Page 97 of The Confidentiality Clause
“Not yet. I’ll let you know when Mom is done. You be safe and take care of your brother.”
“I will! Love you, Dad.”
I smile. “Love you too.”
Willow steps out onto the back porch, a hand over her swollen belly. “What are they up to?”
“Riding trails like usual,” I say and walk over to her. I take off my Stetson so it doesn’t get in the way as I kiss her softly.
“I know they’re safe, but…” she trails off.
“They’re okay. They know to be careful, and they have the walkie-talkies if they need us,” I reassure her.
“Having two boys while pregnant is not for the faint of heart,” she says with a sigh. “I know that Phillip will keep watch over him, but Cooper is just like you.”
“Like me?” I ask as though I don’t know what she means.
She shoots me a look. “He’s wild and reckless.”
“He’s ten,” I say with a laugh.
“Which is exactly why he shouldn’t be out riding trails with his brother.”
“Phillip is the one driving the four-wheeler.”
“He’s thirteen!” she exclaims.
“Lo, breathe.” I kiss her forehead. “You were excited when we got him the ATV for his birthday last month.”
“I know,” she says. “And I was fine with him riding it around near the house. But he’s off exploring.”
“Which he loves to do,” I remind her.
If Cooper is the wild one, Phillip is the inquisitive type. He asks a hundred questions minimum a day, and always carries around a notebook to jot down hisfindings.
“He’s probably tracing leaves right now while Cooper throws rocks at trees,” I say, hoping to ease her mind.
She laughs. “I’m sure you’re right.” Her eyes turn misty. “It’s just hard, after everything we’ve gone through, not to worry.”
I walk behind her so I can wrap my arms around her middle. I press a kiss to the curve of her neck. “Trust me, I know. But we can’t keep them from living. This is exactly what we wanted when we got married.”
After we had Cooper, we struggled to get pregnant again for years. Doctors couldn’t explain it. We didn’t know what to do. After a few years of tears and anger, we let go of the idea of expanding our family. We had our boys, and that was enough. Then, a few months ago, a miracle happened. Now, we have a baby girl on the way.
“I just love them so much,” she whispers. “I loveyouso much. The idea of anything happening to any of you makes me sick with worry.”
I kiss her shoulder. “I think that’s the cost of loving as much as we do. I worry about you, too. And the boys. And our sweet little Harper,” I say as I rub her belly. “But we can’t hold them back. That’s not real love.”
“Why do you have to be right?” She sniffles.
“It’s my eternal burden,” I tease, earning a laugh.
A soft beeping sound penetrates our quiet moment.
“I think dinner is ready,” Willow says.
I hand her the walkie-talkie. She holds it up to her mouth. “Boys, dinner’s ready, time to head back.”
“Yes, ma’am!” their voices blend together in a shout.
