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She heads out the door. I’m surprised how good of a friend she’s been. Absolutely no romantic feelings for her, no, but definitely something platonic.
I head out the door and find Rush. Misty is out of her stable, letting me know Lily is out somewhere on the ranch. Which means I get the joy of finding her, and if she’s somewhere remote enough, the joy of enjoying her.
Married life has been a dream. Even the most monotonous days being a rancher are fun when Lily is there beside me. And when all the horses are fed and taken care of, the nights are an even greater treasure. Long rides into the sunset, gathering around a fire simply talking, about anything and everything. Our favorite movies, books, music, all about our hopes and dreams, and trying to make our plans for the Desert Sky Ranch into a reality.
With the paperwork done, we can start to make proper moves toward it too.
I ride up to the bluff. The one where she had given herself to me, and made it so I’d be the only man she’d ever be with. I had thought that maybe the whole incident with Max would have made this spot traumatic for her, but I laugh to myself whenever I remember Lily’s response when I mentioned that to her: “Fuck him, this place is beautiful. I’m not letting him ruin this for me.”
She’s sitting against the rock, staring off into the distance and enjoying the setting sun. I sit down beside her. We’re quiet for a time, and even that is absolutely wonderful. Her presence is so sweet and calming to me.
Unfortunately, I can’t be quiet forever. “The ink is drying. It’s all done now. The Desert Sky Ranch has officially doubled in size.”
“That’s wonderful, Jack. I can’t wait to see what we can do with it.” Her tone carries an aura of melancholy. It worries me.
“Is something the matter?”
She lets out a deep breath. “I got a call from the doctor today.”
The way she’s speaking, it worries me. I shudder with fear as I worry that something terrible is about to happen, that the happiest thing in my life is about to be snatched away from me.
Thank God that my anxiety is oh so wrong.
“I’m pregnant, Jack. Two months in.”
I stare at her in disbelief. “That’s... that’s wonderful, Lily. My news is nothing compared to that.”
She laughs. “Why did I think for even a second your response would be anything but that?”
“Because this is all too good to be true, and you’re smart enough that you think there has to be a catch.”
She leans on my shoulder, and I wrap my arms around her. “I’ve been looking for that catch for almost two years, Jack. I don’t think I’m ever going to find it.”
“Guess there isn’t one. Just happiness and joy for us to enjoy for the rest of our days.”
We resume our silence. There’s not much more that needs to be said. She’s going to be a wonderful mother. Caring, sweet, and absolutely sexy as hell. Me as a father? I had my ex’s endorsement, but really, all I can say is that I’m going to give it my all.
My mind fills with thoughts of a future, of our growing family. Of one day handing this ranch down to my son, or daughter, or whichever kid inherits our love of horses.
This land is ours. Ours to strengthen, to tend, to leave more beautiful than the way we found it.
This land will be the eternal monument to our love, even after both Lily and I are long gone.
We will have such a wonderful life building it together.
