Page 99 of The Only Heart that Matters
Standing a little taller, I say out loud to the empty house, “Hit me with your best shot, Goof. I’m not going anywhere.”
Checking my email for an invitation, I see one sent from Mia’s work email two days ago that I somehow missed. An invite for a casual after work night of dancing at The Cross-Eyed Cricket next weekend. “Scratch it out all you want, woman. You aren’t going dancing with anyone, if it ain’t me. You better believe I’ll be there.”
We’re finally crossing the imaginary bridge we’ve always had between us. I never thought we’d get this far, but now that we have, I’m not giving her up for anyone or anything.
Tell me your secrets, Mia.
You don’t scare me.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
ANGUS
Taking in a deep inhale of sun-warmed earth and the hint of manure, my soul breathes a little easier.
There’s nothing better than a spring day on the ranch. At the moment, the horses are tied to a tree, grazing on a fresh mix of grass and clover while Cal and I fix a hole in the fence line.
We haven’t talked much, but I know my brother. His job is at the store, the ranch and riding are what he does when something is on his mind. However, he prefers to figure things out on his own. He asked me out here for a reason, but I’m not gonna push. If there’s anyone who knows how hard it is to say what’s on their mind, it’s me.
Finished with the fence, we climb back on the horses, taking our time as though neither of us have businesses to run. Like there is nowhere else in the world we need to be. Instead, we mosey along at a leisurely trot, traversing the endless pastures side by side without a care in the world. Cal even stops Mabelhere and there in search of blackberries. It’s early in the season but wouldn’t you know it? He turns up with a handful.
That’s how his life has gone since Charlie showed up in our little town. The man won the damn lottery when she found her way back to him. And with their announcement this past Sunday his life just keeps getting better. Charlotte is pregnant. Apparently, she found out on their wedding day, but they’ve kept it to themselves until they were through the first trimester.
“So, how’s the mom-to-be feeling?”
“Not too bad. Her morning sickness is more like all-day sickness, but considering, she’s doing good.”
“Glad to hear it.”
He scratches at the couple days' growth on his face, tilting his head in contemplation, like he’s trying to make a tough decision.
Hmm... What’s bothering you, big brother?
“And how are you?” I ask. Keeping my inquiries short and sweet. Too much digging and the man will take off at a full gallop.
He exhales, his body sagging as he confesses, “I’m scared shitless. That’s how I am.”
And there it is. That’s what’s on his mind. Callen McKinnon, who can defeat any foe, is afraid of becoming a dad.
Is there anything scarier?
Or fucking cooler?
“What is it that has your panties all twisted up?”
“Make fun all you want, little brother. You’ll get it one day.”
“Well, help me get it now. Because there is no doubt in my mind that you’re gonna be a great dad.”
Moments tick by, but only the song of a sparrow and the horses’ hooves on the dirt answer. Cal, as usual, is working out what he wants to say next. He gets there eventually.
“Not worrying about Charlotte’s safety, not having her at arm’s length at all times, is a day-to-day struggle. I know she’ssafe. I do. But since I found out she was carrying my child; my anxiety is off the charts. What the hell am I gonna do once the baby is actually here?”
“Well, you know Charlie’s safe. You made sure of that,” I say, referring to the stalker that showed up in Goose Hollow last summer. “And when the baby gets here, you’ll take care of her or him like you do everyone else in this family. If any of us are meant to be a parent, it’s you, dude. C’mon, you know that.”
“You think?” His eyes are dark with worry.
He’s not fishing for compliments. The man really doesn’t think he’s ready for the next and biggest part of his life. He wants to know I’m not blowing smoke up his ass.
