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“If that’s okay?”
“Sure. I’ll be another hour at least though. We haven’t been here long.”
“I might walk, then. It’s a beautiful day.”
“That it is, darlin’. See you later.” He waves over his shoulder as he heads back to the guests.
Turning around, I walk back toward the ranch house. It’s probably a thirty-minute walk, and the hot Texas sun beats down on me as I make my way through the guest accommodations. The cabins are beautiful and seeing them reminds me I need to speak to Claire and Ryan about moving out of the house and renting Lib and Mason’s old cabin. As much as I love living at the house, having my own space would be amazing.
I walk quickly, eager to know how Libby is. As I make my way past Savannah’s place, I notice Quinn walking toward me. I haven’t seen much of her since she found out she was pregnant a few weeks ago. She and Brody found out at the sonogram they’re expecting twins, and the pregnancy is really taking it out of her.
“Hey, Quinn,” I say as we get closer. “Did you hear about Lib?”
She nods. “I was coming to find you.”
“Is everything okay?”
She reaches me and places her hand on my arm. “Everything’s fine. Everyone went with Libby to the hospital and Jack couldn’t get hold of you. I offered to come find you.”
“Everyonewent?” I ask in surprise, my eyes going wide.
“I know, right! I’m going to have to speak to Brody when these two are ready to come out.” She lovingly places her hand over her still flat stomach. “As much as I love the Parker/Walker clan, there is no way I want them all waiting outside the delivery room!”
I laugh. “It’ll serve them right if it’s a long labor. Who’s got Jacob?”
“Brody. He’s showing him the horses.” I nod as I take her arm and we walk toward the stables.
“So, how are you feeling? How’s the sickness?”
“I’m okay. I’m not going to lie, it’s been rough. Today’s the first day I haven’t thrown up in weeks. Lib and Savannah assure me it gets better. I hope so. I’m really not enjoying being pregnant at the moment.”
I squeeze her arm. “How did Brody take the news of two babies?”
She rolls her eyes and laughs. “He thinks he’s got super sperm! He’s been bragging for weeks.”
I burst out laughing. “That sounds like Brody!”
“What sounds like Brody?” he asks as we round the stables, he and Jacob coming into view.
“Nothing,” I assure him, a smile on my lips. He looks between us, his eyebrows drawn together in confusion. Quinn laughs from the side of me and steps forward, kissing him lightly on the lips.
“Are you two having fun?” she asks, slipping her arm around Brody’s waist.
“Horse ride!” Jacob exclaims before Brody can answer. He chuckles.
“He’s been asking to ride one of the horses since Jack went off with Lib.”
“I think we can manage that if Uncle Brody will help?” I tell him, sliding my eyes to Brody.
“Sure, what do you need me to do?”
“Come on, I’ll show you.” I scoop up an excited Jacob and walk into the stables, Brody and Quinn following.
A quick ride on Marley seems to pacify Jacob, and I’ve taken a few photos, sending them over to Jack’s phone, assuring him Jacob is fine. I know he will feel bad leaving me to look after Jacob, but he doesn’t need to. I adore spending time with him.
A few hours later and we’re back at the ranch house. Quinn and Brody stayed for a while, but when Quinn started to yawn uncontrollably, they decided to head home. She looked exhausted. After eating dinner, Jacob is sitting cuddled up next to me in the den with his milk. Jack called about ten minutes ago to say not much is happening with Libby, but he’s going to stay at the hospital another hour or so, just in case.
When I feel Jacob’s head drop against my arm, I gently pull him into my arms and carry him upstairs. He’s already dressed in his dinosaur pajamas, and I place him in his crib, dropping a kiss onto his chubby cheek. His eyes stay closed, and his rhythmic breathing tells me he’s asleep. I was a little apprehensive knowing I’d be putting him to bed. While I’ve put him to bed plenty of times over the past few weeks, Jack has always been with me, and I wasn’t sure if he was going to settle with just me. Looking at him now though, asleep in his crib, my heart swells with love for him. We’ve all gotten close over the past few weeks, and I love how Jack trusts me with him.
