Page 133 of Rough Ride

“You did this?” I asked. “For me?”

Tears welled in my eyes, and then I erupted in sobs. Liz put an arm around me, and then all three of my men were gathering close to make sure I was okay.

“Does this mean you really love it?” Eli asked. “Or reallyhateit?”

“The. First. One,” I struggled to say between sobs.

“This is a good reaction,” Johnny told Eli. “A woman like Sophie doesn’t cry very often. And rarely for happy reasons.”

“Didn’t think she’d getthisemotional,” Eli muttered.

Liz was giving me a suspicious look. I avoided making eye-contact with her. She had probably just figured it out, but she woulddefinitelyknow for sure if she saw the look in my eyes.

Although… what was I waiting for? I knew I wanted to tell them soon, I was just picking the perfect moment.

What moment could be more perfect than this?

“I love you,” I said, hugging Johnny.

“We love you too.”

Eli and Sawyer came in, giving me one of the group hugs that I loved so much. In their arms, I always felt safe and cared for.

Even if I was pants-shitting-terrified of how they might react to the news I was about to give.

“I don’t want to ruin the mood,” Travis said, “but were you welding inhere?This barn is basically a tinderbox.”

“I was safe,” Sawyer argued, pointing to a fire extinguisher in the corner.

“Not now, Travis!” Liz hissed.

He shrugged back at her. “I was a fire inspector for ten years. I can’tnotsay something.”

I wiped my eyes and addressed my men. “I have a surprise for you, too.”

Liz clamped a hand over Travis’s mouth and stared at me excitedly.

“I’ve always been a very independent woman,” I began. Oh my God, this was harder than I expected. “I used to think that in order to settle down, to start a family, I would have to sacrifice some of that independence. Nothing could be further from the truth. I now realize—”

“YOU’RE PREGNANT!” Eli suddenly blurted out.

Everyone turned to look at him.

“You made everyone Ranch Water with dinner, but you didn’t add tequila to yours. I thought it was because we were almost out, but…” He raised his hand slowly until he was pointing at my belly. “Are you?”

I bit my lip and nodded.

“Seriously?” Johnny asked, jaw hanging open. “This ain’t a prank?”

“It’s the truth,” I said, sniffling. “I’ve only known for a few weeks. Was waiting until the right time, and until I was further along, just in case, but when I saw that sign…”

Johnny embraced me fiercely, squeezing me tight. “I’m gonna be a father!”

“You are,” I breathed back at him.

He pulled back and stared deep into my eyes, into mysoul. Then he smiled.

My heart came alive in that moment.

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