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“Even when we went to baseball games, my grandpa would just get me peanuts and pretzels. He didn’t like hot dogs, so I didn’t either.”
“Old people are weird,” Wayne announces. “My grandpa burps and farts at the same time. My mom hates when he does that, but I think it’s funny.”
The kids laugh while Eagle rolls his eyes. I lean into his body and soak in the normalcy of our afternoon together. I’m starting to understand McMurdo Valley’s layout and population. I even recognize a few people in the restaurant.
“Can you feel the baby kick?” Diva asks me when I rub my belly.
“Not yet, but soon.”
“Can I feel your stomach when that happens?”
“Of course. I bet by next month, she’ll be kicking hard enough for you to feel.”
“Really?” Eagle asks and rests his hand on my belly. “That soon?”
His excited tone makes my heart race. I hid my pregnancy for so long that the baby didn’t feel real. However, Eagle’s excitement infects me more every day. I’m now thinking nurseries, baby clothes, and breastfeeding.
By the time Clementine is born, I’ll know McMurdo Valley better. I won’t feel like an outsider with Wynonna’s group of girlfriends. Eagle and I will have in-jokes. Our house will be more than pictures in his head.
By the time I try my first hot dog, I’m giddy over what the future promises.
RHETT
After spending my morningriding around McMurdo Valley, I show up at Nomad’s house to do research on housebuilding. The big man greets me at the front porch. Next to him is Woodrow, the guy who oversees this property.
I remember back when Nomad started building this massive house for a dumb bitch named Kati. She claimed to be pregnant with his son. The kid wasn’t his and the bitch ditched town, leaving Nomad with this giant fucking ranch in the woods. He’s a tall guy, well over my six four. I figured he just liked having space for his massive build.
In the end, he filled the house with a pretty blonde named Landry and her kids. I see a few of their little faces pressed against the window, watching their new dad.
The property is decked out for the holidays with tinsel, lights, and inflatable figures all over the yard and house. I notice a large Christmas tree inside. Nomad’s gone all out for his new family.
“What’s this about?” Woodrow asks as he strokes his lumberjack-worthy beard.
“I’m having one of those,” I say and jut my thumb at the kids giggling when Nomad leans over a railing to grin at their faces still pressed at the window. “I need a house for my woman and our kid. Plus, she’s got that chick, Fiona, who has special needs.”
Nomad’s fearsome face loses its smile. “And I’m supposed to help you with that, how?”
