Page 52 of The Cowboy Who Looked Again

Edith looked at Finn, and so many conversations were had. Should we really tell her?

Her: I want to tell her.

Him: Then tell her.

Her: I love you.

Him: I love you.

Edith turned to his mom and said, “I wanted to ask you something, but you have to promise me you won’t tell a single soul.”

Mama looked at Finn, who shrugged one shoulder. “I mean, maybe Daddy. I don’t think Mama can keep a secret from Daddy.”

“It would be very difficult,” Mama said.

“Squire can know,” Edith said. “But not a single soul more.”

“Is this a good thing or a bad thing?” Mama asked. “Because I’m starting to get really nervous.”

Finn let his smile show then, and Edith said, “Kelly.” Her voice broke, and Mama’s whole face fell. “I’m going to have a baby, and I need—help.”

Mama rushed at them, saying, “Oh, oh, oh.” She gathered both Finn and Edith into her arms while she laughed. “Of course, my sweet girl. I’ll help you. Yes, of course I will.” She stepped back and looked at them both with pure joy streaming from her face.

“A baby. How wonderful.” She kissed Edith’s cheek and then Finn’s. “Now, tell me what you need, and I’ll get it done.” She practically vibrated with enthusiasm, and Finn chuckled as he stepped over to the cupcakes she’d brought.

“I need a good doctor,” Edith said with a sniffle. She hadn’t cried again, though her voice had gotten tied in knots for a second there. “That’s where I want to start.”

“Of course, of course.” Mama pulled out her phone and paused. “Well, I’ll—let me do some discreet…investigating on who’s amazing, and I’ll let you know.”

“Thank you,” Edith said.

Mama took Edith over to the couch as she said, “Now, come tell me what you want for the nursery, the name, all of it.”

Finn stood there in the kitchen, a delicious chocolate caramel cupcake in his hand, feeling like this wasn’t going to end well. “Mama, we have to go get the food for tonight.”

“Yes, yes,” his mama said. “Five minutes, Finny. I promise I won’t ruin your party.”

Finn had the distinct feeling he’d be making the drive to town by himself to pick up the food for his own birthday party, but he didn’t say anything. He simply wanted Edith to be happy, and it was true that her mom didn’t live here. He hadn’t realized how untethered she’d felt until she’d told him during the wedding planning, and he’d told her to ask his mom.

Heaven knows she’ll love it, he’d said.

And she had. Edith had too, and Finn reminded himself he wanted them to have a strong friendship, as they both seemed to really need it.

Edith also seemed to know exactly what Finn needed, because ten minutes later, she said, “We have to go get the food, Kelly. Thank you so much.” She hugged her and they both stood from the couch. Edith met his eyes, and Finn opened the drawer where he kept his keys and wallet.

“Ready, baby?” Edith melted into his side and pressed a kiss to his jaw.

“If you are.” He grinned at her as his mama left ahead of them, and then he and Edith followed, getting into her SUV to make the drive to town.

He started the car and then looked over to her. “I am so in love with you. I can’t wait to witness every change. I will do anything to make sure you’re comfortable and taken care of.”

“I know, baby.” She cradled his face in the palm of her hand. “And I love you for it.”

He started to back away from the house, and they settled into their normal positions. Edith started swiping on her phone, and when he reached the end of the dirt road and stopped to turn onto the highway, she held up her device.

“Look at these dachshunds,” she said. “And pick one, so I can text Silvy.”

Finn took her phone with a hooked eyebrow in her direction. But Edith didn’t back down. She’d been talking about getting a third dog since his birthday last year, so he couldn’t say he wasn’t prepared for it.

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