Page 58 of Travis

“Something in the sheets, I’ll bet.” Ron adds.

“Stop.” Sara tuts, good-naturedly.

Becky, finally composing herself, looks up at me with a slight grin. “Looks like your lucky number strikes again.”

I kiss her lips, not caring if she gives me hell for it. “You bet your bottom dollar it does, darlin’.” I wink.

Becky

After spending the night in the hospital, getting fluids, that CT scan, and some much-needed rest, I get to go home, with a clean bill of health. I can’t stop touching my belly. I can’t believe that there is a baby in there. Even though I feel like shit, now that I know why, it’s so worth it. It’s bad luck to tell anyone about a baby until the first trimester is over, but in this case, there isn’t much choice, since I sort of collapsed in the middle of a birthday party with a guest count of at least fifty, most of whom I know well, too. Besides, I know I won’t last if I have to keep it a secret. I’m too happy. It’s too good not to enjoy.

Travis drives me back home, his hand not leaving mine. I’m not sure what this should mean for him and I, but it definitely changes perspective. When I look at him, I don’t feel the same as I did since we broke up. At the end of the day, I am sort of glad that we split up for the time that we did, because if we had fought like cats and dogs, saying regrettable and irreversibly hurtful things to one another, there would be no looking back. We left each other in a good place, not in a hateful place, where there would be possibly too much healing to overcome.

He comes inside the house, and I don’t know why, but I didn’t realize how unlike home it’s felt since Travis left. I think to myself that in about seven months time, there’s going to be a baby here, too. That thought makes me smile.

“What’s that smile for?” Travis asks, pulling me to him.

“Just thinking that we’re going to hear little cries in the house soon.”

He smiles. “If it’s my kid, ain’t no little cries are happening. Have you heard the stories my mama’s told about me?”

I chuckle. “Well, that’s true.”

“You need anything, darlin’?” he asks, kissing my lips, making me feel so warm inside it’s like I’ve just drunk a big mug of hot chocolate.

“No, I’m okay, but I really need to get back to work.”

“Grayson said that you should be taking it easy until those prenatal vitamins do their job.”

“Travis, I’ll be fine. I’ve already taken them, and Hanna and Liam are coming over here, so it’ll be okay.”

“What about Greg?” he asks, and I credit him for keeping the snark out of his voice.

“He’s coming, too.”

“Just be careful, Becky. He’s bad news.”

I sigh, but I’m too happy to get upset. “I know he is. As soon as this wedding is over, he’s history.”

“And the only reason why you’re keeping him is because of Chris?”

I nod. “Yes. I don’t know anyone else who can shoot a wedding on less than a week’s notice.”

“What about Luellen? Hawk’s wife?”

Hawk is Grayson and Kurt’s brother. He and their other brothers own a ranch in El Paso, where Kurt and Grayson are originally from.

“Doesn’t she live in El Paso?”

“Yeah, but I’m sure if we asked, she could help out.”

“I don’t know, Travis. That’s a lot to ask, and if she’s a photographer, she’ll be booked.”

“It’s worth a try to get rid of this dirtbag.”

“Travis, you didn’t see the engagement shots that Chris did. He’s amazing. He captured every speck behind the lens. Every shot, even the rejected ones, were perfect. I’m not sure if anyone else can beat that. And I only want the best for Hanna and Liam.”

“Emma said that one of Luellen’s photos they use for their ranch brochures, darlin’. She’s gotta be good if they did that.”

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