“Really?” Honey waddles closer and glares at me. “Don’t look at me. I know I move like a duck now that I’m pregnant. I can’t help it. Have you seen your brother? Beau’s huge, and his manchild growing in my belly is enormous too.”
“How’s your pregnancy going?” Rory asks as she sits next to me with Layla in her lap.
Honey grabs the seat across from us. “I’ve puked more in the last few months than I thought was possible, but food is starting to smell good again.” She holds up her hand and counts each item off with a finger. “The baby’s healthy, I love Beau, and he loves me. That’s all that matters.”
There’s a wistful look in Rory’s eyes. I almost miss it. Because a moment later, it’s gone. Does Rory want kids? We’ve never discussed it. She loves Layla, that’s obvious. But does she want children of her own?
Do I want more?
Kinda have my hands full with one.
But would I want kids with Rory down the road? Would she like that?
Once again, I register I’ve done everything backwards. But I’m trying to figure shit out now.
All this adulting is giving me a headache. I turn to Rory. “Wanna go for a ride? I was thinking we could saddle up the horses. I’d love to show you and Layla around the ranch.”
“That sounds really fun, but could we maybe do a short ride?” She smiles, but blushes and leans close to whisper, “I’m a little sore.”
Aww, my poor girl. I kiss her forehead. “Whatever you want.” The peanut gallery sighs, and I roll my eyes. “Leave us alone.”
Paige clutches her hands to her chest. “But y’all are so cute! Rhett and I were never this cute. I love that grumpy man to pieces, but he wasn’t this sweet.”
He stomps in behind her, holding a giant bottle and a lamb. Frowning, he leans over to kiss Paige. “The hell I wasn’t sweet. Who bought you all those chickens and agreed to bottle-feed Fluffy here?”
Everyone chuckles.
Affectionately, Paige caresses his cheek, but turns back to us. “As I was saying”—she points to her best friend—“Baylee and Mav were a hot mess, we all know that. And no one knew Honey and Beau were dating ’cause they were sneaky, which I suppose they had to be since her brothers wanted to kick Beau’s ass. But now they’re having a baby and all is well in the world.”
“We’re gonna go.” I motion toward the barn.
“My point is, none of us got to appreciate how cute a couple can be, and you and Rory are adorable. Aren’t they, girls?”
Honey nods. “The cutest.”
“So sweet.” Baylee smirks. “We should give them a nickname. Like Jory or Race.”
Excited, all three of them start talking over one another.
I lean over to Rory, who’s struggling not to laugh. “Please ignore my family. They’re all insane.” I stand, take Layla from her, and offer Rory my hand to help her up.
Hand in hand, we stroll back to the barn, and she smiles into the bright sun. “Did you love growing up on a ranch?”
“No.” It’s an honest answer. “My brothers and I had to do all the work because my dad was drunk. But I appreciate it now. Even though I love music, I have to admit I enjoy working with my brothers too. I didn’t think I’d miss them or the ranch thissummer, not because I don’t care but because I thought I’d be too preoccupied with the tour. Except…”
She gives me a knowing smile. “Except you do miss them. You miss this.”
“Crazy, right? Growing up, I was dying to get away. To go off and do my thing. But coming home now feels good. Without the shadow of my father hanging over us, I realize how much I love this place.”
She hooks her arm in mine. “The ranch is beautiful. Growing up, I always wanted horses and chickens. Maybe a garden. Somewhere quiet I could read.”
A foreign feeling in my chest swells when I look at my wife. “You’ll love it here.” I realize what I just said. That I’m describing her life here like it’s a foregone conclusion. I wait for the urge to walk it back. It doesn’t come. “This place is a lot of work, but you’re never alone. Someone always helps. Having a big family has its advantages. And there are lots of quiet places around here for you to enjoy your books.” I wink at her, and she grins.
When we reach the barn, I take my girls to my horse and stroke his soft muzzle. “This is Dreamer. He’s a buckskin quarter horse. He’s mine when I’m home, but Beau rides him a lot so he can get some exercise when I’m gone.”
“He’s beautiful.” Rory glances at me. “Can I pet him?”
“Yeah, like this.” I show her where Dreamer likes it best. “Every horse is a little different, but he loves being stroked on his muzzle and neck.” Dreamer snorts and stomps, pushing me with his head, and I laugh. “Here’s your treat, you big baby.” I pull a carrot out of my pocket and he gobbles it down.
