Years ago, Robert had looked at her like that, but now his eyes were broody and distant. She didn’t look forward to telling him she was pregnant. It’s not like he cared, but he needed to know he wasn’t protecting just her anymore.
Her morning sickness hadn’t subsided much, but she’d learned to take preventative measures to combat the nausea. And her emotions were leveling out. She’d finally written in the journal Robert gave her almost two weeks ago.
I’m pregnant.Those had been the first words she’d written. Followed byI’m scared. For myself and for my child.
Once she’d started, she couldn’t stop. She’d written for hours. First, trying to purge her fears for herself and her baby, worrying about what her obligation would be in telling Patrick. Then she’d listed the hopes and dreams that had barely sprouted before reality dashed them to pieces. She’d filled up page after page, finally finding the courage to make a list of things she wanted to be a part of her future.
Robert’s name appeared at the top of the list, followed by art, and staying in Providence. Each of those things felt like a pipe dream, but it didn’t keep her from wanting them.
Concern for how she would support her child had finally prompted her to pick up the painting Robert wanted her to finish. She’d stared at it a long time before deciding she could fix it. She’d finished it a few days ago, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to give it to him yet. Despite their lengthy hug, she’d hardly seen him since, and everything felt so up in the air between them.
He hadn’t been back to the ranch since he brought her the soup a week ago. It had been such a sweet gesture, and she’d looked forward to visiting with him, but then he’d taken off and gone for a ride and she never saw him return.
Jake often mentioned that Robert checked in with him, but Jessie couldn’t help feeling like he was avoiding her. She couldn’t blame him.
She’d finally scheduled an appointment with Ben for next Tuesday. Hopefully, her pregnancy wouldn’t hinder her ability to file for a divorce. Of course, it might not be an issue if she ended up miscarrying this baby, like she did the others. A twinge of heartache stole her breath at the thought of the other two babies she’d lost.
She’d also scheduled a doctor’s appointment to find out how far along she was. She guessed about six to eight weeks.
The familiar drone of Robert’s truck brought Jessie to her feet while butterflies swarmed her stomach.I’m only anxious because I need to tell him I’m pregnant. My reaction has nothing to do with the fact I haven’t seen him for an entire week.
Jessie followed the wrap-around porch to the front of the house. She should save him the embarrassment of walking in on Jake and Emily.
Her breath hitched when Robert climbed from his truck wearing faded jeans and a red t-shirt that emphasized his dark lashes. The boy she’d fallen in love with had filled out and developed into a very attractive man. He looked handsome in his uniform, but there was something about the way he wore his jeans—snug and low on his hips—that made women look twice.
Robert came to a stop at the bottom of the porch steps when he saw her. He smiled, and Jessie’s heart raced.
“Hey...” Robert drew out the word as though he changed his mind about what he wanted to say.
“I’m pregnant,” Jessie blurted, then cringed. Afraid she would lose the courage to tell him she was expecting, she broke the news in the worst way possible.
His eyebrows shot up, and his lips quirked. “Hmm...seems to be a lot of that going around.” A light twinkled in his eyes as one corner of his mouth turned up.
Jessie sighed in relief. This was the Robert she fell in love with so many years ago. The one who lightened the atmosphere during tense times.
“You knew?”
“I’ve been around enough women with morning sickness lately, it wasn’t hard to figure out.” Robert’s brow furrowed as he looked beyond her shoulder. “Jess, I need to know— Does this change anything?”
It changes everything,she silently screamed. It was one thing to fail at her career and marriage, but to have another human depending on her when she had no means to support a child overwhelmed Jessie.
At the thought, a sudden surge of love filled her chest, stealing her breath. And just like that, Jessie knew she’d do whatever it took to care for her child. She placed a hand on her abdomen. She’d do everything in her power to protect this child from his or her father.
“If you mean, does this change my decision to divorce Patrick? The answer is no. It only strengthens my determination to stay as far away from him as possible.”
Robert’s shoulders relaxed as he let out an audible sigh. “Good. Then I want you to know I’m here for you. No matter what.”
Gratitude swept over her at his selflessness, filling her chest and weakening her knees. She grabbed the handrail and dropped onto the top step. This man had every reason to hate her, but he didn’t. For him to offer any help she needed considering this crazy recent development spoke volumes about the kind of man he was.
He placed a foot on the second step and leaned forward. His face, mere inches from hers, filled with concern. “Are you okay?”
She nodded. “I’m fine. I just...” The lump in her throat blocked her words. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”
He braced an elbow on his thigh and continued to study her.
Jessie held his gaze, spotting the golden flecks in his brown irises. He had the most gorgeous eyes. His familiar scent—woodsy, masculine and oh, so heavenly—swept over her. It would be so easy to lean forward and close the distance between them.
It had been years since she’d kissed Robert, yet she still remembered the feel of his lips on hers. Warm and tender, asking permission, while gently probing. Kisses that filled her with passion and longing.
