Page 71 of Wilde Flame

“How’re you feeling?” Ensley asked.

Before Lilibeth could reply, I asked, “Are you still sick?”

“Stomach flu got me pretty good.” She cleared her throat and looked at Ensley, then me. “Caden, do you have a few minutes to talk?”

Clearly intrigued by what she wanted to talk about, I said, “Sure.”

“Emeline’s in her office, having a meeting. Is there somewhere else we can go?”

From the corner of my eye, I could see Ensley watching us. “If it’s privacy you want, you can use Mom’s office,” she suggested.

I looked at Lilibeth for an answer.

“That would be great. She wouldn’t mind?”

Motioning with my hand to head farther into the barn, I replied, “She won’t mind at all.”

“Thank you, Ensley.”

My sister smiled and gave her a nod. “Sure thing.”

As we walked through the barn, a few of the horses that were stabled poked their heads out in greeting. Lilibeth made sure to stop for each one and give them a pat or a kiss. A couple of times, she pulled out a peppermint to treat them. Once we got to my mother’s office, I opened the door and motioned for her to enter.

I shut the door, then frowned as she started to pace in front of the desk.

“Is everything okay?” I asked, crossing over to sit on the edge of the desk.

Now Lilibeth was wringing her hands as she paced.

“Lilibeth?”

She jerked to a stop and stared at me. I could see tears welling up in her eyes. I started to stand up, but she held up a hand.

“No. Just stay there. I can’t do this if you… I just need a moment.”

Narrowing my eyes, I tried to imagine what could have her so worried. Or maybe she was upset? I couldn’t tell.

“Is everything okay with the store?”

She nodded, pacing again. “It’s doing great.”

“Your parents?”

“They’re fine.”

I let out a laugh. “Then what in the world is wrong?”

Stopping, she turned and looked at me. She swallowed hard, closed her eyes, and drew in a deep breath. When she slowly exhaled, she opened her eyes and met my gaze.

“Caden, I’m pregnant.”

It took me a few moments to let those three words register. I closed my eyes and shook my head as I let out a humorless laugh.

“I’m sorry…what did you say?”

She held up her hands in a defensive position. “I’m not asking you for anything. You can be as much a part of this as you want. I know you weren’t looking for any kind of commitment, and I also know a child is a huge commitment. I’m ready and willing to do this on my own if you want to walk away.”

Anger mixed with shock as I quickly stood. “You think I’m going to just walk away and leave you to deal with this on your own? What kind of man do you think I am, Lilibeth?”