I buckle my seat belt, then grab his hand. “I’ll let you know after I talk to Paisley.”
“You have your crackers and candies? Do they help?”
I tap the center console. “They help a lot.” And I try not to be obvious when I let my gaze drop to his lips, which are surrounded by all those amazing acupuncture whiskers. “I’ll call you.”
“Have a great day.” He closes my door, then stays in place as I back out and drive away.
I’m engaged. Once I’m on the main road, I rub my belly. “You’ll have a daddy. And he’s going to be awesome. You’re one lucky kiddo.”
* * *
As soon asthe clinic closes for the day, I shoot off a text to Paisley.
Me:Wrapping up at work. When you have time to talk, call me.
I figure it’ll be a while since she is packing and has a family to feed. But I’m wrong. My phone buzzes less than a minute after I hit send.
I swipe to answer. “That was fast.”
People describe me as book smart. Paisley is just smart. About everything. Usually, I talk things out with her because she’s insightful and helpful. But she’s always supportive. Even when she doesn’t agree. Like when I told her I accepted John’s proposal.
Paisley isn’t a fan of John. Never has been. I know she won’t be upset about that part of my news.
“I haven’t talked to you in days. What’s up?”
“How’s the move going?” I pick up my purse and walk out to the truck.
She sighs. “We are almost packed. I can’t wait to be closer to everyone again. You haven’t told anyone, have you? I really want my parents to be surprised.”
“I’ve kept your secret. I mean, I did slip up once, but it was with Parker, and—”
“He knows. So we’re good. Enough about me. How are you? What were you doing on Saturday?”
“Crying. And I didn’t want to drag down your progress. But I’m better now and wanted to talk about it if you have time.”
“Of course I have time. Chris took the kids out for dinner to give me some alone time. Bless that man.” The mention of her husband has her smiling. I know she’s smiling because her voice changes when she does. And she almost always smiles when talking about her husband, which only confirms that John was a bad idea from the start. “Why were you crying?”
I climb into the truck and slam the door. This part of the conversation needs to happen where I can’t be overheard. “I’m pregnant. John isn’t happy about it, so I broke off the engagement.”
“Oh, Bluebonnet, I’ll be there to help you. And I can’t say I’m sorry you ended that relationship. He’s not good for you. But I know it hurts. And I’m sorry.”
“No one knows except you and Parker. And I kind of dumped it all on him when I ran into him on Saturday. Told him how worried I was about being a single mom. All of it.”
She stays quiet instead of helping me delay the part I’m most nervous about telling her.
“A couple days after that, Dumplin’ proposed.” I drop that bomb, then wait for her reaction.
She’s silent a half-second. “Please tell me you accepted.”
“I was worried you’d think it was a bad idea.” Knowing she approves doesn’t do much to ease my guilt.
“My brother is more a man than John will ever be. And he’ll be a great father.”
“I agree. That’s why I said I’d marry him. We haven’t told anyone yet. But we won’t wait long because—I don’t think I have to explain why.”
“I’m happy for both of you. Really. I know this is all different than what you expected of this year, but Parker wouldn’t have asked if he didn’t mean it. He’ll take care of you.”
“More than anything, I want the baby to have a father who cares. I don’t want this child to feel rejected.”
