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“And we had those few days up at the cabin. That was a pretty nice little getaway.” Brooks beams at his fresh-faced wife, returning her embrace before bending to kiss her forehead like a fool.
Yeah, their lovey-dovey act still makes me a little nauseous.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here,” Mama says, throwing her daggered gaze back in my direction. “Glad at least one of you is acting responsibly.”
I tamp down the urge to roll my eyes. I’m not a petulant child, and there’s no point in poking the bull.
“What’s this all about anyway?” Brooks asks.
Mama’s lips twitch with a callous smirk. “Same thing it’s always about. The future of Canyon Spring Ranch.”
A hard knot forms in my stomach, and I ball my hands to white-knuckled fists. Only, I can’t keep them from shaking, so I cross my arms over my chest instead.
The urge to lash out is fierce.
But I won’t be provoked into self-destruction.
That’s exactly what she’s looking for, and as much as her veiled threat pisses me off, it can’t hurt me. Not really. I’ve worked too damn hard and given up too fucking much to let her continue pushing me around, grieving or not.
Besides, I’m well-versed in the art of manipulation and can talk my way out of any situation. Mama should know; she taught me herself.
“I have some news I wanted to share with y’all.” My voice is calm and measured as I stand, despite the tension trying to rip apart my body. And mind.
Their eyes are all glued to me now.
No pressure.
“Mama’s right, this is about the future. Not just the future of the ranch, but the future of this family.”This messed-up, selfish fucking family.
I pause, not only for dramatic effect but to try and wrangle my wildly pumping heart back under control. Unfolding my arms, I land my hands on my hips and widen my stance, making myself look as large and imposing as possible.
With a deep breath, I announce, “I’m going to be a father.”
Gasps, followed by a few low murmurs and Mama’s heavy sigh, greet the news.
“When?” Trey asks, his amber eyes sharply focused and perceptive.
Mama’s head tilts in his direction and her mouth stretches to an eerie smile. “Yes, Ridge, do tell us when.”
The knot in my stomach pulls painfully tighter. “I’m not sure, exactly.” My mind cartwheels as I do the mental math. “In about six months?”
Shit, how do I not already know this? How am I so unprepared?
“Time to go dress shopping,” Scarlett says with a giddy clap of her hands.
I swing my gaze to meet hers. “What for?”
“Well, I can’t wear the same thing to your wedding that I wore to Brooks’s. I assume with this news you’ll be hoofing it to the altar ASAP.”
I stare at her, incredulous. Her first response to my impending fatherhood is to think about her damn wardrobe?
“There’s not going to be a wedding,” I force out from between gritted teeth.
“What?” Mama’s tone turns downright glacial. “What do you mean, no wedding? What about Chastity? You can’t just turn your back on her; we have an agreement in place.”
“Wait,” Laken drawls. Her brow furrows dramatically as she puts pieces of the puzzle together, and I fear I might’ve pushed the moral boundaries for my innocent little sister. “Chastity isn’t the one who’s pregnant?”
“No.” My neck stiffens and nostrils flare as I turn to Mama. “I’ve put a lot of thought into this, which is why I’ve waited so long to tell everyone. And I’ve decided I don’t give a damn about any deal with her or her family. It’s not even a good one—not for us, anyway.”
