“Callum, please. A lot has changed.”
“Have you moved on?” I ask, my chest tightening.
“This isn’t the time or place for this conversation, Callum.” She avoids the question.
“Answer me, Andi,” I demand.
“Look, before you two figure out your future or not, we need to decide on the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas. They said if you only want to do this one time, that’s fine. They just want someone in the booth who knows the sport, and they’d love to touch base with you after all this time,” her mother says.
“Fine.” Andi huffs.
“I don’t like this,” Butcher states.
“Me neither. This could really put Andi in harm’s way,” I say.
“Based on Andi’s current situation, I oppose it too,” Ridley says. “It would be a logistical nightmare, and I can’t guarantee her safety.” She looks at me for a moment. “Andi, you and Cowboy should have your conversation before you decide.”
“She already yes,” Penelope says. “And I just texted them.” Every eye in the room turns to her.
“Mom, I wish you would have waited. I realize now there’s more than just me to worry about.”
“Who else are you worried about?”
“Penelope, why would you message them?” Jon asks.
“I want her to finally see what she’s missing.”
“I won’t barrel race again. I’m officially retired. I can ride Raine again, but I won’t race another horse. Mom, don’t make me go no-contact with you. My life is different now. It’s going to change completely soon enough.” Andi’s voice holds a wistfulness I haven’t heard before.
“Well, it’s settled. We’ll have a larger team there than we planned,” Julian says.
Andi
I’m sonervous right now. I know what I need to do. I’ve dreamed of this very moment for so long. Especially now that we’re talking and trying to communicate with each other. His life has changed so much, but is he really ready for how much more it’s about to change?
“I—”
I’m not sure how I want to proceed. I’m still on the call, but we’ll be on video soon. I wanted to wait and tell him in person, but now that my mom has done this, and because of the increasing danger, I need to tell him today.
“Look, I really need to talk to Callum without everyone around. After we talk, I’ll give my final decision. It’s only fair.”
“I told you it’s too late. I sent the text. They’re not going to want to change the plans. They’ll probably make the announcement in the next hour. Sweetheart, everyone wants to know how you’re doing.” My mother is pushing this hard.
I want to end my career on a good note, and this would be that, but I can’t risk my life or my child’s. I rub a hand along my belly. Our baby is a big one, just like their daddy. I haven’t found out what I’m carrying because I wanted to save that for when Callum could be with me.
My stomach is in knots as I hear people filing out of the room.
“Are you okay?” Ty asks me, and I nod at him.
I’m going to stay seated for the first part of our conversation. I hope he isn’t angry with me. I’ve already drawn up custody papers, but I’m hoping we won’t need them.
Callum says he loves me, but my bump changes all that. I could have told him so long ago, but I just couldn’t. I needed time to process, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted. Now I know what I want.
I want Callum and Ria.
“Just hit that button when you’re ready,” Butcher says. He squeezes my shoulder on his way out of my small cabin.
Carefully, I arrange myself so I don’t look too big. I’ve gained some weight over the past few months, beyond the baby weight. At twenty-nine weeks, I’m measuring bigger than most first-time moms, my doctor says.
