Page 21 of Shine On Oklahoma

Kiley widened her eyes. “Of course I don’thate him, he’s my father.” She hugged her belly with both arms asshe said it.

“If you don’t hate him, how can you not tellhim he’s having a granddaughter?”

Kiley pressed her lips tight. “I love myfather, Kendra. But I love my baby more. Look at the life she’sgoing to have. Look at this place, at what Rob and I have waitingfor her. A warm, safe home. A thriving business. A great bigextended family. A hometown where she’ll never have to feel tooashamed to hold her head up. And two parents who adore her and eachother.” She shook her head slowly and said, “Dad could mess it allup.”

“And so could I. That’s what you think, isn’tit?”

“No.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me?”

Kiley lowered her head. “I was still decidingwhen and how to tell you. But I was going to. Rob knows I was, sodoes Dax. You can ask them. You know neither of them wouldlie.”

“I don’t know anything of the kind. Rob askedDax to find out what I was up to. Did you know that?”

She sat straighter in her chair. “No, Ididn’t.”

“Well, he did.”

Kiley frowned toward the kitchen, then at hersister again. “He was trying to protect me and the baby.”

“Protect you? From me? Kiley, I’m yoursister, Diana’s aunt.”

“We had a nice evening, Kendra. Why can’t youjust let it be?”

Kendra pressed her lips and tried to pushdown her hurt. She hadn’t realized just how deep it ran. Here shewas lecturing her sister, who was only days away from giving birth,if that. It wasn’t the time.

She took a deep breath, held it a second,then blew it out entirely. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“I’m the one who should be apologizing toyou,” Kiley said. “I love you, and I’ve missed you. I didn’t knowhow much until you showed up again. I want you to stay forThanksgiving.”

“Only if we order takeout. You’re in nocondition to make a feast, sis, and you know I don’t cook.”

“I’m not making it. It’s a family thing. TheBrand half of the family used to do it out at Bobby Joe andVidalia’s farmhouse, but the clan has outgrown it. This yearthey’re closing down The Long Branch for the day and we’re allgathering there.”

Kendra lowered her head. “I’d fit into thatlike a hooker in church.”

“I want you there. It feels odd not havinganyone from my past, my family. I’m tired of it.”

She knew she wasn’t going to stay forThanksgiving, but figured she had upset her pregnant sister enoughfor one night. “We’ll see. That’s as much of a commitment as you’regonna get out of me right now.”

“Okay.”

“It’s getting late,” she said. “I’m gonnahead back, let you get some sleep.”

Kiley started to get up, but Kendra beat herto it, hopped to her feet and leaned over her, kissed her cheek.“Night, Kiley.” Then she laid a hand on her bulging belly. “Night,Diana.”

Something thumped against her palm, and abubble of delight expanded in her chest. “I think she justhigh-fived me,” she said. “Clearly she agrees about that girlienursery.” She softened the words with a wink, and then headed outthrough the kitchen to say goodbye to Rob.

Dax said, “I’ll walk you out.”

#

They sauntered along, side by side, to herlittle Corvette. His Charger was parked beside it. He’d enjoyed theevening with Rob and Kiley, and his heart yearned to have what hisbest friend had. A wife. A home. A family.

“So?” he asked. “Things okay with you andKiley?”

She shrugged. “I think so, yeah.”