Page 25 of The Christmas Cowboy

“Usually?”

“Not always. But most of the time.”

“He’ll have a fit if he finds out we’re married.”

“It’s none of his business. He forfeited that right when he denied he was the father of your baby.”

“I don’t know what to do. I don’t know the legalities of the situation. What if he changes his mind? What if he decides he wants to be a father after all?”

“Come here.” He put his arm around her and tucked her against him, rubbing her arm. “We’ll talk to a lawyer and find out. From what I’ve read, if we’re married when you have the baby, I’m the legal father.”

“What if he wants to prove he’s the baby’s biological father?”

“I don’t know. But I do know you shouldn’t worry about it now. Nothing has happened yet. Maybe nothing will.”

“Maybe. And here I thought my father was the problem.”

“I’ll find out who’s the best lawyer for this and make an appointment for both of us to see him or her. In the meantime, stop worrying. You did the right thing and told him about the baby. As far as I’m concerned, he lost his rights when he denied being the father. It’s not your fault he’s a piece of shit who denied his own child.”

“No, but maybe I should have tried harder.”

“Do you honestly think that would have changed anything?”

“No. At this point I just hope he doesn’t change his mind.”

So did Liam. But if it happened they’d deal with it.

Chapter Eleven

They left thecabin the next day. Val hoped she didn’t throw up before they reached the ranch. Or worse, when she and Liam were telling her parents that they were married. But it was nerves, not pregnancy that was doing a number on her stomach. Whatever they told them, Jasper and Lorraine would not understand the rush. Or why they didn’t tell them or ask them to attend the wedding. The excuse she and Liam had decided on was pretty weak, but it was the best one they had to offer. The truth was totally out of the question. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be married to Liam.

“Hey.” Liam reached over and patted her hand. “It’s going to be all right.”

She gave him a weak smile. “I hope so.”

Liam parked in front and they went in through the back door, which opened into the kitchen. The Fletchers’ housekeeper, Mercy, stood at the stove stirring something. She turned and looked at them when they walked in. “Wondered when you’d be back,” she said to Val. Then she caught sight of Liam and her eyes lit up. Liam was one of her favorites, so that didn’t surprise Val.

“Get over here and give me a hug,” she said to Liam. “Where have you been hiding?” Without waiting for an answer she added, “Riley’s at the barn.”

Liam went over and pulled her into a hug, laughing when she said, “I never remember how tall you are.”

“Haven’t changed in a number of years now.” They both laughed.

“Where are Mom and Dad?” Val asked.

“Your mama’s in the sewing room and your daddy is—” She broke off and grabbed Val’s left hand. “What’s this?” She gazed at the rings, then lifted her eyes to take in Liam and Val.

“Exactly what it looks like. Which is why I need to talk to Mom and Dad.”

“You…you andLiam…”

“Yes. We’ll talk about it later. Right now we’re going to see Mom. I assume Dad is with the horses?”

Mercy simply nodded. Apparently they’d robbed her of speech, which took some doing.

“This is better,” Val said to Liam as they went to the sewing room. “I’d rather tell Mom first, anyway.”

Liam was holding her hand. Had been holding it since they walked in. She hoped her palms weren’t as sweaty as she thought they were. She stopped at the doorway. Her mother was at her sewing machine, working with a piece of fabric. Pins were in her mouth and patterns and fabric were everywhere. It was a familiar scene. Her mom loved to sew and always had a project going. Lately she’d been making baby clothes for her friends’ grandchildren. Before long she’d have a grandchild of her own to sew for.

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