Keeping my voice at a soft whisper, I inch up and lean close to Parker. “You can get yourself some coffee. You’ve been skipping it because of me, and I know you miss it.”
“You sure?”
I nod, and he heads toward the coffee pot. If I need his special morning-sickness cure, I’ll have him pop a peppermint in his mouth first.
Dad and I get in line behind Archer, who’s quiet and keeps mostly to himself. He turns and smiles. “Morning. Congrats on the getting-married thing. Parker’s a good guy.”
“Thanks. He is.” I motion beside me. “This is my dad.”
“Howdy. Welcome to the ranch.” Archer picks up a plate, and the conversation ends as he starts getting his food.
“David Moore! It’s good to see you.” Beau Henry strides up and shakes hands with my dad.
They’ve known each other since they were young, which isn’t surprising in a small town like this. Their friendship is one of the reasons I felt comfortable asking Mr. Henry if I could rent a cabin.
Dad and Beau walk away, and I grab two plates. Usually Dumplin’ gets me breakfast. This morning, I’ll return the favor.
Chapter 14
Parker
Soaking wet from hosing down the horses and stinky from mucking stalls, I yank off my ball cap and wipe my face with the only clean rag I can find in the barn. While the rag is covering my eyes, a door creaks.
I scan the room, but no one is here. It must’ve been the wind.
As I toss the rag aside, Mr. Moore strolls into the barn. I hope he isn’t offended by sweat and stink. Because if he is, I’m not going to make a good impression.
“Howdy, sir.” I’ve known Mr. Moore most of my life, but things feel different now that I’m engaged to Bluebonnet.
“Have a minute?” All lightheartedness is gone from his voice.
I set the cap back on my head. “Sure thing. What’s up?”
“Ever since the divorce, Bluebonnet is more limited with what she tells me. And I hate myself for that. But that’s a different topic. What I’m trying to say is, she mentioned she’s expecting.”
My heart is hammering on my chest cavity. If he asks me about the baby, I won’t be able to lie convincingly. I’m not even sure I want to lie or which part to lie about. Is it better for him to think the baby is mine or John’s?
I go with a completely honest answer. “Yes. She’s pregnant.”
Staring at the ground, he purses his lips and rubs his face. “John called me three weeks ago asking how much I’d be contributing to the wedding.”
Anything I say will complicate the situation, so I keep my mouth shut.
He meets my gaze. “I’m not sure what you said that convinced her to walk away from that guy, but thank you. I didn’t like him, but it’s hard as a parent. Walking the line between supporting your kid’s decisions and being honest isn’t always easy. Especially not when I was jetting all over the place.”
“She broke up with him on her own. I proposed after.” I debate whether or not to say more, but that bit about John bothers me. “Does she know he called you about money?”
“No. And I’ve been trying to figure out how to bring it up. When I spoke to him, I let him know that I’d talk to her about wedding plans.” He glances at the door. “Anyway, reading between the lines, I know what you’re doing. It says a lot about what kind of a man you are. And about your feelings for my daughter.”
I nod.
“And I want to pay all expenses for the wedding and honeymoon. Bluebonnet doesn’t get access to her trust fund until next year. She’s probably told you that. If y’all need anything before that, please let me know. I want to help.”
A trust? This is information I did not know. “Sir, I think we’ll be fine. And just so that you don’t question why I’m marrying your daughter, I didn’t know about any trust.”
“Not a surprise.” He sticks out his hand. “Offer still stands. Anything at all.”
“Thank you.”
