Page 98 of Sheriff's City Girl

I squeezed her hand, my heart hammering away in my chest while I waited for the technician to let us know.

“It looks like…” her voice trailed off as she adjusted the wand, getting a clear picture. “You are having a baby… girl.”

“Oh, my goodness,” Emma sniffled, a tear rolling down her cheek. “That is so wonderful.”

I held back the moisture filling my own eyes. “Man, Jess is going to be elated.”

“No kidding,” Emma giggled. “And she’s going to be the best big sister.”

“And you’re gonna be the best mom,” I said softly, kissing the top of her head.

***

“So, how do you think that we should tell Jess?” Emma took a bite of a tortilla chip covered in salsa.

“Well…” I began, taking a deep breath. “I think that we’ll probably have more to tell her than just that she’s going to get a little sister.”

Emma narrowed her eyes at me. “Oh? Is that so?”

“Yeah, I mean, I hope so,” I chuckled, taking a sip of my water. “Of course, it’s all kind of dependent on your answer.”

“Now I’m really intrigued,” she laughed, shaking her head at me. “What is it?”

“Well, you know how you were talking about the nursery and whatnot?” My heart was already racing again, nervous about her actually agreeing to it. I knew how independent she was—and I didn’t want to put a damper on that.

“Yes…” Emma’s voice trailed off. “Continue.”

“Okay, well, I was just thinking you were probably referring to the pain of decorating two nurseries.”

She nodded. “I was…”

“Well, I think it’s silly to have two nurseries.”

Her shoulders slumped. “Well, that’s not going to work, Mason?—”

“It would if you just moved in,” I finally blurted out, holding my breath as I waited for her response.

She blinked her eyes at me a couple of times, her face blank. “You mean, like, move into the cabin with you?”

I nodded. “I mean, you could always just keep your house that you have now—maybe even rent it out if you wanted to. I don’t know. It just seems crazy to have a baby, and not move in. We’re together, we’re happy, and we’re expanding. I know Jess would love for you to live with us… Not to mention, you’ve been there more than you’ve been at your own home.”

She let out a sigh and pushed her hair behind her ear. “That’s a big change,” she said carefully. “Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

I smiled, nodding. “Never been surer in my life, Emma. I know that things haven’t been exactly easy between us… But they seem right, don’t you think?”

Emma’s eyes held mine for a few long beats. “I do, actually… And I’d love to move in—after we talk to Jess about it. I don’t want to make the decision without her. I think that’s important.”

My heart swelled at the consideration she gave to Jess. “I think that’s a fine idea if that’s what you want to do.”

“Then perfect… That’s what we’ll do.” Before I could say anything more, my phone began to ring. I pulled it out of my jeans pocket, glancing down.

Shit.

“It’s Jackson,” I said, clearing my throat. “He’s not supposed to call me today unless it’s important.”

“Go ahead,” Emma laughed, waving me off. “Go take the phone call.”

I gave her a grateful look, and stood to my feet, slipping out of the Mexican restaurant. “What’s up, man? I’m supposed to have the day off.”

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