Page 39 of Chasing Liberty

Liberty slid down to sit in a patch of grass and Honor sat down next to her just as they’d done a hundred and one times over the years in that same spot. “I’m sorry.”

“Cave threatened that he would move to Alaska if I didn’t make things right with you. I know he was only joking, but I decided it was time I lowered my pride. I have been a sour pickle these days.”

“You have your reasons. And Cave understands.”

“He’s been amazing. I can’t even tell you how grateful I am for that man. He’s been my personal chef, assistant, and chauffeur. He’s even been helping me trim my toenails. He painted the nursery, twice, because I couldn’t make my mind up on what color the walls should be. I won the husband lottery.”

“He’s quite lucky himself, honey.”

“He tells me that often. I never knew I could be this happy.”

Liberty took her sister's hand and gently pressed it. "It's visible in you, Honor. There's a radiance about you."

"What's your situation? You and Wylerareback together?"

Liberty rested her chin on her folded knees. “We decided to give it another try.”

"That’s wonderful news, right?”

"It's more complicated than what it appears." She drew her knees close to her body.

“Nothing is ever easy.” Honor stretched out her legs, holding her belly bump. “It’s okay to have grown-up feelings for Wyler.”

Liberty tipped her chin. “I do admire him.”

“You love him?”

“I think I do. If love is a feeling of both contentment, worry and appreciation, then I most definitely am.”

Honor laughed. “Oh, Liberty. Why fight things then? Have you thought that maybe it’s time to allow someone to occupy those foreign places inside your heart Wyler’s a great guy with a good head on his shoulders. Men like him don’t come along every day. Especially those who can handle a Rose. We’re not easy.”

"Indeed," Liberty said, glancing at the pasture where a couple of volunteers were offering pony rides to the kids. There was a long line of excited children. The soft wind broughtover the sounds of cheerful voices, music, and laughter. "Yet, correcting an error after the fact is difficult."

“What error? The fact that you married him to get back into the will. Couples marry for less.”

“Why do you think Daddy forced us into marrying?” Liberty said.

Honor grinned. “Obviously, he put a lot of thought into it. It’s a bit odd, but I think in his head he thought he was playing matchmaker. Daddy knows everything that happens on his ranch, every detail, so he knew the way to get to us to take a plunge was through this land. None of us will willingly let it go, even if Justice, Hope and Freedom are oblivious that this isn’t a joke. Daddy means what he says.”

Liberty groaned. “I just want...” Liberty wasn’t sure what she wanted. She plucked a blade of grass and twirled it between her fingers.

“You want to be loved in return. I get that. Maybe you should ask Wyler those hard questions. Find out what he’s feeling.”

“I guess I’m up to my old ways, throwing up walls in my defense mechanism glory.”

Honor patted Liberty on the back. “I didn’t make winning me easy for Cave. I kicked and screamed and when I finally accepted what my heart was telling me, I found what I’ve always wanted.”

“I guess I should just stope overthinking.”

“Good luck.” Honor laughed. “So? How far along are you?”

Liberty blinked in confusion. “How did you know? The rumor mill is generating juicy gossip these days from what I hear.” Lacey had certainly done some digging.

“No. I ran into Doc a few days ago and he wasn’t wearing his glasses. He asked if I had gotten in to see the obstetrician, Dr.Velch, over in Lonestar that he’d referred and if I picked up the prenatal vitamins he prescribed. I put two and two together and realized he thought he was talking to you. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I wasn’t you.” Honor shrugged. “So, how far along?”

“Around eight weeks.”

“Morning sickness?”

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