Page 38 of Enamored
“Lana?”
“Hey, Tristan.”
I run my fingers through my hair as I try to shake the sleep from my voice. “I’m glad you called. I’m sorry I asked you that. I know the baby is mine; I just don’t know why you hid it from me.” She sighs. “Where are you right now?”
“Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. Why?”
I lie down on my back and stare at my darkened ceiling. “If I close my eyes and concentrate, it’s almost like you’re here.” I put my hand under my head and continue. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I wanted to make sure. I thought maybe the results were wrong or something. I didn’t want to scare you or force you into anything if it wasn’t even true. Then you wouldn’t take any of my calls, and I had no idea you knew about the test until you called me while drunk.”
I scrunch my face. “Not one of my finest moments. I’m sorry for that. I didn’t understand how you could hide something so monumental from me.”
“Yeah, well, imagine how I felt.”
“Tell me how you felt, Lana.” The quiet request falls from my lips. I wait patiently as she gathers her thoughts.
“Like my life was ending and beginning all at the same time. I’ve pictured a mini version of you running around so many times, but I didn’t think it would happen.” She laughs dryly. “I was afraid things would end like last time because we live so far away. Except now,” she hesitates, “well, now I guess they can’t, huh?”
“No. They can’t. Fate brought you back into my life, and I’ll be damned if I sit by and do nothing to try to keep you in it. Have you had any doctor’s appointments yet? Any ultrasounds?”
She takes in a shaky breath. “No.”
“Please, don’t cry, Lana.” My heart breaks, knowing I’m not there to console her. To take away a fraction of the pain she feels.
“I don’t want to do this alone, Tristan,” she whispers.
The emotions she’s feeling hit me hard. I don’t want her to do it alone, either. I don’t want her to give up her life, family, and friends, but I can’t give up the ranch. It’s been in my family for generations, and my parents would kill me if I sold it to live in Boston.
“I know, babe. We’ll figure it out. I’m going to come out for a little bit. I want to be there for you and the baby.”
She sniffles. “Really? You’ll come out here?”
How could I say no to her? “Of course, I will. Give me all the information, and we will work it out.”
She continues to tell me about calling Beth right after she found out, and also telling her parents. I remember them being nice people, but her dad seemed overprotective. I’m surprised he didn’t lecture her or toss her out when she told them. Instead, she told me he gave her a big hug and told her things have a way of working out. God, I hope he’s right. Right now, I can’t seem to find the open door.
We say our goodbyes, and I get ready for the day and to tell my parents how they are going to be grandparents sooner than we thought. I know Mom is going to be over the moon. She’s wanted me to give her a grandbaby since she got sick. I just don’t want to break her heart if she’s not able to see the baby as often as she would like.
I wonder if I were to ask her to marry me, what would she say?I want her with me so bad it hurts. I don’t want to spend more time apart from her than I need to. Before heading over to the ranch, I want to stop at the jewelry store and price rings. I wonder if I made the grand gesture, and went out there with a ring and a promise, would she agree to be mine so we can do this right?
My mind whirls with options and how we can make this work. I’m sure there’s a way I can keep the ranch running and find a new job out in Boston. I have my degree in business, and I’ve been running my own business for years now. I could do city life, right? I sigh heavily, thinking about my few days in the city. It was fun being with Lana, but the noise drove me insane. I wonder if she would be open to moving into more of the suburbs, a compromise of sorts?
I never knew there were so many options when it comes to picking out a damned ring. Cut, carat, style, price, it’s almost overwhelming. The older man behind the counter approaches me to offer his assistance. I give him a general idea as to what I’m looking for and tell him a little bit about Lana, per his request. His smile is genuine as I talk about her and the things I love about her.
He pulls out a few rings, and as soon as he shows me a round solitaire diamond set in white gold, I know that’s the one. It’s perfect. I can picture her wearing it and showing it off to friends and family. On a whim, I purchase it and tuck the box into my pocket for safekeeping. No one needs to know about this yet, not until I know she’s really willing to be mine forever.
Except that’s not what happens. Holden is waiting for me with a big goofy grin on his face.
“What are you smiling about?” I mutter as I push past him, my good mood slightly soured by his expression.
“What were you doing in the ring shop this morning?”
“What were you doing in town?” I counter.
“Leaving a date’s house to come here. Don’t try to avoid my question.” He snickers when I snarl at him.
“I want to do things right with Lana. We’ve done everything ass-backward. The one thing I can do right is this. She’s carrying my kid. I want to be with her, and what better way than to get hitched and tie her down?”
