Page 22 of Big and Bold
I read the sign. “Annie’s chicken coop.”
A tear rolls down my cheek, and Dustin is shocked. “No, no, you’re not supposed to cry. This is a good thing. You said you wanted this.”
“I do want this.” I nod happily.
He takes his thumbs and wipes them across my cheeks. “Then why are you crying? Baby, no, please, I can’t stand it when you cry.”
I choke on a sob. “Well, how are you going to handle it when our child cries?”
He loops his arms around me, pulling me flush against his body. “I won’t be able to handle it.”
I nod and look up at him. I had planned to have a special way to tell him, but I can’t keep it back any longer. “Well, you’re going to have to figure it out.”
It takes him a second to get it, but when he does, it’s obvious he’s shocked. “Wait… are you saying… do you mean to tell me…”
“We’re going to have a baby.”
He whoops, he yee-haws, and then he pulls me up in his arms and swings me around. Just as quickly, he stops and sets me on my feet. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t?—”
I cut him off. “No way, none of that, mister. I won’t break.”
He holds up his hand and starts ticking off commands on his fingers. “No more helping with the horses, no more mending fences… Can you still ride?” He doesn’t wait for me to answer and shakes his head. “Nope. No more riding.”
I go to my tiptoes and put a hand over his mouth. “Dustin, I’m pregnant. I can still ride and help with the horses and the chores.”
He cups my face in his hands. “Not on my watch, baby.”
I stomp a foot. “Dustin Clay, you are not going to?—”
He interrupts me. “Protect you? Fuck yeah I am.”
I trace a heart with my finger on his chest. “I’m sure as long as you’re with me, I can do some of those things.”
I blink my lashes at him, and he groans. “Gah, I don’t even stand a chance. You’ve got me wrapped around your finger, baby.”
I lean into him and look at the beautiful chicken coop. “I love the coop, D. It’s exactly as I pictured it.”
He loops his arms around my waist. “We can go into town and pick up some chicks later.”
All I can do is smile up at him.
He looks so happy, but even now he’s worried about me. “Are you happy?”
My mouth drops. “Are you serious? Are you really asking me if I’m happy?”
He shrugs. “Your family?—”
I cut him off. “My family is right here. You’re my family. You’re my husband and—” I cup my belly. “And this is our child. You are all I need.”
He sucks in a breath and lets it out slowly. “I know, but you deserve?—”
I cut him off. “I have everything I need, D. I love you, and I wouldn’t trade this life with you for anything.”
I grab his hand and slowly start walking backwards. “So we have some free time before we go into town? What can we do to fill the time?”
He reaches for me. “Baby, you’re going to trip over something walking backwards.”
I laugh. “You know, you’re right. Maybe I should lie down.”
His eyes darken and nostrils flare. In a flash, he picks me up, and my legs wrap around his waist. He kisses me until I can barely form a thought.
He pulls back, breathing hard. “I love you, Annie.”
I curl into him. “I love you too, Dustin. Now take me to bed.”
He kisses me and then starts walking toward the house. “With pleasure.”
And then he spends the rest of the afternoon worshipping me, making sure I know how happy he is with our life together.
