Page 108 of Rival
Edith
I’ve been awake since the before the sun came up, but this little girl is moving like crazy this morning and no matter how I try to lie down, she’s not happy.
I was going to call Ruth last night and see if I could stay there, but I decided against it. Cracking my window and keeping my door shut gave all of my senses the relief they needed from the smell downstairs, and I was able to eventually fall into bed and pass out quickly. I never did make myself something to eat, and it’s probably why my daughter is demanding my full attention.
Buck, Bonnie, and Billy! And Austin!
Shooting upright, I groan when my muscles revolt against the movement and I rub my stomach to ease the ache. Ever since my belly got heavy, it feels as if I move the wrong way, I’m straining everything.
Pregnancy is no joke and I don’t think I’ll ever be used to it. Rocking myself over, I ease myself from bed and stretch before finding my feet. With a quick glance out the window, I chew on my lip and debate sneaking next door to see my kittens. I don’t even know if they’re still there. I just left that burden on Mason’s shoulders. I should have settled them before taking off.
But Ihadto leave. My father was determined not to stop that night and if Griffin hadn’t shown up when he did? Well, I might not have my baby right now. If anything, I owe him my gratitude for stepping in, even if he did say getting pregnant was a stupid mistake.
I know it’s not entirely fair to blame him for that comment, but it still hurt. As if I was the only one responsible for my predicament. My therapist helped me understand that all of us weren’t smart in regard to protection, and it’s just as much on me as them. But Griffin’s words, now that I’m able to process everything, weren’t meant to hurt. He was deescalating an awful situation.
Him leaving after our night, on the other hand, that still stings no matter how much I try to convince myself it was out of our control when my father came home early.
I am not responsible for my father’s actions.
Choosing whatIwould like to do today, I decide I’ll go next door. Not to see Mason, although it’s important I do speak with all of them. As much as I’d love to just hide away and pretend no one else has to be forced into parenthood, I can’t. One of them has rights and for now, Idoneed to at least create boundaries for how we will work together.
After readying myself, I weave my hair into a braid and march through the kitchen quickly while holding my breath. I can’t even bring myself to search for some crackers, because I’m feeling extra nauseous this morning. I run the risk of seeing Mason, so puking is definitely a thing Idon’twant to happen again.
They’re all going to think I’m disgusting if every time they’re around, I’m vomiting at their feet.
Instead of picking my way through the trees, I head to Mr. and Mrs. Cooper’s front door. Sneaking into their barn afterbeing gone for so long would be rude. Besides, if I’m going to insist on boundaries, then I should offer the same.
Knocking firmly, I step back and wait until the door swings open. It’s Mr. Cooper, Bill as he’s told me to call him, but it doesn’t feel right to.
“Well, my dear, you’re a sight for sore eyes. How you been doin’?” he asks, opening it further and waving me inside. “Come on in. Cheryl’s in the kitchen throwin’ together some breakfast.”
His eyes flick down to my stomach, but bless him, he holds his tongue for now, and I accept his offer with a soft smile. Slipping inside, I glance around checking for Mason. Mr. Cooper whispers softly, “He’s not here yet. You’ve got some time.”
“Thank you,” I murmur back, then follow him until we find Cheryl.
She’s humming to herself, but as soon as we walk in, she’s already talking as she turns. “Honey, would you grab me the—Edith!Honey! Oh my God, would you look at that!” Her dripping whisk points directly at my stomach and she doesn’t refrain like Mr. Cooper did. “I can’t believe how far along you are! Logically, I knew you’d be showin’ by now, but seein’ you is different than picturing it. Sit down. Let me feed you!”
Mr. Cooper’s hand falls gently to my back as he steers me toward the kitchen table, then pulls out a chair.
“It’s nice to see you both, but you don’t need to worry about making me food. I actually stopped by to see if I could sneak out to your barn and check on the kittens. Maybe I should have called first to see if they’re still here, but the fresh air called to me for a walk.” I tap my fingers anxiously over my bump. When I eye Mason’s father, he’s watching my movements closely.
He must feel me watching because he glances up, then looks sheepish. With a flush, he smiles awkwardly, then clears his throat as he gets up to grab some plates from the cabinet. He pulls out three of them.
Waving me off, Mrs. Cooper starts giving me all the updates I’ve been itching to know. “Oh, they’re definitely still here. Mason has been takin’ great care of them. I think he’s quite attached to that little female out there. Bonnie, right?”
I nod, but she keeps going before I can ask anything.
“That beautiful little lady is forever on his shoulder wherever he goes. Even when he takes Austin out into the fields, he just props her right up there and she doesn’t go anywhere.” She laughs and winks at me. “Although that one little boy has been doin’ his best to murder him. Not Buck, theotherone.”
“Billy,” both Mr. Cooper and I say at the same time.
“That’s the one!” she cries happily. Bringing the skillet to the table, she dishes up a mix of sausage, eggs, cheese, and hash browns onto all three plates. “There you go, honey. Eat up and get some fuel to that baby, so he grows big and strong!”
“She,” I mumble while eyeing the plate warily. I don’t notice the way they both freeze right away because I’m fighting off the building moisture flooding the back of my throat. If push myself and try to eat, I’m going to embarrass myself in their kitchen.
“A girl,” Mason’s mom breathes out, dropping heavily into her chair. Her wobbly smile is directed at her husband and she whispers, “We always wanted a girl.”
“Mom, we’ve talked about this. We don’t know if she’s mine yet.” I whip my head toward Mason. I never heard him walk in and my face turns bright red having my proclivities called out like that. He stares at me hard, adding, “Which we’reallperfectly fine with, no matter the outcome. Mornin’, girl.”
