Page 19 of The Mountain Man's Mail Order Surprise
By the time we're done, my head is spinning.
"This is a lot," Gia says as we load the paperwork into my truck.
"Good lot or bad lot?"
She considers this. "Good lot. Definitely good lot."
The DNA test takes ten minutes. Dr. Martinez is professional and efficient, explaining that we'll have results by tomorrow evening at the latest. As we leave the clinic, Gia seems lighter somehow, like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders.
"How are you feeling?" I ask as we walk to the truck.
"Hopeful. For the first time in months, I feel hopeful." She stops walking and turns to face me. "Thank you, Rosco. For believing me, for helping me, for giving our baby a chance at a real family."
"You don't have to thank me for that. This is what we do for the people we care about."
She smiles, but her expression tells me that she’s still processing, so I don’t push.
We spend the rest of the afternoon grocery shopping and exploring town. I introduce her to Sage at Bean & Bloom, who immediately takes Gia under her wing and starts making plans for a proper reception dinner. Then we stop by Chapter & Curse, where Luna recommends a stack of pregnancy books that makes Gia laugh. At Grizzle & Grind, Diesel gives my truck a quick once over and declares it suitable for hauling a pregnant woman around mountain roads.
By the time we get home, Gia looks more relaxed than she has since she arrived. The fear is still there, lurking under the surface, but it's not consuming her anymore.
"I needed this," she says as we unload groceries.
"Needed what?"
She steps closer, close enough that I can smell her shampoo and see the gold flecks in her dark eyes. "This, feeling normal. Thank you for introducing me to people like I actually belong here instead of like I'm some kind of charity case."
"You do belong here." I set the last bag on the counter and turn to face her. "This is your home now, Gia. For as long as you want it to be, and I’ll remind you of that as often as you need me to." I reach up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering against her cheek. "I told you yesterday, I'm not looking for temporary."
Her breath catches, and she sways slightly toward me. Time stills as the moment builds.
"Rosco," she whispers.
"Yeah?"
"I think I'm going to like being married to you."
"I think I'm going to like being married to you too."
I lean down, she tilts up, and our lips are inches apart when her phone explodes with sound. The ringtone is harsh, jarring, and Gia jerks back like she's been slapped.
She looks at the screen and goes pale. "It's Zack."
The moment shatters like glass. Whatever was building between us evaporates as fear floods back into her eyes.
"Don't answer it," I say.
"He'll just keep calling. He always does." But her hand shakes as she reaches for the phone.
I catch her wrist gently. "Let me."
"What?"
"Let me answer it. Let him know you're not alone anymore."
She stares at me, conflict written across her face. Fear of her idiot of an ex warring with trust in me.
"Are you sure?"
