She smiled. “There are moments I’m truly glad you’re my big brother.”
“I’m happy to hear that,” he said. “There are moments I’m truly glad you’re my little sis,” he said, smiling at her. “Lindsay, don’t forget for one minute that you have three brothers and three sisters-in-law who will support you in every way we can.”
Tears threatened and she wiped her eyes. “Look at me, Mike. Do you know how few times in my life I’ve cried?”
“Chalk it up to hormone changes,” he said. “I just want you to always remember you have our support and you can call me or Savannah anytime you want.”
“Thanks. That means a lot,” she said, meaning it with all her heart.
“Next thing—if being pregnant gets you down, just think of Scotty. You shower him with love and he seems to be a huge joy to you. He loves you and I know you love him. A baby in your life will be great.”
“I know that and I do love Scotty beyond measure. He’s adorable and I feel so close to him.”
“He’s a good kid. And he’s going to love your baby. I can promise you that. I’ll let you tell Scotty when you’re ready because he is very excited over Savannah’s baby. He’ll go into orbit over yours.”
She smiled. “Maybe not so much if I have a girl.”
“Oh, yes, he will. You wait and see. So now the next thing I want to mention, even if you don’t want to hear it, is Tony. He’s a good guy. I like Tony, and all the guys who work for him like him. All your brothers and sisters-in-law like him.”
“I know that.”
“Obviously, the two of you can get along. You were seeing each other after the auction.”
“Does everyone in the state know we were going out together?”
“C’mon, Lindsay. All the Calhoun ranches and Milan ranches and the people that work on them—cleaning staff, cooks, cowboys—you think they don’t get around and see who is leaving a ranch and who is entering one? Or talk about who they saw when they’re out? The grapevine is alive and well in these parts. You and Tony were discreet about it, but your whole familyprobably knows you dated. Anyway, cut him some slack. He’ll be shocked, but he’s going to welcome this baby like I would, and you know it.”
“Maybe that’s what worries me. Tony is a take-charge guy.”
Mike grinned. “I’m considering the source of that statement. Now, one last thing—would you like me to tell Mom and Dad before you talk to them?”
She thought about her parents and closed her eyes. She rubbed her hands together and looked at Mike. “Will Dad threaten Tony if he doesn’t marry me? I haven’t even wanted to think about dealing with our parents and, thank heavens, they’re in California and have their own lives.”
“Get some plans made before you tackle telling them. Tony’s the one who has the difficult parents. Listen, all the rest of us will stand by you and between you and our folks. Mom will just have hysterics and faint.”
Lindsay smiled and relaxed slightly. “Sounds ridiculous, but I think that might be exactly what she’ll do. I’ve resisted her tears and hysterics plenty of times.”
“The rest of us just hide from her. You’re the brave one,” he said, grinning. “Frankly, I don’t think you’ll have any pressure from our parents. They have their own lives, and I think when we grew up they let us go.”
“I’m grateful for that. Tony is the person who worries me.”
“You two will work it out.” Mike squeezed her shoulder gently. He finished his beer and stood. “I’ve said what I wanted to say. I’ll go home now. We’re there for you—call in the middle of the night if you need us. You and Tony will work this out because you both love your families and you each will love this baby with all your hearts. You’ll see.”
“So when did you get to be such a counselor?” she said. Mike hadn’t mentioned it, but she wondered if he or her otherbrothers would pressure her to marry Tony. “You know, even if we can be civil, Tony may not propose.”
“There will probably be more than one pot for bets on that one,” Mike remarked drily as they walked to the back door. Before they stepped outside, she closed her hand around his wrist.
“Thanks. Your advice might be a bit misguided, but your intentions are wonderful. You have cheered me up and I don’t feel quite so alone.”
“Lindsay, you should know your family well enough to know how very un-alone you are. Jake would be right here if you need him, or Josh. Tony’s family will be the same.” He stepped out on the porch, then resumed his talk. “There’ll be plenty of kids on both sides of the family for your little one to bond with and to grow up with. Tony’s sister, Madison, is pregnant. His brother Nick has a son, Cody, who is Scotty’s age. I’ll have another baby before yours is born. It’ll be great.” He reached out and gave her another hug.
“If only the father wasn’t so take-charge and so stubborn.”
“Said the kettle about the pot. You two are exactly alike in some ways and you’re a strong enough woman to deal with most any man.” He put his hat back on and made for the steps, then turned to her again. “Jake and Josh and I can go beat him up for you if you want.”
“Mike, don’t you dare!” He grinned and she saw he was teasing her. “Mike, shame on you, and I fell for it when I should know better.”
“I made you smile,” he said, sounding satisfied. “I gotta run, sis.”