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“Look, honey, I don’t know what happened between you two that has you now living with Travis.” He holds up a hand the instant that I open my mouth. “And I don’t want to know. All you need concern yourself with is this little one.” He points to my mushrooming stomach. “No one is going to hurt me or put me out of business. Trust me. Now, are you ready for the good news?”
He gets to his feet, not waiting for my response, and slides a large, covered item out from behind the couch. His hand grips the blanket and casts it aside, revealing a wooden baby’s bed.
“It’s a pendulum cradle or some call it a bassinet. For the baby.” He chuckles nervously. “I made it from hickory and stained it this dark red mahogany."
“Oh, Oz, I love it.” My fingers shake as I run my hand along the smooth railing on one side. “It’s perfect.”
“I figured for the first little bit you’ll need the baby close at night. You can put this next to your bed. And if the baby fusses, you can lie in bed and do this.” He gently swings the bed from side to side.
I push onto the tips of my toes and slide my arms around him. “Thank you so much.” I kiss his cheek and he flushes.
“Glad you like it.” He pats my hand. “Don’t let this crap with Sage and Ridge get to you. I understand it’s hard, but focus on the good things.” I follow his gaze to the cradle that’s so much more than a gift.
His gift is something I can pass down to future generations, and in many ways, it feels like the first real mark of the family I’m creating and what will be our traditions and memories.
Although, at the mention of Ridge, the urge to cry doubles. He could have been a part of that. Part of my family. My world. But now, I’m not so sure.
Not even an hour ago, I was stupidly considering giving him a second chance. What the hell is my problem?
22
RIDGE
Each step is filled with purpose as I race up the stairs leading to Travis’s apartment. It’s still hard to stomach the idea of Lacy living with her brother instead of me—even if it is my own damn fault.
Still, my sense of determination has never been higher. Even when I was stealing the ranch’s head seat out from under Brooks’s nose, I didn’t have this same fire.
Then again, nothing’s ever been this important, not even Canyon Spring.
By the time I reach the landing, I’m winded, my body shaking from not only the exertion but the anticipation of what I’m about to do, and the possibility of how Lacy will respond.
There’s no time to waste, yet I still hesitate before knocking.
What if she refuses? What if I’m too late? What if I’ve already lost them?
With my heart ready to pound its way out of my chest, I rap my knuckles on the cheap and dingy aluminum-clad wood, ignoring the voice in my head telling me to bust in like I own the place.
It’s difficult and unnatural for me, but I shake off the idea that I’m the one in charge here, because I’m not. Everything from this moment forward is up to Lacy.
I rub at the pain behind my breastbone, and the breath catches in my lungs as the door swings open.
She stands at the threshold, hair cascading over her sumptuous breasts, cheeks flush, and eyes sparkling with what looks like a mix of lust and fury. It’s only been a bit over a week, but the swell of her pregnant belly looks impossibly larger, as does the scowl etched on her glowing face.
Christ, she’s beautiful.
No. She’s so much more than that. She’s fucking devastating. And she holds the key to my heart—my entire being—in the palm of her hands. Does she know that?
One way or another, she’s about to find out.
“Ridge.” My name sounds like a curse on her lips.
Is that good or bad?
Fuck, why am I so nervous? “Hey, Lace. Can I come in? I need to talk with you.”
She glowers at me, the pool of her dark eyes eating at my soul, but she doesn’t budge.
“It’s important,” I rush out, ready to beg if that’s what it takes. “And it’s for the baby, but if now’s not a good time, just tell me when.”
