When we got to my truck, I opened the door to toss my things in but before I could climb in, Jake wrapped his arms around me and swung me around in a circle, letting out the loudest whoop. He kissed me before setting me back down with a grin.
“I was holding that in because I didn’t want to scare any of the other patients, but I just had to let it out,” he said making my heart flutter. “Meet me at my place later this evening?”
I agreed and drove home, knowing it was time to call my mom and share the news.
I sat on my porch rocker and dialed my mom.
“Hi, sweetie. Great timing. I was going to call you tonight,” my mom, Lisa, said as she answered the phone.
“Something going on?” I asked.
“No, I just haven’t heard from you lately,” she said. “You must be busy.”
“I have been.” I had avoided talking to her since finding out about the pregnancy, knowing that I’d have a difficult time keeping the big news to myself. I’d texted or emailed instead, but now I was ready to talk. “Things have been a little unusual. You might sayunexpected.”
“I hope your clinic is going well.” She sounded worried. “It’s not too late to sell the ranch and join a practice in a large city, like Denver. Or you could always move closer to me.”
“Everything’s fine with the clinic, and you know that city life wouldn’t suit me.” My practice was doing decently despite my worries.
“You are so much like your father,” she sighed. “You love that land.”
“I do, Mom. It’s home to me,” I said and then went for it. “I’m going to have a baby.”
There was silence at the other end and I actually looked at my phone to make sure the call hadn’t got disconnected.
“What?” There was another pause. “Oh, my goodness. You’re pregnant? I didn’t think that was possible.”
“Neither did I, so it was a surprise. A good one.”
“A blessed one,” she declared enthusiastically. “I’m so happy, I can’t even tell you. So happy for you. And for me. I didn’t think I’d ever be a grandmother unless you adopted or married a man with children. Are you getting married?” My mother was rushing and gushing. Her questions tumbling out of her mouth faster than I could answer them.
Here came the hard part. “I’m in a relationship with the father, but I don’t know where it’s going, exactly.”
“Do I know him?”
“You do. It’s Jake Thorne.”
“Oh!” she exclaimed. “Jake. It’s hard for me to think of him all grown up. What am I saying? Of course he is.”
“You’re not upset about it being Jake?” I asked, a little nervous as I waited for the answer. All of the Thornes were well-liked, but Jake didn’t exactly have the best reputation for being serious when it came to women. In fact, he’d been known as a player back in high school. I hoped that my mother wouldn’t hold that against him.
“No, not at all. You know Laura and I were friends for many years. Stillarefriends, although I haven’t spoken with her in ages. We bonded over not being ranch women at heart. In the end, she adapted better than I did, but we were both married tomen whose lives and identities revolved around their ranches. Jake might be like that, from what I remember of him.”
“He is,” I admitted, unsurprised at my mother’s concern. “But?—”
“But he’s a good man, too. I know that. Heart of gold and devoted to his family.”
“Just say it, Mom,” I said, knowing she was holding something back.
“Of the Thorne brothers, Jake reminds me of your father the most. He’d do anything for you, but he’s hardheaded and stubborn, too. And maybe doesn’t understand other people’s perspectives.”
As much as I had loved my father, I knew that criticism of him was valid. “I’m not walking into this blind, Mom. I know what Jake’s like.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I loved your father more than I can say and I still miss him every day, but building a life with someone who doesn’t understand you is frustrating. It can become fraught with problems if they’re incapable of seeing both sides. Once there are children in the picture, it becomes even more difficult.”
I could hear her take a deep breath. “I don’t mean to be negative after hearing such wonderful news. I’m thrilled for you, and you know I’m on your side whatever you choose to do, whether that means being in a relationship with Jake or not. Just be careful, sweetie. Don’t rush into anything because you’re pregnant. If it’s just about needing support, I’m more than happy to come and help you. As a matter of fact, you won’t be able to keep me away.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’m counting on your help. And I’m not rushing into anything with Jake. We’re both adults and we’re taking our time while we figure things out. And I know he’s stubborn, but he’s better than you think. You know I told you about him wanting to buy Twister and refusing to consider anything else? He changed his mind on that and we’re negotiating a stud fee contract.”
