Page 7 of The Mountain Man's Desires

“Are you okay, pretty Dallas? Are you sick again from the baby?”

“Brooke, come here and say hi to Daddy. Dallas isn’t feeling good right now,” Graham said. Brooke hurried into the kitchen and climbed onto his lap.

“What’s going on, Graham? You can’t leave me in suspense.”

“We found out today why Dallas has felt sicker than usual during her pregnancy. She’s pregnant with triplets.” Graham whispered the last word, and I wasn’t sure I heard him right.

“Wait, what?”

“Triplets, L. Three babies.”

My mouth dropped open.

“What’s three babies?” Brooke asked, and my shock turned into uncontrollable giggles.

“It means you’ll have three little brothers or three little sisters all at once. Dallas is pregnant with three babies in her tummy instead of one.”

Brooke’s eyes widened. “Wow.”

“Wow is right. Holy crap!” I said.

“Auntie said a bad word!” Brooke giggled.

“She’s right, though. Holy crap!” Graham said.

Brooke giggled again.

“Well, congrats!” I stood and walked around the table. I hugged Brooke and him at the same time. “You’re going from one kid to four all on the same day—crazy!”

“Tell me about it. But it’s gonna be awesome. Right, Brookie?”

“Yep! I’m gonna be a great big sister!”

“Yes, you are! Okay, I’ve gotta run. Give Dallas my congrats.”

“Where are you running off to? You don’t want to stay for dinner?”

“She hasdinner plans.” Brooke emphasized the last two words. This smart little shit. Guess I couldn’t confide in a five-year-old after all, ha.

“Dinner plans? Is that right? With who?”

Brooke spoke up again. “Uncle Shane.”

Graham looked at Brooke and laughed. “How do you know all of this?”

“Like father, like daughter, apparently. She asks all the questions like you do.”

“Ha, very funny, Sis.” His face darkened. “We still need to talk.”

“Nah, we’re good. It’s all out in the open now. See you guys tomorrow.” I waved as I walked backward out of the kitchen.

“Bye, Auntie!” Brooke ran over to me, and I scooped her into my arms and covered her with smooches.

As I walked out to my SUV, I felt energized.

Like I told my brother—everything was out in the open, and there was no reason to hide feelings any longer.

It was time to get my man.

---