Page 109 of Brands

“Dad? Are you superbusy?” I’ve finally worked up the nerve to break the news to him, but I’m worried how it’ll go over.

How I’ve managed to keep it a secret for the last couple of weeks is a miracle.

“No, honey. I’m just working on this carburetor. I’m determined to get this Corvette up and driving so I can drive to Walter’s house this summer.” He stretches his back as he steps away from his work bench.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better.” I love that he’s driving again. It frees me up from needing to stick so close.

I’d rather spend my extra minutes either with Blue, or at Black Gulch with Char.

She’s so close to popping she can barely move.

My only responsibility for him has just been making sure he and Devon eat. Once the morning chores are done, I’ve been gone.

“Yea. I’m thinking that since I’m in remission, I’m not gonna sit by and let life pass me. I’m gonna grab it by thehorns.” His fist comes up shaking as he emphasizes the last word.

He does look more like normal. The haggard bags under his eyes have faded, and he’s put a little weight back on.

“It’s great you’re getting in touch with your old car buddies. I love that.” I try to keep a cheery lilt to my voice.

But that makes him cock his head and his eyes narrow. “Everything going okay with the dairy? Anymore issues with the cows?”

“No. It’s been a few weeks without problems. I did finally track down that someone put a hole in the back of one of our storage tanks. Now that it’s fixed, my tickets are even again.” Actually, it was Devon that found it.

It’s encouraging that he’s taking a more active role. Maybe he’ll want to keep working there?

Dad snorts. “Fuckers,” he grumbles. “I keep a rifle by the door. If someone so much as—”

“I have cameras, daddy. We’ll catch them.” I didn’t come by to get him all worked up.

Well, maybe I did.

“Dad, I came here to tell you something.” I take a deep breath. “I’m pregnant.”

He freezes. The tool in his hand slips to the floor with a loud clatter.

After a very long pause, he looks at me. At first his eyes are soft. Then they darken. “Lib, aren’t you rushing into things?”

Iknewhe’d be this way. Frustration creeps into my tone.

“Any reason why we shouldn’t? We’re both grown ass adults who love each other. We’re happy. Why can’t you be? It’s not like you’re the one having to push a kid out.”

My arms cross before I start throwing middle fingers at him. “Why can’t you just be a normal fucking father and say ‘congratulations’?”

His brows furrow over his nose. “You know what? You’re right. I’m not thrilled. You’re sticking yourself in this life, and you drug my best friend down with you. He used to be the life of the fucking party, Lib. Now I never see him. You ruined what I had.” His jaw ticks.

Jesus. I never knew until this moment just how much Mom buffered him from us.

“Did you ever consider Blue likes where he’s at? Have youaskedhim? Or just skulked in silence?” I’m so close to just walking away, my entire body feels like it has an electrical current running through it.

“He’s shown his colors,” he grunts. “I’m gonna make things real damn easy for you. I got my bag packed. You can have the fucking house too. I’m not sitting by and watching you both fall into the same miserable life I led.”

How he can take one of the highest points in my life and crash it down to the ground is a real talent.

“What about Devon? He’s only fifteen for crying out loud. You aren’t sticking around until he’s at least eighteen?” I can’t even believe this conversation.

Dad turns, his thick sausage finger stabbing the air in my direction. “He chose you, too. I’m just dead weight now. I almost died. Before I do, I’m going to finally do whatIwant to do. And it sure as hell isn’t shrivel up in Montana.”

What a bitter old asshole.

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