“Are we only counting the ones I broke before I turned eighteen?” He grins at me. “You know how good I looked in my casts.”
“Oh yes. And you were so excited for people to sign them.”
“You were always the first.”
Laughing, I think back and realize he’s telling the truth. “I was, wasn’t I? How funny. I guess because I was at your house practically all the time.”
“Not exactly, but we’ll go with your answer.” Dumplin’ shifts so that I can lay my head on his chest. “So, yeah. I can’t be too hard on Mason. He’s just being a kid. And thanks for understanding. Kent and Poppy took him to the urgent care, and I could’ve come back here, but I wanted to be there for Mason. He was in a lot of pain.”
“Poor little guy. It’s a good thing he doesn’t have school tomorrow.”
“Poppy mentioned that maybe he’d stay home on Friday also, but Mason said he needed to go to school so he could sit with Minnie at lunch.” Parker threads his fingers through my hair. “I think Mason has a little crush.”
“I think it’s sweet that he wants to protect her from the teasing. But it makes sense that he’d be that way because look at the role models this kid has.” I draw a heart on Parker’s chest. “You’re a good guy, Dumplin’. And I’m thankful that...” I blink, trying not to let my tears land on his chest.
He puts his other arm around me. “Hey. What’s with the tears?”
“Thank you for signing up for this. And for going with me tomorrow.” I keep my head down, finding it easier to be honest without him looking into my soul.
But after a second of silence, I tilt my head to look at him.
“I’m happy, Bonny Blue.”
This time, I don’t even try to fight my tears. “Me too.”
Chapter 26
Parker
Nervous, I pull up to the cabin. Bluebonnet isn’t here yet, but I’m guessing she will be by the time I change my shirt. I knew when I proposed that a baby was part of the equation, but going to this appointment makes that all the more real. And I’m excited.
At some point, Bluebonnet and I need to talk about what John’s role will be, if any. He doesn’t sound like he wants one, and I’d be happy if the man signed away his rights. But we have time for that conversation later.
I’m pulling on a clean T-shirt when the front door opens. Bluebonnet avoids eye contact and walks straight into the bathroom. When she walks out, her eyes are red.
I hug her, but she doesn’t relax in my arms.
“What’s wrong?”
After a shake of her head, she points at the door. “Will you drive?”
“Of course.”
She stuffs her hands in her pockets before I can lace my fingers with hers. Something is wrong, and I hate seeing her torn up.
The drive to the doctor is quiet, but when I exit the freeway, she breaks her silence. “I think something is wrong.”
“With you or with the baby?” I reach across the cab and thankfully she doesn’t pull away. “It’s good that you have an appointment today. The doctor might be able to help.”
Still gripping my hand, she turns to look out the window. “We’ll see.”
The phrase reminds me of when my parents would say those very same words but really meant no. In her head, whatever is wrong is something the doctor can’t fix.
For someone who lives to make Bluebonnet smile, this is torture.
When we get to the office, I stand beside her as she signs in. Then we sit. Each tick of the clock feels like another needle being poked into my heart. And based on her expression, she feels worse than I do.
A tear slides down her cheek, and I brush it away. She looks at me but doesn’t smile. Her eyes are filled with pain, like there’s an ache in her soul.
