Page 61 of Secret Baby for the Triplets

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice something on top of the dresser and frown. Turning to the surface, I reach for the plastic sandwich bags and exhale. “And she left the toothbrushes behind,” I call out to my brothers. “I guess she doesn’t want the DNA after all.”

Brock and Owen rush upstairs to look, their identical expressions of shock mimicking what I’m feeling inside.

“What the fuck does this mean now?” Brock mumbles. “That she wants to do it alone?”

I have no answer for him, but it sure looks that way. All I know for sure is that Emerson Ward is the most infuriating woman I’ve ever met in my entire life.

CHAPTER17

Emerson

Iswirl my fork around on the plate, trying to look like I’m eating more than I am, as Will rambles on about his shift.

“…but the shelters are just overrun, you know?” Mae’s husband goes on. “So the unhoused are just back on the street the next night. It’s such a crying shame.”

“You’re doing what you can, baby,” Mae tells him, reaching across the table to pat his hand. “I’m sure they appreciate you, even when it doesn’t seem like it.”

My mind shifts toward Toby and his wild horses. I wonder if he’ll keep up with securing the funding now that I’m gone. Probably not. He was so angry with me, so disappointed. They all are.

And I don’t blame them. I’m disappointed in myself, too.

“Emmy?”

My eyes dart up to meet my best friend’s concerned stare. “You all right, honey?”

I set my fork down. “Oh, I’m fine. Just a little tired.”

Will eyes me skeptically. “What happened at Pine Sky exactly? Why didn’t it work out?”

I swallow and shoot Mae a nervous look, but I’m sure she didn’t tell him about the baby, as she promised. But if I’m going to be staying with them, it won’t be long before my pregnancy is noticeable—to everyone. I can already see the bump along the lines of my once flat stomach.

“We don’t need to talk about it right now,” Mae says smoothly. “You only just got into town, and you can get settled. You’re welcome to stay as long as you need.”

Will nods in agreement, dropping the subject to my relief. “I’ll ask around the station about jobs too,” he offers. “I know the job market isn’t great right now.”

“Is that all you’re going to eat right now, Emmy?” Mae asks worriedly, gesturing toward my plate. “You need to keep your strength up.”

Her husband chortles. “You aren’t her mama, baby. Leave the woman alone. Go on and rest up if you’re tired, Emmy. You know we aren’t very formal around here. Make yourself at home.”

I nod and stand, offering them a grateful smile. I could use some time alone to collect myself. “Thanks.”

The guest room is at the back of the apartment. Their two-bedroom unit is small and definitely not equipped for long-term guests, or a baby. I’ll need to make other arrangements quickly. That dreaded call to my mom and Greg will need to happen.

But not tonight. Tonight, I’ll figure out my next steps in the comfort of Mae’s apartment. I already regret the decision to leave the DNA samples at the coach house, but given the way I’d acquired them, it didn’t feel right bringing them with me. The whole thing felt tainted now.

Closing the bedroom door behind me, I perch on the edge of the bed and look at the missed calls from the ranch. There aren’t any voicemails, but I know they’re wondering why I missed our meeting this morning. I’ll call Brock eventually, when I figure out what I want to say without stuttering or getting emotional.

The phone rings as I’m staring at it, and hope explodes in me. I want it to be one of them, checking up on me again.

But it’s Mom.

It feels a bit like fate that she’s calling right now, as I’m trying to figure out my next moves. I haven’t talked to her in a week. It’s almost like she senses something’s up and reaches out with her mother’s intuition. I almost want to ignore it. But I can’t. It’s my mom.

“Hey, Mom.”

“Honeybun!” she breathes. “I miss you!”

Her heartfelt greeting brings tears to my eyes, and I wonder if it’s the hormones.

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