Page 116 of Dusty Spur Ranch Cowboys

“I’ve heard the cliff jumping stories.”

I groan. “Annie sold me out?”

“She sounded impressed.”

“She was supposed to learn the opposite lesson.”

She laughs while I accept the loss with whatever dignity I have left.

We settle beneath an old oak overlooking the flower fields, and Abilene pours lemonade into mason jars she’d brought from the house. I take one drink and stare at the glass before looking back at her. “Okay, this is ridiculously good.”

“I’ll accept ridiculously.”

“I’d defend this lemonade with my reputation.”

“I appreciate your commitment.” She laughs again, shaking her head as she lifts her own jar.

We sit together while bees drift through the flowers and a few clouds wander across the sky. Neither of us rushes to fill the space between us, and I realize I don’t feel the need to either.

My gaze slips to the gentle curve of her stomach before I look back at her. “You don’t have to answer if I’m being nosy…”

She follows my glance and smiles. “The baby?”

I nod. “I thought I noticed.”

“We’re having a little girl.”

My grin comes without any effort. “Really?”

“Mmhmm.”

“How far along are you?”

“Far enough that she likes reminding me to stop working whenever I ignore common sense.”

Her hand settles over her stomach, and the smile on her face makes it impossible for me to look anywhere else.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

I swirl the lemonade around my jar and glance at the hand resting over her stomach. “You already look completely gone.”

She laughs. “You mean in love?”

“Yeah.”

“I absolutely am.”

The smile she wears makes it hard to imagine she’d rather be anywhere else.

“Does it ever scare you?” I ask. “Knowing everything’s about to change?”

Her fingers brush lightly across the front of her shirt. “’Course it does. A baby turns your whole world upside down.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

“I wouldn’t trade it.” She takes another sip of her lemonade before looking at me again. “You’ll always find reasons to be scared if that’s what you’re looking for. Turns out you’ll find plenty of reasons to be excited too.”