Page 86 of Christmas with Three Cowboys

“Wait, is that…” Darla pipes in.

Now they’re both looking at me, waiting for me to catch on. Suddenly it dawns on me. “Wait, two?”

“Yes, there’s two,” Dr. Hartman says. “And both look healthy.”

“But there was only one the first time,” I say, my brain struggling to process.

“It’s not uncommon for one twin to hide behind the other when they’re this small. We often don’t catch twins until the second or even third ultrasounds.”

“Oh, God, I’m having twins.” It’s even more overwhelming and twice as exciting and insanely challenging. How the hell am I going to manage?

“You’re going to be okay,” Darla replies. “I’m going to say it until you get it through your thick, beautiful, stubborn head, Melissa. You’re going to be okay.”

“Am I, Darla?” I’m on the verge of tears, and I don’t even know if they’re tears of joy or despair. “How do you know?”

Dr. Hartman clears his throat. “Well, health-wise, the little ones seem to be within their parameters. The cramping can be normal as your uterus expands to accommodate the growing babies. As long as there’s no intensive bleeding or any other symptom that requires hospitalization, you should be alright.”

Once we’re in the car, neither of us moves or says anything. Darla sits behind the wheel, staring ahead. I sink into the passenger seat, my face flushed but my heart a tad lighter knowing my baby—correction—babies are okay.

“I need to eat more,” I mutter, remembering Dr. Hartman’s advice. “Didn’t think that was possible, but here we are.”

“You’ve been sneaking food upstairs, huh?”

I nod slowly. “Had to keep a low profile.”

“Well, you’re eating for three, it seems.” Darla exhales sharply. “By the stars, when God gives you a challenge, He does not go easy on you, does He?”

We laugh despite the shock.

“I don’t want to go back to the ranch yet,” Darla says after a while. “In fact, I think we should eat something. The Cavalier is open. How about a pizza?”

“My mouth is watering,” I bluntly reply.

Darla turns the key in the ignition, and it’s as if my soul restarts along with the truck engine. We need to get some food in our stomachs, then we can think about what I’m going to do next. One thing is clear. I can’t hold out on this pregnancy much longer. Darla already knows. It’s only a matter of time before the guys find out. They should hear it from me.

Just as Darla is about to pull out onto the road, a car blocks us. “Hey!” Darla shouts. “Move it along!”

But the driver gets out.

“Oh, no,” I manage as I recognize Jake. “It’s Jake.”

He’s smiling the most obnoxious smile as he approaches our truck. “We need to talk, Melissa. Right now.”

“You need to get the fuck out of my way,” Darla replies, but he blatantly ignores her, pointing a finger at me.

“Melissa, get out of the truck. We need to talk. You’re running out of time, and I’m the only one who can help you.”

My hand reaches for the door, but Darla stops me. “You sit right there, honey. You’re not going anywhere with this fool.”

“I have no intention of going anywhere with him,” I say. “I just want him to leave me alone.”

“Then sit the fuck down and let me handle this.” To my surprise, she reaches for the glove compartment and takes out a shiny Colt revolver.

“Darla…” I whisper, but she cuts me off.

“Relax, kid. I know what I’m doing.”

She gets out of the car, and Jake starts laughing. “Lady, I have no quarrel with you. I just need to talk to—WHOA!”

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