Page 37 of Seized by the Lawman

Chapter 13

AFTER THE POST orgasmic high faded some and they were sitting in his truck, now dressed and silent, Melly thought about what he’d accused her of. That she was rebelling against her father, pushing away everyone who cared. Although hard to admit, she knew he was right to some extent. In her journey to be a better person, find her place in life, she had made a promise to her unborn child that she’d give him or her the best possible upbringing. To allow him or her to experience the memories she’d had on the ranch growing up.

To do this, she needed Nix to know the truth. The time was right.

“I have something to tell you.” She couldn’t look at him, couldn’t make eye contact because if she did she might lose her bravery. “There’s a reason why I can’t walk away from the ranch. This is not to rebel against my father. I did think I had to prove something to him, but that’s not even the real reason. I want my children to know what it’s like growing up and loving the horses, the land, having wonderful memories. That’s a precious gift.”

Nix nodded. “I understand. You’ll give that to a child one day, maybe here, or maybe not. But home is where the heart is.”

“My heart is here, Nix. And here.” She planted a hand against her stomach that was full of butterflies.

His forehead creased. “What?”

She searched for the right words, but the best thing was just to say it. “The night you and I slept together we, well…” She moistened her lips. “We created a child together.”

Several expressions flitted across his face. “A baby? We used a condom.”

“Have you ever wondered what’s on the flipside of the ninety-seven percent safety warning? Right here is the three percent.”

His jaw tightened. “This is a lot to wrap my head around. So, why tell me now?”

“Because you’re right that I have to stop thinking of only myself. I’m at a time in my life where I have everything I want. I’m young, healthy, ready to take on more responsibility than ever. I didn’t plan for this, but maybe this is the right time. You know what has occupied my thoughts lately. When I’m taking a vitamin and it gets stuck in my throat, or when I’m hunched over the toilet throwing up from morning sickness…I think how alone I am and maybe it would be nice to have someone. Don’t we all deserve someone? Well, he or she is my someone. I’m scared though.” She blinked against the tears in her eyes. She didn’t want to lose it, but her emotions were in an upheaval. “I’ll love this baby unconditionally, and I’ll do my best, but what if I fail? Is my love enough to make my child happy? I mean, look at me…I’m not what you’d call a nurturing person. Hell, I can’t even get along with my dad. I’m not fit to take care of anyone. I’m not.” The tears flowed and she swiped at them. “What’s wrong with me? Women have been doing this, having babies, raising them since the dawn of man. Maybe I won’t screw this up. Maybe I should stop contemplating every single ‘what if’. I want this baby, Nix. Whatever you decide is fine.”

“I’m not the kind of man who’d walk away. You knew that before you told me,” he said in a droned voice.

“We’ve created a human, Nix. It boggles my mind. I’m frantic, listen to me, and yet this is amazing. I should have told you sooner but I feared telling my dad—scared that he’d use this as a reason to keep Shy Brooke from me. Why do I fear him?”

“Not every situation evolves around your father, sunshine. This…you and me, now the baby, this is something separate.” There was now a sandpapery rasp to his voice.

“This isn’t separate. Not when you’re here because he wants play-by-play of what I’m doing.”

“Hell. Is this why you called me wanting to see me before you showed up at the office?”

“Yes, but seeing you, the circumstances. I couldn’t risk telling you until I knew…”

“Knew?”

“That I could.”

“What about us, Melly? This doesn’t create a wall, but instead a bridge. Can you accept that?”

“No expectations, Nix.”

“I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. All you have to do is allow me in. I’m not Brad, and I’m not your dad.” There was an abnormal hitch to his voice. “But you can’t keep secrets from me.”

“Honestly, I don’t know what to say or do. You want something from me that I’m not ready to commit to.”

He blew out a long breath. “Yeah, that’s right. You’re still the woman that wants to live her life for each moment. Well, I’m the guy who can’t live by the seat of his pants, especially not when it comes to a part of me, my child. If you don’t want me in your life, say the word, but trust knowing that I will be here for the baby. So, you figure out what you want and I’ll respect your wishes as long as it doesn’t mean giving up this child. That won’t happen.”

She placed her hand on the door knob and gave it a push. The cooler breeze of the evening rushed in, sweeping up her hair. She looked back at him. His face was flushed and his teeth were clenched. “I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you sooner. You don’t have to come back to the ranch if you don’t want to. I won’t tell my father. I know you respect his opinion.”

“Where are you going? We need to talk. At least let me take you back to the ranch.”

“I can walk. In fact, I need to clear my head.” She slid out and closed the door. Emotion knotted her throat as she turned and started walking. What she wanted to do was allow the tears to fall, but she knew once the first tear came, they wouldn’t stop.

~~~**~~~

“She’s pregnant?”

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