Page 45 of Billionaire Lumberjack's Bargain

He nods, so I set him down and reach into my purse to pull out the sonogram picture sheet. Turning it toward him so he can see it, I watch that light and awe in his eyes as they widen.

“That’s my brother?”

I shake my head and let him hold the picture. “No. The baby was finally in a good position for them to tell me it’s a girl. You’re having a baby sister.”

Pops finally makes it over to us with a half grin and a half-hearted groan. “Damn, that kid is fast.” He leans against the truck, crossing his arms over his chest and giving me an exaggerated huff. “Everything good?”

I snag the photo from Davey and nod. “Yes, Doc says everything’s fine.”

“Good.” He scowls slightly, taking on that gruff, fatherly, disapproving look he often gives me over trivial things. “Though I wish you had let Dalton take you into town. Neither of us like you driving that road yourself.”

Pursing my lips, I give him a look that would probably wither anyone except him, since he’s seemingly become immune to it over the last couple of months. “Like I told Dalton this morning, while I appreciate your concern, I’m perfectly capable of driving into town myself. Plus, he has enough to take care of here without having to waste half a day to chauffer me up and down a mountain for an appointment.”

Pops opens his mouth to argue again, but I press my hand against his chest and tap gently over his heart. “Really, I do appreciate it, old man.”

And I actually mean it.

Pops has become almost like a second father to me, and nearly twenty years after I lost my own, the knowledge of how much he cares truly does warm my heart as much as it annoys me to have him and Dalton constantly hovering over me.

Davey comes over and clings to Pops’ leg. “It’s agirl!”

I can’t tell if he’s excited or disgusted by the proposition. Maybe because evenhedoesn’t know at this age. But the smile Pops offers tells me he’s thrilled.

He doesn’t often talk about Dalton’s mother, but when he does, it’s clear she was a daddy’s girl and the absolute greatest joy in his life, especially after Dalton’s grandmother passed away.

His eyes mist over, and he pushes off the truck, clearing his throat. “A girl. That’s great. You should tell Dalton. He’ll want to know you’re back safely.”

I scan what I can see of the property from here near the cabin, but I don’t see any sign of him.

Dammit.

The way my heart sinks slightly when I can’t immediately spot him is stupid.

It’s only been a few hours since I drove away down the mountain.

Yet, on the drive back up, all I could think about was seeing Davey, Pops, andhimto share the news about the baby.

Stupid and dangerous.

I can’t let these stupid pregnancy hormones get the best of me…

Pops motions over his shoulder. “He’s in the south clearing, felling some trees and working on the firewood stock.”

It’s going to be one of the biggest issues come winter, ensuring we have enough wood, getting it moved from outside and into the shed, and then from there into the house once there are feet of snow. It’s also one of the most time-consuming and physically draining things Dalton has to accomplish.

“Go. He’s worried.” Pops grabs Davey’s hand. “I got him.”

“All right.”

Pops grins at Davey. “Maybe we’ll go play a card game.”

I toss him a disapproving look. “Be nice. He’s just a child, Pops.”

He shrugs and winks. “Kid’s got to learn. He’s not always going to win in life.”

It isn’t theworstlesson he could teach Davey because he’s right that it’s important for children to be taught it’s realistic to winandlose. But the way the old man goes about it often leaves something to be desired.

I give him an exasperated sigh before I start out across the property in the direction Pops sent me.

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