Page 60 of The Christmas Cowboy

“I’ll tell you when we leave. But I have a feeling the gossip will be going viral soon.”

*

Liam was notlooking forward to the talk with Val’s parents. He knew the gossip was only getting worse. Especially after Val told him what had happened at the party. He’d thought his talk with Trent might have helped, but maybe not. No new gossip that he knew of, but he couldn’t count on it. He hoped they’d be able to announce Val’s pregnancy and simply allow people to think the baby was his. He and Val had talked about it and decided ignoring the gossip was the way to go. Except they had to tell their parents the truth.

He wasn’t too worried about his mom’s reaction. He knew she’d love the baby no matter who his or her biological father was.

Now Val was anxious to ‘get it over’ with her parents. So here they were, the day after the Gallaghers’ party, driving over to the Fletcher ranch. Liam had talked to Riley and told him what was going on.

“Good,” Riley said. “I’ve been hearing shit too, but no one’s been stupid enough to come right out and say anything to me.”

Liam imagined not. Everybody knew Riley loved his sister and would take on—or take out—anyone who might try to hurt her.

“How do you think your dad will react?”

“I think he’ll be pissed and probably not speak to either of you for a while. But he does love her, and she’s married now, so maybe he’ll come around sooner than we expect.”

“I hope so, for Val’s sake.” And his. He didn’t want to be at odds with her parents any more than she did.

Val had told him to go ahead and warm the truck and she’d be out in a minute. When she came out and slid inside he noticed she was very pale. “Are you all right? You look like you don’t feel good.”

“Morning sickness.”

“I thought that was getting better.”

“It is.” She nodded. “Most of the time. I suspect some of this is nerves.”

“Probably.” He put the truck in gear and started down the gravel road he’d plowed that morning. The snow wasn’t too heavy yet so it hadn’t taken him long.

“You must think I’m ridiculous.”

“Why would I think that?”

“I’m a grown woman. I’m twenty-three years old and I’m petrified of telling my parents I’m pregnant. And that the baby isn’t yours.”

He shot her a glance and reached for her hand. “It’s not ridiculous. You love your parents and you’re worried about how they—particularly your dad—will react when they hear the news. I’m nervous too.”

“You are?”

“Sure. I don’t want your dad to hate me, and I don’t want you hurt.” He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “You forgot your gloves again.”

“I’ll just stick my hands in my pockets.”

“I guess it’s pointless to tell you not to worry so much about your parents.”

“Pretty much.”

“We’ll work it out. We’re in this together.”

“You’re so good to me.”

He grinned and released her hand. “Told you before, I love you.”

“You’re such a good guy.”

Apparently, she still found it hard to believe that he loved her. Somehow he needed to convince her. But first, to deal with her parents.

Chapter Twenty-Six

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