Page 51 of Secret Baby for the Triplets

“Well, I lost my job. And I needed a new job quickly to support the baby. So, yes, that’s why I left Austin.”

“But why here? You shouldn’t be working right now. You should be with the father?—”

“I am with the father… or at least, I’m trying to be,” I cut her off gently. “One of the men who owns the ranch is the father of the baby. I met them in Vegas, and I was with all three of them.”

I can see my endless bombshells are having a profound effect on Mae’s delicate disposition.

“Emmy!” she gasps, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. “All three of them! In one night?”

I shrug and nod. “Yeah.”

She throws her arms around me. “I am so proud of you, I could cry. I wish I’d gone with you!”

“I wish you had, too. Maybe I wouldn’t be in this predicament.”

“Or I would have let loose, too!” Mae exclaims, eyes wide with excitement. “God, I live so vicariously through you! Though, who am I kidding? I probably would’ve been the responsible one calling us a taxi and making sure we drank water. Marriage has turned me into such a grown-up!”

I burst out laughing, tears of appreciation for my best friend filling my eyes.

“Ha!” I choke. “You are truly insane.”

She releases me and pats my cheek. “All right, so are they submitting to a DNA test? What are the next steps?”

I stare at her, unspeaking, and she returns my look questioningly. When I don’t speak, understanding colors her face. “Oh, Emmy! They don’t know.”

“I’m going to tell them when I find out which one is the father,” I tell her. “I don’t see the point in causing a big family drama otherwise.”

She gasps. “Family drama? They’re related?”

I grit my teeth and sit back on the sofa. “I didn’t mention that part?”

“Uh, no?”

“Yeah. They’re um… brothers.”

“Brothers!”

“Triplets.”

Mae screams so loudly my heart leaps into my throat, and I burst out laughing as she jumps up, rushing around the coach house like she’s on fire. “Are you fucking kidding me right now?”

There’s a knock on the door, and I point meaningfully at my friend. “You behave yourself!” I warn her, but her cheeks are almost purple. “I mean it, Mae!”

Toby stands on the stoop, with concern etched on his face. “You okay? I heard a scream in here.”

I grin nonchalantly and step back to show my hyperventilating friend. “Just my friend being melodramatic,” I reassure him. “Mae, Toby Collins, one of the owners of Pine Sky Ranch.”

Mae almost trips over her feet rushing to the door. “Well, hello. Are you one of the triplets?”

Toby beams and leans in. “I sure am, ma’am,” he replies, tipping his hat. “The best looking one.”

I snicker.

“I would think so.” Mae extends her hand, and I roll my eyes as Toby kisses it.

“Maybe I can take you ladies out later,” Toby offers, winking at me. “I’d be happy to give some riding lessons.”

“We’ll see,” I tell him as Mae checks him out. “I’ll text and see where you are.”

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