Page 28 of Labor of Love

“We have plenty of time! I’ll help you.” The handful of stunning dresses she brought over lie across the back of the couch. Each one different in their own way but thoughtfully selected with my height, features, and body in mind. I’m so happy to have her back from her travels.

“I need to get that painting done pronto.” I glance at the piece in question, nothing but background color added to the canvas. “It’s going to be one of the exclusive pieces for in-person viewing only.” It’s like nothing I’ve ever painted before and my heart is itching to see how it turns out.

“It’s good the gallery date had to be pushed back then.” Right, I still need to let Stetson know, but he’s been at the ranch lately and when he’s here…we’ve been naked and tongue-tied.

"I was looking forward to it next week, but another two weeks gives me more time to round out the collection.”

“I’ve cleared my schedule for you the day before.” Her face pales again, looking a little off from her usual bubbly self. “I'll be there as best as I can.” Another yawn.

“Karli, what’s going on, hon?” I scoot closer on the couch, giving her my full attention.

“I’m pregnant.” Holy shit.

“Oh my goodness!” I smile wide because she’s smiling.

“Parker and I are sooo excited and a little shocked.” She laughs slightly unstable. “Though we shouldn’t really be shocked. I forgot to take my pills when flying home from Europe, and we were too caught up to bother with protection after the airport.” She rambles. “I didn’t realize I could ovulate that fast.”

“Ahh, your mom’s gonna freak!” Wrapping her in a hug, my heart bursts.

“You should have one soon so our kids can be close in age!” I’m not anywhere close to being ready.

“Whoa, slow down.” I haven’t thought about having kids of my own. My upbringing was survival mode, and I wasn’t around babies like Karli was. “Let me practice with yours. Stetson and I just started dating.” Which has me making a mental note to double-check my cycle because I wouldn’t have the same excitement Karli had if it were me.

“Fine. We can be pregnant together my second time around.” Hit the brakes, woman.

“You’re gonna have a mini-influencer,” I tease, knowing the exact mortified look shot in my direction.

“Don’t even. You know I stand firm that kids aren’t content. Just because I choose to share my life with strangers does not mean my child needs their personal life exploited.” Her hand rests on her stomach.

“That’s why I love you.” I can’t help myself and touch her stomach. “Tell me everythinggg.”

And she does—from finding out, the disbelief, the fatigue, to how her baby wish list is already overflowing up until a knock bangs on my door. “You two clothed?” Stetson’s voice projects.

I open the door as he and Parker smile, arms full of flowers and casserole dishes. How sweet.

“I missed you, today.” Reaching up on my tiptoes, I give him a kiss. “How was ranching?”

“Exhausting.” Stetson sets the food on the counter and hands me the flowers.

“What did we do to deserve flowers?” I smile at their assortments.

“You exist.” Stetson grins, melting my heart. “Did you get work done?”

“A bit. Oh! Before I forget, my gallery got pushed back another two weeks.” I set the flowers on the counter.

“I’m sorry, baby.” Stetson tilts my chin up. “But now you don’t have to rush the extra pieces you wanted to paint.”

He knows me so well.

“Did you girls chat all afternoon?” Parker gives Karli a kiss on her forehead.

“I couldn’t hide it any longer.” She looks up at him with an adorable guilty grin.

“I’m surprised you waited this long.” He chuckles.

Karli stands, a yawn surfacing again before looking at her brother. “How do you feel about being an uncle, Stetson?”

His head cocks to the side, processing before he grins. His eyes light up, filling the room with excitement. “I knew it, Kars!” He struts over, wrapping her in a giant hug. “I almost said something the other night at family dinner.” Stetson’s excitement is radiant, filling the room without trying. “This made my entire day. You’re going to be an amazing mom.”