her hair. “Our pasts don’t define us, and my family is well aware of that. They’ll adopt you right into the fold.”
She drew a long breath then exhaled. “This is insane … but it’s the best crazy I’ve ever experienced.”
He couldn’t stop his laughter. “That’s an interesting way to put it.”
“Come on.” She tugged at his sleeve. “I want to show you all I did, and then we’ll sit down and figure out all the details.”
Chapter Sixteen
“Are you sure you can’t come with me?” Sybil clasped her hands in front her, begging Rysa for a favor.
Rysa smiled but stood firm. “You’ll be fine. Jared’s mom and sister will love you.”
“But I need support.” Her palms went clammy. Less than two hours until she and Jared picked up Mrs. Scott, Cara, and her husband, Jase.
“Jared will be there. I’m your friend, but he’s your fiancé.” Rysa patted her shoulder. “I promise, I’ll be there tomorrow evening for the showers and Saturday for the wedding.”
Sybil crashed her back against the sofa cushion and laughed. “A wedding shower and a baby shower all in one day, the day before I get married at that. What a sequence.”
“Keeps it exciting.” Rysa winked. “Take it for what it is—people wanting to shower you with blessings and love.”
“I’m grateful, looking forward to it even.” She twisted the engagement ring on her finger. “Liz and the others—they are really coming?”
“That’s what they said. Kylie, Jayla, and Emma are definites, and Liz said she’ll try. Shellie’s out of town, but left a gift with me to bring.” Rysa crossed her legs. “They feel bad for not supporting you and want to make it up.”
“I’ve missed them.” She stared off, thinking how much had changed since spring. “I can’t blame them entirely for backing away—I was overwhelmed and didn’t make much of an effort to keep in touch. And my life went in a different direction they weren’t prepared for.”
“Regardless, I’m glad the gang will be back together, if only for a short time.” Blinking, Rysa smiled sadly. “I can’t believe you’re moving to Wyoming. Can I sneak away in your luggage?”
“Don’t tempt me to say yes.” Conflicting emotions tore at Sybil. “You better come visit though. Often. And for long periods of time.”
“You better believe I will.”
“Maybe we’ll find you a cowboy to fall in love with. Then you’ll move there too, and I’ll have a friend.”
“No cowboys for me.” Rysa pursed her lips before breaking out into a wide grin. “Well, who knows?”
Sybil grabbed a present she’d hidden on the floor between the sofa and end table. “This is for you. Athank youfor all you’ve done.”
“You didn’t have to do that.” Rysa’s eyes collected tears.
