“Oh yeah. I’m sure I’ll be fine. As long as I don’t stop for coffee or fries.” She laughs. “And there isn’t any place to get those between here and the ranch. I’d have to go all the way back to the highway.”
I reach behind her seat and grab the boxes of tea. “Don’t forget this.”
“Thank you.” She pinches her lips together like she’s trying not to come apart again.
“I’ll stop being nice, so you won’t have to fight the urge to cry.” I pat her leg. “See you in the morning.”
“No.” She sucks in a breath before reaching for my hand. “I need time away from you to think. So let’s not see each other. I mean if a horse gets sick, you should definitely call me. But otherwise...”
“Let me know when you’re ready to see me again.”
“Thanks, Dumplin’.”
* * *
Lying in bed,I scroll through websites, learning tips for supporting a wife through pregnancy. My sisters have kids, but they all live out of town, and I am just the fun uncle who flops down on the floor during holiday gatherings and gives pony rides and plays with Matchbox cars. My biggest contribution to pregnancy support was buying them chips when we were all together at Thanksgiving.
My eyelids are getting droopy, and sleep may come despite my anxiety and anticipation. But then a text pops up.
Bluebonnet:If I said yes. Just if. Wouldn’t people know you were just asking to be nice? Wouldn’t they suspect something?
I love that she’s thinking about it. Since I’ve given this whole thing a lot of thought—several nights’ worth—I have answers.
Me:I’ll just convince people that I’ve been in love forever and that when you realized John was a complete and total loser, I jumped in and made my move. And you were swept off your feet. We don’t have to announce the baby right away.
Bluebonnet:But when people do find out, they’ll think you... you know. Before we were married.
Me:They’ll think I was in love.
Bluebonnet:But how will you convince people of something that crazy? And would we just announce that we’re dating or engaged? How would we let people know?
Me:I’ll handle that. But I do need to ask something in case you say yes.
Bluebonnet:What?
Me:Are you opposed to kissing me?
I stare at the screen as dots dance. The longer she types, the more nervous I get.
Bluebonnet:If we’re engaged, then kissing is sort of expected, I think. So it would be okay.
Bluebonnet:IF I say yes.
I resist the urge to send her a kissing emoji.
Me:If you have any other questions, let me know.
Bluebonnet:Thanks, Dumplin’. Sweet Dreams
Me:Same to you.
If I sleep, I’ll be dreaming of her saying yes.
I set the phone beside me on the bed and close my eyes. But it buzzes again.
Bluebonnet:My plan was to be at breakfast really early. I want to make tea before the kitchen is full of people.
Me:Just text when you are out of the mess hall.
