God, it’s gotten so mutual since then.
“Yea. I did.”
“So it’s not like he went after you with intent? You know, it’s okay to actually love someone.” He gets a dopey smile on his face. “We’re gonna be parents at the same time, Soph. That’s fucking wild.”
“Except I’ll be in Oregon.” I let out a sigh and settle back in my chair.
“That ain’t that far. Maybe you can get him to move here? It’s hard to turn down a free house. Dad’s always looking for extra hands for the ranch.” Sawyer picks up his hat and runs his fingers through his dark hair. “Shit. Did he talk to you about the ranch?”
“He did. I told him you were the better choice. And now—” I wave my hand. “—I might not be close enough to do much.”
He lets out a low whistle. “Wow, you must really have it hard. I never thought you’d consider leaving, but the way it sounds, you’re already gone.” He points at my phone that I’ve beenclinging to. “Go on. Tell him you’re ready to meet. Even tell him why. You’ll find out right away if he’s serious or not.”
He straightens quickly. “I know, meet him at the bar. I’ll be back there this afternoon. Then, you know, just in case…” His shoulders rise and fall again.
“Thank you. And congratulations. I can’t wait to be an aunt.” I don’t do it often, but I give my brother a hug.
“You’re fucking wild, you know?” he laughs. Then his humor drops. “Make sure you’re safe.”
“I will.”
RacingQueen: I’m ready. Meet me at the Hilltop Bar in Campton at four. And I hope you have a spare room for a nursery.
I attach the picture of the positive test, then quickly shut my screen off.
There’s no way I can handle seeing a rejection now.
“Soph, no matter what, you and your baby—” Sawyer swallows hard and his eyes brighten with a sheen of unshed tears. “—my niece or nephew, will be taken care of, okay?”
I know what he’s doing.
Giving me an out, just in case.
“Love you,” I whimper.
We both freeze when my phone dings.
“Well?” Sawyer’s hat brim dips as he looks at my hand. “Aren’t you going to see what he said?”
“I’m scared.” My vision blurs, making me blink rapidly.
He just wiggles his fingers and holds out his palm.
When I slip it over, I can’t hear anything except the pounding of my heart.
I swear I’m going to pass out.
As he reads, his lips soften from a hard line to a slow smile. Then he flips the screen around for me to see.
TheBigO: This is the best day of my life. I’ll be there.
Neutral ground
Oliver
My cell is proppedin the window of the excavator so I can stare at that picture as I dig.
Pregnant.
