Page 26 of Montana Born

Chapter Ten

His horse nickered seeming content to come to a stop. It grazed on the young grasses while Sully looked across the expanse of his land. How many of his ancestors had sat on this very same hill and did the same?

It was Cole land and, as such, he could not imagine anything but the lushness of trees and flowers for as far as one could see.

Although his cabin’s construction was well underway, he’d become quite accustomed to staying at the old house his great-great-grandfather, Grayson Cole, had built. It was rustic living, but after spending the week in his modern condo in town, the basic life made him consider what was really most important in life.

Sully expected to hear back from Sharon since leaving her a voice mail. However, he’d purposefully left his cell phone behind at the cabin while riding.

This was time to think things through and clear his mind of clutter.

At the moment, he wasn’t sure how he felt about Elle knowing he’d slept with Sharon. A moment of weakness had brought horrible results.

Not only could he have fathered a child, but also end up tied to a woman he had no deep feelings for.

He wasn’t foolish enough to think that because Elle slept with him she was willing to put what happened with Sharon aside. Lovemaking was what both had needed at the time. A slow smile inched to form a smile. God how he hoped things would fall into place and they could continue on the path to a relationship.

There was no doubt in Sully’s mind. Elle was the woman he’d been waiting for, the only one who could ever take Diana’s place in his heart.

Now all that was left was to ensure who the child’s father was. If the child were his, he would provide him or her with the best life possible. Divorce was not in the Cole vocabulary. He’d been a fool to offer marriage on the spur of the moment. She’d hold him to it. Could be it would be the first time he’d not keep his word. However, he’d not marry her. It would be a colossal mistake.

Once he made a marriage vow, it would be for life.

Sully tried to imagine a life with Sharon and had to urge the horse forward until galloping across the field back to the cabin.

From the newly built stables, he hurried to the cabin and picked up his cell.

She’d called.

Her voice was hesitant, as if unsure, which was nothing like Sharon.

“I’m sorry you feel the need to question me. As you know, I never speak untruths. I won’t be insulted. No I will not do a DNA test. I am fine with raising your child alone.”

She’d hung up without a goodbye.

“Hey Sully,” Regina called out, as she strolled in with Buddy. “Saw you riding off earlier and had to come and make sure you didn’t fall and break your neck.”

“I’m a better rider than that.”

“Um hmm,” she leaned closer and peered at the phone in his hand. “Something wrong?”

“You can say that. A woman saying she’s pregnant by me.”

“No way. Are you really the father?”

“Good question. I asked for a DNA test.”

He pressed the replay button and let Regina listen to the message. She snatched the phone and pressed a couple buttons.

Before he could react, Regina was speaking. “Sharon, this is Regina, Sully’s cousin. Honey, I hear your feelings are hurt. I need to clarify something to you. If he’s asking for a DNA test, it’s not to insult you. You know how men are, he should have explained more. It’s just that every Cole has two things. A recessive gene for Doracks disease, and a crazy birthmark on our butt. You’ve seen him naked, so I assume you’ve seen it.”

There was a beat of silence as Regina listened.

“Oh yes, well I have it, too. Every single one of us has it. So you see there is no need for any kind of test to make sure the child is a Cole. We come marked. Kind of like an omen or something.” Regina laughed and ducked away when he reached for the phone.

After a few uh-huhs and okays, Regina ended the call.

“The baby is not yours. Said she just found out this morning, but was hurt by your request. Probably feels slutty or something.”

“What is Doracks disease?” He followed her out when she walked after Buddy.

“I made it up.”

“Do you really have the same birthmark as mine?”

“Nope. Only you and my brother have it. Remember I made fun of you guys and pulled your swim trunks down every summer to show my friends?”

“You were annoying as all get out.”

“My being annoying just saved you from having to marry a lying....you know what.”

“True. Thank you, Regina.” He did a side hug and she punched his shoulder.

Family could be great. Although Regina was demanding and strong willed, she was the perfect gal to have in his corner.

Sully let out a breath. “Twice now women save my butt.”

“Don’t you forget it either.”