“And we were bothverygay.”
Laughing under his breath, he says, “It was that bad?”
“Let’s just say, it confirmed some things.” I pause, then add quietly, “But then she got pregnant.”
All laughter dies immediately. “Oh.”
“Yeah.” I lean back in the chair, then take a sip from my drink. “Wolf Creek is a small town, and back then… Well, things weren’t as progressive as they are now. We were two terrified teenagers with huge secrets and families who would’ve lost their minds if we’d told them the truth.” I shrug. “So we did what seemed like the only option.”
“You got married,” he replies dryly. Not a question.
“We got married.”
Remington studies me for a moment. “Were you miserable? Livin’ a lie?”
I think about it for a moment. It’s a valid question.
“No,” I say finally.
“Really?”
“June was my best friend,” I remind him. “Still is, honestly. We loved each other. Just not the way people expected.” I smile. “We had Finn, raised him together. Built a life. It wasn’t fake…just not the full story.”
He nods slowly, absorbing everything I’m offering. “And Hollis?” he asks.
I chuckle. “Oh, he was planned.”
“Oh?” His eyebrows shoot up, and it makes me laugh even more.
Nodding, I say, “We wanted him to have a sibling. And honestly, we both wanted another. Given the circumstances, we made a good team. We were great parents together.”
I can practically see the wheels turning behind his eyes. “So you just…went for round two?”
“Not exactly.” Remington looks at me questioningly, and I can’t help but chuckle. “Ever heard of the turkey baster method?”
His eyes widen, and his mouth falls open. “You’re joking.”
“Nope. Not even a little bit.”
He covers his mouth with his hand, half laughing. “You two actually?—”
“We sure did. Very clinical process,” I deadpan.
“Jesus,” he mumbles under his breath. “That’s the most rancher solution to reproduction I’ve ever heard.”
I grin despite myself. “It worked, though.”
Remington shakes his head, still smiling. “So you raised two kids with your best friend… Both of you knowin’ the truth the whole time?”
“Pretty much.” I nod.
“And nobody else knew?”
“No. It’s a secret we’ve kept all these years. I’m sure she told her girlfriend, and now I’ve told you. But other than that, no.”
“Why?” There’s zero judgement behind his question, but it lands heavy anyway.
I look down at the table, giving myself a moment to gather my thoughts. “Because by the time I realized I didn’t want to live that way forever, the boys were already here. And comin’ out in atown like this back then, when your whole identity is wrapped up in land and family and reputation…” I shrug. “Didn’t seem worth blowin’ their lives up.”
