Page 64 of Heart of the West

I stayed in the bedroom until it was close to lunchtime. By the time I make it to the kitchen, everyone is at the island making their own pizza. Clyde spots me first. He stops making his pizza to come over and give me a hug.

“How are you feeling today?”

“Better, thank you.”

“Are you ready to taste the winning pizza?”

I laugh. I got roped into helping judge the pizza contest.

“I am. I brought my appetite.”

“Good. I’m getting ready to put the winning pie in the oven right now.” Xavier says, joining us.

“Don’t let me keep you.” I say with a laugh.

Effrem hands me a drink and leads me outside. He has heaters set up on the patio so we can have the event on the back patio. The pizza oven is already at work. Jessi is standing next to it.

She sees me and smiles and waves. I wave back.

“She really likes you.” Effrem whispers in my ear.

“I really like her. The boys too. You have an amazing family.”

“A family that’s clearly already adopted you.”

I feel a pang of guilt. Like I’m deceiving them. I shake off the feeling and sip on my ice water. There are slices of orange and lime in it. I think it’s cute he’s known for less than twenty-four hours and already has my caffeine intake in mind. I usually have sweet tea. I’ll have to ask the doctor about tea and coffee. How much is safe. How much is too much.

I made a mental note to make an appointment with the doctor next week. Then I get slammed with the sudden realization. I don’t even have a primary care physician in town yet, much less an OBGYN. I feel a large hand squeeze mine.

“Are you alright? You’ve gone pale.”

“I need to stop that. The kids are going to think I’m a wilting flower.”

“The kids are going to be over the moon.”

“You think so?”

“I do.”

“Can we tell them now? I’m afraid if I wait, I’ll throw up the pizza. I desperately want to keep the pizza down. I’m borderline hangry.”

He laughs loud enough that he draws the family’s attention to our direction.

“What’s so funny, dad?” Clyde asks.

“Ruby is getting hangry, but we have a quick announcement to make before we eat. Can I please have everyone’s attention?”

Everyone gathers around us. I take a few deep breaths. Effrem squeezes my hand, then leans in close.

“The floor’s yours spitfire.”

“I’m not really sure how to say this. So here goes. I’m pregnant. Effrem and I are expecting.”

“Told you he likes her.” Jessi says, racing across the patio to throw her arms around me.

I hugged

her back. Tears pricking at my eyes.

---