After we eat way too many pancakes, we change clothes, then set off for the Mayson Ranch. Ivy and Dakota wanted to talk baby shower plans anyway, so it worked out perfectly for a day visit.
When we arrive, Maddox already has Tater Tot saddled and ready.
“Remember, Mama.” Trace leans in to whisper before we cross the yard. “You keep the throwing up a secret. I got a rep.”
“Oh, of course,” I urge before planting a kiss on his copper hair.
He dashes off to the barn, so I make my way to Ivy and Maddox’s cabin.
“Knock, knock,” I call as I open the door.
Ivy and Dakota are curled up on the sofa, the laptop already on Pinterest.
“Hey.” Ivy smiles. “Just in time.”
We spent the last two hours finding the perfect gender-neutral theme. Ivy and Maddox want the baby’s sex to be a surprise, so even though I would like to embroider every baby item I can find, unfortunately, that will have to wait.
“So…” Dakota curls her long legs beneath her. “Is there any update on a specific bull rider?”
A flash of guilt hits me. With everything going on with the house, with Parker, and Rhodes’s newfound interest in fatherhood, I’ve been a little absent. Being private isn’t anything new, and my friends have always respected that. But this time, I can use all the support I can get.
Plus, I’m feeling a certain way about that kiss. That kiss that I would have let lead to a whole lot more if we hadn’t been interrupted.
“It’s a long story.” I blow out a breath. “Just let me get it all out, then you can ask questions, okay?”
“Okay.” She nods.
It takes me exactly twenty-six minutes to start from the plumbing break in the house to the confessional down by the tank, to Rhodes’s nonsenses, to the kiss on the couch, then finally to the papers that were served to me last night.
Ivy and Dakota both stare, completely stunned.
“What an asshole,” Dakota scoffs.
“Which one?” I quip.
“All three?” She shakes her head. “That was harsh. I get why Parker did what he did. Even though I’m still mad at him,” she adds. “That was a tough spot to be in. But Jet and Rhodes? Assholes.”
“Who does this Jet think he is?” Ivy’s teeth clench. “He’s messed with my family. Bad idea on his part.”
I blink back tears, my heart warming at the anger on my behalf. Not judgment.
“Can I ask a question?” Ivy picks at the blanket on her lap. “And I don’t mean this to be ugly. But why Rhodes? I know y’all had a brief fling in high school, but Coop and Maddox have always had issues with him.”
I knew this question would come at some point. But I’ve always dodged it. Like I told Parker last night. I’m embarrassed.
“Honestly, I don’t know.” I lift a shoulder. “I usually don’t drink. You know this. I obviously overdid it.” I wrap my arms around my middle. “I was mad at Parker. Hurt. So I guess I left with the first guy who asked me.” I frown. “I was so drunk I don’t even remember.” A strangled laugh escapes me. “Pretty ironic, huh? I’ve never even had a detention or a speeding ticket, but pour me a drink and I end up sleeping with the love of my life’s sworn enemy and get knocked up.”
Ivy and Dakota share a glance, but their gazes are slightly confused.
“What is it?” I adjust my position on the oversized chair. “What’s that look?”
Ivy clears her throat. “I just…I was there, Laik.” She pauses. “You weren’t drunk.”
“I don’t understand.” I blink. “Penelope gave us drinks.”
“With very little alcohol,” she says. “We were minors. She never gave us enough to be anything above a buzz and she cut us off at two.”
“But I don’t remember leaving with him. I don’t remember anything except waking up the next morning,” I argue.
