Page 51 of Loving Justice

“This is all so new. It’s a situation that doesn’t have an easy answer.”

“There’s something you should know.” He inhaled a deep breath and then exhaled. “Lanah threatened to go to Sam and tell him about the baby.” As he watched several flickers of different emotions cross her face, a wave of disappointment washed over him. It felt like they were discussing something far from the truth. He was grappling with the reality of the situation.

“What are you planning to do?”

“The right thing. I’ll speak to Sam. He needs to hear the truth from me. I won’t allow anyone to hold anything over our heads.”

“That’s best. Daddy will be fair.”

“Where does this leave us?”

She looked at him with great concern turning her blue eyes almost sapphire. “I don’t know. I’m sorry I didn’t speak with you sooner. I didn’t know how to broach the subject. I apologize. This is something you need to figure out. If you want your freedom because you want to be with—”

He stomped across the space and took her hands, holding them. “I don’t want my freedom. I want what I have now. The baby doesn’t have to change anything. Whatever is decided, we will decide together.” He pulled her into his arms, holding her, kissing the top of her head.

“It’s all overwhelming. I need time to come to grips with the news.” She lifted her head. “I understand this wasn’t planned. But it’s still a lot to soak in.”

“I won’t pressure you, but it’s important that you know I’m here any time you want to talk.”

Chapter Sixteen

“The location is awesome. Just fifteen minutes from the high school. It’s on twenty acres, fifteen of which are wooded. Imagine how many horses you could have here on the property. Five bedrooms. Three full baths. And the kitchen has a view that’s to die for,” Vanessa Andrews motioned for Justice to follow her to the large bay window that overlooked the lake and the mountains in the background.

It was breathtaking, Justice thought. She would miss the ranch, but at some point, she needed to have a place of her own. She’d always admired the Meadow Farm. She’d asked Vanessa to tell her when and if the house ever came on the market. A rumor had been swirling that the owners wanted to sell because they were retiring and moving to be closer to their son. Now that she and Jinx were married, and they had Ilene to consider, it was time they branched out. Yet, they’d barely said more than two words to each other since they learned of Lanah’s pregnancy.

Justice’s mind whirred with the news—a baby—an innocent child who would come into the world wanting love. She believed they could all be adults about this and work together to create stable and a nurturing environment.

As she looked back to when Lanah had first told her the news, Justice realized she’d freaked out because a baby was a lot of responsibility. A child required a family who loved them. She wasn’t even sure where she and Jinx stood at this point.

It wasn’t the knowledge of the baby that hurt Justice. It was the fact that she and Jinx had married for convenience. What if he wanted to start a family with Lanah and their child? She cared deeply for him, and if she examined her feelings more closely, she knew she loved him.

“So, what do you think, Justice? This jewel won’t be on the market for long,” Vanessa said, pulling Justice back on track.

“It’s a lovely property, but I might need a few days—”

“Excuse me, ladies.”

Justice turned on her heels and cringed when she saw Kent strolling in, accompanied by Tribe. “Kent, what are you doing here?” she blurted.

“I’m here to see the house.” He held Justice’s gaze.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Downs.” Vanessa moved in. “I didn’t realize that we had an appointment?”

“I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting yet!” He finally turned his attention away from Justice to reach out to the agent, a charming smile lighting up his face because he knew it worked.

Kent had a natural knack for captivating those around him, and Vanessa was no exception. Justice had once admired Kent's polished appearance in his designer suits and flawless demeanor. But as he spoke, she felt her attraction shift into disgust. Her thoughts wandered to Jinx and his rugged features, the strength in his calloused hands and the warmth in his stubbled jaw. He was a protector, making her feel cherished and desired in ways she had never imagined.

Like a cozy embrace, a realization enveloped her. She truly wanted her husband. She craved having more with him than just a marriage of convenience.

She squared her shoulders and turned to Kent. “I’m not finished seeing the house.”

His confident grin reigned. “Miss Andrews, I’m prepared to offer double the asking price.”

Vanessa’s eyes sparkled with dollar signs. “Sight unseen?”

“I don’t need the tour to know I want it. The location is perfect,” he practically cooed.

“That’s because he wants to tear the house down and turn the land into a parking lot or a shopping mall.” Justice had a strong feeling that Kent only wanted to ruffle her feathers.

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