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“Congratulations again. And thanks for stopping by. Y’all don’t be strangers, ya hear?” Rose walks us to the door and gives us a wave. When we’re back in the truck, Kaitlyn snickers.
“You’re so wrong for tellin’ her about Hadleigh,” I tease, taking the gravel road toward the house.
“I really didn’t mean to. I blame pregnancy brain. I’d apologize for slipping, but I’m sure I owe him for somethin’ he did in the past.”
“Seriously, though, I can’t believe Hadleigh’s pregnant,” I admit. “Your parents are gonna have four grandbabies in the same year.”
“Those Brazilian nuts are potent.”
We fall into a fit of laughter, but Kaitlyn might actually be onto something.
“I’m just happy our little berry will have cousins their age to get in trouble with.”
“Me too.” She smiles, placing her hand on her tummy. “Me too.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
KAITLYN
TWO AND A HALF MONTHS LATER
Now that the shock about the pregnancy has dissipated and it's no longer a secret, I'm enjoying it so much more. It helps that I'm not feeling as nauseous anymore and can eat actual food.
Payton has been the sweetest and makes sure I always have my needs met. Every night after work, he rubs my shoulders and feet. Then he makes dinner or picks up food from the B&B. Though I'm self-conscious that my stomach looks like I ate a Thanksgiving dinner instead of having a cute pregnancy bump, I’m still happy. When Payton rests his hand on my belly and talks to the baby while we watch our shows at night, I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else. He really will be a great husband someday.
We've also looked at nursery furniture and have browsed for themes but won't make a final decision until we find out the gender.
Fortunately, that day is today.
Now that I'm halfway through my pregnancy, I'll have my twenty-week scan and find out if we're having a boy or girl.
Besides being excited about that, it's been fun sharing this experience with Ivy and Hadleigh and being pregnant together. Hadleigh's due date is a week after mine, and Ivy recently found out she's having a boy and a girl. Since she's only two months ahead of me, she’s told me what I have to look forward to—the good and the bad.
Grandma Bishop can’t stop telling everyone about her new great-grandchildren. She’s always loved singing to them in her rocking chair. I can’t wait for her to meet our little one so we can take tons of pictures to add to the others. On top of navigating baby stuff, the rescue has kept us busy. Since opening and getting Fancy, we’ve taken in five more horses. Zach loves each one, always eager to help and learn more about them. I wouldn’t be the least bit shocked if he grows up and takes over one of the horse operations on the ranch. He’s relieved some of the load off me while I've adjusted my training schedule so I don't overdo it. Gavin's also helped take some of my show horses since he's qualified in that area too.
"Ready?" Payton knocks on the doorframe, stepping inside my room.
"Does this shirt make me look fat?" Frowning, I turn and face him.
"No, it makes you look pregnant."
"That's not what I asked," I deadpan.
He comes closer, then kneels in front of me and places a palm over my stomach. "Can't wait to see you on the screen, baby." He presses a kiss above my belly button, then looks up and smiles at me. "You're beautiful. Now c'mon, we're gonna be late."
Groaning, I adjust my shirt and bottoms. "I'm about to burst out of these clothes."
His eyes go to my chest.
"Yes, I need bigger bras too."
He fights back a smile. "We should go. Kiera's waiting in the living room."
Everyone's waiting for my FaceTime call so they can find out the gender in real time. Since they didn't want a room full of people, we compromised.
As soon as my mom sees me, she swarms me in a hug and rubs my belly. "Let's go find out if I'm having a grandson or granddaughter."
She already has one of each from Knox and will have more from Kane, so I guess whatever I'm having will break the tie until we find out what Hadleigh's third baby is.
