Page 11 of Curvy Girl and the Bad Boy Cowboy

"I should get back," I say, standing up.

Ethan rises too. "Thank you for talking to me. For being honest."

"Always," I respond. Then, feeling brave, I add, "That's one thing you can count on from me, Ethan. Even when it's hard, I'll always tell you the truth."

"I'm going to earn back your trust," he says, and for one wild moment, I think he might try to kiss me.

Instead, he extends his hand like we're sealing a deal. I take it, my smaller hand hugged by his rough palm.

"Thursday at 2," he confirms. "I'll meet you at the doctor's office."

"And Monday at 6."

"I'll be here." He hesitates, then adds, "Can I text you? Just to check in?"

The request is so modest, so unlike his usual confidence.

"Yes," I say. "That’s fine."

"Thank you. Can I..." he gestures vaguely toward my belly.

I understand what he's asking and nod, lifting my bakery apron slightly. There's just the faintest curve to my belly, barely noticeable if you don't know to look for it.

Ethan's hand hovers for a moment before gently resting against the small swell. His eyes widen, like he's finally comprehending the reality of our situation.

"There's really a baby in there," he whispers. "Our baby."

"Yeah," I say softly. "There is."

When he looks up at me, his eyes are bright with an emotion I can't quite name.

"Thank you," he says.

"For what?"

"For not giving up on me completely."

After he leaves, I watch through the window as he walks to his truck. He pauses before getting in, looking back at the bakery with an almost determined expression.

I place my hand where his was moments ago, feeling the slight roundness that will soon become impossible to hide.

"Your dad's trying," I whisper to my unborn child. "I guess we'll see where this goes."

Melissa slides up beside me, eyebrows raised.

"So that's the father, huh? One of the Covington brothers?"

"Ethan," I confirm. "The youngest."

"The wild one," she nods. "Think he'll step up?"

I turn away from the window as Ethan's truck pulls out of the parking lot.

"I don't know," I answer honestly. "But he's surprised me already."

And maybe that's enough for now—this fragile beginning, this tentative hope. Not promises of forever or happily-ever-after, but simply the next right step.

One date.

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