Page 69 of Sheriff's City Girl

“So, has Mason told you about his accident?” Brittany asked me as I followed her away from the group, slipping off into an empty kitchen. It was a commercial setup, and I assumed it was because they either hired a chef, or maybe they just entertained people all the time.

“Lily told me that he was in one, but she didn’t go into details,” I admitted, hovering awkwardly by the door. The vacancy of the room had me on edge, though I couldn’t put my finger on why. It didn’t make any sense. I mean, sure, these people were rich, greedy, and maybe a little shady, but Mason wasn’t far away.

I’m fine.

“Well, she should’ve gone into details,” Brittany said matter of factly, opening up the fridge door and grabbing a couple of bottles of champagne. “It’s kind of a big deal in my opinion. He struggles with migraines and weird headaches now. The doctor told him that he can’t take another hit to the head or it might kill him—or really just an accident in general. It messed his spine up something terrible.”

“Oh, wow,” I said, my heart sinking as I thought of the gravity. I had seen the migraine medication on his nightstand but hadn’t thought much of it. My mom had gotten horrible headaches and had taken the same thing. “Thanks for telling me.”

“Of course,” she flashed a smile, before grabbing a couple of glasses. “Would you like some champagne? I know there’s some out there, but this is way better.”

“Um, no thank you. No drinking for me tonight,” I said carefully, seeing the suspicious look cross her face. She raised an eyebrow, her eyes dropping to my stomach.

Oh no… No, please don’t notice.

“So, you’re expecting?”

Shit.

“Um…”

“Oh, Emma.” She waved me off, acting like we had been best friends for years. “I can tell when a woman is pregnant—and you my dear, are pregnant. You don’t have to be so shy about it. It’s an exciting thing.”

“Well, thank you.” My voice was meek, and I wanted nothing more than to leave that kitchen and find Mason… But somehow my feet just wouldn’t move.

“You know, I was pregnant once,” she glanced down at her hands and then back up at me. “It was Mason’s, too.”

“Oh?” My heart sunk in my chest.

“Yeah, we had just started seeing each other—and you know, we started our relationship by hooking up. He wasn’t one for relationships after his ex-wife left him and Jess cold. Heartless bitch is what she was, and I think she ruined him.”

I swallowed hard, not even knowing what to say. As much as I wanted not to believe what was coming out of her mouth, she really hadn’t given me a reason not to. Maybe I didn’t know Mason as well as I thought I did…

“Anyway, we had slept together a few times, and I had found out I was expecting a few weeks later. It was crazy—but I was excited. I thought, this is it. I finally got the family I’ve always wanted. Jess was a sweet girl, too, you know. There was nothing wrong with her, despite losing her mom. Anyway, he was shocked at first, but on board—like really on board. He wanted to marry me.”

Emotions swelled in my chest—but not the good kind. It was the kind that made me feel as though I might drown right then and there in her kitchen. “I see…” I forced the words out, trying to keep my voice even.

“Yeah, it was great, and then I had a miscarriage at ten weeks.”

“I’m so sorry,” I muttered, feeling a pang of sympathy for her.

“Yeah, but here’s the worst part, he left me when it happened. I think he was only going to stay with me because I was pregnant with his baby. He really needs to learn to use protection when he sleeps with women.”

I nodded, but the comment caught me off guard—he did use protection when we hooked up… But maybe that was why.

“You know what I think, Emma,” Brittany continued, taking a long sip of her champagne. “I think you and your sweet little baby should get the hell out of this town and far, far away from Mason Hewitt. He’s nothing but heartbreak, honey. That’s what he always has been, and what he always will be.”

I hesitated, a little put off by her words, but also feeling way too awkward to argue with her. “I don’t know… I really like the town here, and even if things don’t work out with Mason, we can co-parent. No matter where I go, he’s going to know that I’m pregnant with his child.”

“Yeah, but do you really think he would chase you? He won’t even wander out of the county. You could go live in New York with mom and sister.”

I froze, my heart beginning to hammer in my chest… “How do you know that?”

“Girl, with the internet these days, you can’t keep anything private.” She cackled, her laugh echoing in the kitchen. “But seriously, your kid would get a much better education outside of this town. There’s no way in hell I would let Cody go to school here if he was actually my son.”

“I don’t know,” I said before turning to leave the kitchen. “I should probably get back to the party now though. I bet Mason has come inside.”

She tilted her head at me and pursed her lips. “Hmm, you think so? He might’ve already left by now.”

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