Page 38 of Claiming What Is Mine

“Yeah?” The more Chet speaks the less I think I want to hear what he has to say.

“And the two of you have only been seeing one another for a short time?”

“Your point?” My shoulders raise.

“I think it’s worth reminding you—whatever you may be feeling or thinking about the situation—this affects her in a much bigger, and more permanent way.”

“How do you mean?” I ask through gritted teeth.

“I know you’re not the type of man who would do a thing like this, but as a man, you have the option to walk away. She doesn’t. That baby growing inside her will be with her morning, noon, and night.”

I take a deep breath and relax my torso a little. “Yeah, I get that. And I would never walk away. Ever.”

Chet lowers his voice and leans in. “I know. But, for both your sakes, don’t go making plans without talking to her first. No matter how good your intentions.”

I stand back, the hairs on my neck bristling with contempt as my back stiffens. “Thanks for the vote of confidence. Asshole.” I stomp to the far side of the stall. “If you’re finished gabbing away, we should get back to work.”

The next hour passes in silence, except for Chet calling Marry in when he’s ready to shoo out a vaccinated cow. The silence between us pisses me off more and more. I know he prefers it, and the thought of me being irritated and him being happy as a lark is infuriating.

“I was thinking I might take a trip over to the Still ranch and formally ask her dad for his blessing to marry her,” I blurt.

Chet looks up and, without a drop of hesitation in his voice, asks, “You sure that’s a good idea?”

Goddamn you. What’s your problem, anyway?

“What can you possibly think is wrong with that? I’m trying to do the right thing, ya know.”

“Right thing, sure. But is it for the right reason?” Chet asks.

“Yes, it’s for the right reason! You know how I feel about Meredith. She’s always been the one, no doubt about that. Baby or not, I’d be ready to settle down with her.”

Chet nods thoughtfully. “I get that. But will she? Will her dad?”

I regret ever thinking that sharing my wonderful, amazing news with Chet would go any way other than this. I should have left the grand total of people on this ranch having knowledge of the situation at two, Mom and me. At least she was supportive. What’s more, in this moment, I hate him for possibly having a valid point.

“Then I guess I’ll need to make sure they do. Got any useful advice about that? Smart guy.”

Chet sighs. “None that you’d wanna hear, I’m sure.”

The rest of the day drags by with the two of us doing our best to avoid eye contact. We communicate with gestures or grunts as much as possible to minimize the risk we might have to speak to one another again. Meredith and I talk on the phone for a while in the evening, which helps my mood tremendously. Technically, I suppose I neglect to mention sharing the news with Chet. I think she’d be understanding about it, but until I get the all clear that her parents have been informed, I suspect she would be of the opinion that the fewer who know, the better.

It’s not what I want, but like Chet said, it’s not about me anymore.

See, I totally get that. Damned jerk.

I toss and turn most of the night as I try to settle on a plan, all while Chet’s words echo around my thoughts, casting doubt on every idea I come up with.

Around noon the next day I receive a text from Meredith.

Doll: It’s done. They know.

Me: And? How’d it go?

Doll: As expected. Mom cried but was excited by the thought of grandchildren. Dad cursed your name.

Me: Need to come over and get some air?

Doll: No thanks. I think I’m going to drive out to the reservoir for a while. Try and clear my head.

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