“But she told you that’s what your father had wanted, didn’t she? That he wanted you to race.”
“She did. I found that journal before I left for Eastport. I know where the others are, and I know where my sister’s is. My mother lied to me. But in her defense, I overheard part of the argument. I know he didn’t want me to race, but I still kept doing it, thinking he did.”
“Why?”
“Why didn’t he want me to? Or why did I keep doing it?”
Wrapping my arm around her shoulder, I pull her into my body. This is the most in-depth conversation we’ve had about her family. I want her to continue.
She bites her upper lip before answering. “He didn’t want me to bear my mother’s dreams. He told her she could go back and race, but Linda had convinced her she shouldn’t. Something about that’s what Dad was saying behind her back. They fought about Linda’s influence that night.”
“Before you continue, who’s Linda?” I ask her, genuinely confused. She’s never mentioned her.
“She murdered my father. She was the ranch secretary and wanted revenge or some shit like that. She killed my father to get my uncle to come home so she could marry him and get the ranch.”
I shake my head. “What the fuck? That’s crazy.”
“Oh yeah, it gets worse. But that’s my uncle and aunt’s story. Hailey barely survived Linda.”
“Dang, so she’s in jail now? Could she be the one after you?”
“Oh no, she’s dead. Let’s just say she pissed off the wrong horse.” She lets out a dark chuckle, and I pull her close.
“What do you want to do?”
She tips her head back to look up at me. “Be with you. Finish school. Raise our babies.” Her eyes drop to Ria before looking up at me again. “I do love you, Callum. I was just scared and freaked out. I worried Ria would get hurt or you if I stayed. So when I heard you say that, I ran.”
“Why here?”
“Oklahoma is in my blood. I like it here, but I don’t love it. I want to be where you are, and that’s Eastport.”
“Then we’ll do it.”
“Not until it’s safe.”
“I’ll agree to disagree.” I chuckle before leaning down to kiss her forehead. “She’s asleep. I’ll tuck her in if you want to get ready for bed.”
“Okay.”
Carefully, I slip Ria from her arms and stand up to take her to bed. Before I cross the threshold into her room, I turn back and see my woman cleaning up and heading for the kitchen.
By the time I get Ria relaxed and asleep again in her crib, I notice how quiet the small cabin is. Even though it’s attached to the side where Butcher lives, this place is calming, and I can see why she came here to think.
I step out of Ria’s room and move around the cabin, checking doors and windows to protect my small family. When I reach the doorway of Andi’s room, I pause and just watch her. Leaning against the door frame, I stare, entranced, as she brushes out her long, wavy chestnut hair while sitting in profile to me. It shines in the overhead light, and it takes me a moment to notice what she’s wearing. I’m distracted by how ethereal she looks.
The pink-and-white lace nightgown has a matching robe that slips off her shoulders as she moves her arm. The gown underneath is spaghetti-streapped and hugs her fuller tits. My eyes trace her figure down to where her body cradles our growing child.
I’m not surprised she’s pregnant. After all, I made sure it would happen. What frustrates me is how much I’ve missed. I won’t miss any more, but I need to convince her to come back to Eastport with me. She’s so positive that if she does, her stalker will hurt Ria or myself.
“When’s your next doctor’s appointment?” I ask, breaking the tension building in my body from my need for her.
She turns toward me, and her nipples harden as she looks at me. My cock is hard and heavy behind my fly. I want to just take her right now. One thing we’ve never lacked is sexual attraction. It’s been there since the beginning. But I need to show her she means more to me than that.
“Tomorrow. I was hoping you’d want to come. Ty’s sister-in-law offered to babysit Ria if you want her to.”
“Ty told me she offered if we needed time. I’d love to go with you.”
“It’s an ultrasound appointment. We can find out what we’re having.”