Page 121 of A Good Book

I found a job. It’s nothing I ever imagined doing, but for now it’s good pay. I’m a ranch hand for Don O’Neill, the rancher who purchased most of the Cory land. He said as long as I completed my tasks properly and on time, no one would say anything to me. I sort of lied about knowing how to ride a horse, so your mom contacted Isaac, and he’ll be here next week to give me a crash course before I start my new job.

I’m mastering ASL, so watch out. When I see you, you’ll no longer be able to sign things I don’t know. My instructor said he’s never seen anyone catch on as quickly as me. Also, I’m working with someone on lip reading. But I’m not planning on reading your lips. I have other plans for them.

Love,

Benjamin Ashford, baby daddy in training

* * *

At the end of May,my parents drove to campus to move me back home. Despite everyone’s reassurance and having talked to my dad on the phone, I still felt nervous seeing him because I officially had a noticeable baby bump, even though it was hidden under my oversized T-shirt.

“Hi, darling,” was all he said when he hugged me, and I sank into his embrace.

Fourteen hours and three stops later, with my parents taking turns to drive, we arrived home. It was just before eight on Wednesday morning. I covered my mouth to muffle my squeal because Ben’s car was in the driveway.

“Whoa, let me get the car stopped,” Dad said as I jumped out and ran toward Ben’s blue Monte Carlo just as he stepped out.

“Hi.” He grinned as I threw my arms around him. “Careful, Pastor Jacobson is watching.”

I released him and signed, “I missed you.”

Ben signed and spoke, “I missed you more.”

I shook my head and took his hand, pulling him toward my dad’s car to unload my things.

“Pastor Jacobson,” Ben greeted my dad with a respectful nod.

My dad returned an uneasy look, and a less noticeable nod, but my mom hugged Ben.

After we unloaded everything and hauled it to my room, my dad stood in the doorway as Ben sat on the end of my bed, watching me sort through my things on the floor.

“The door stays open, young lady,” Dad said.

I narrowed my eyes at him and bit back my smirk while slowly nodding. “Yes, Sir.”

Once he headed down the stairs, I snorted and looked at Ben.

“What?” he said and signed.

I loved that he was making an effort to sign everything he said.

I signed, “My dad said door stays open.”

“Fine,” Ben said, sliding off the side of the bed. “But I want to see my baby.”

I giggled when he guided me to lie back amongst my sorted clothes and the rest of my junk. Ben lifted my shirt, and my heart soared when his face lit up at my noticeable baby bump.

“It’s me, your dad,” he said, kissing my belly.

Listening for any sign of my parents, like the creak of the stairs, I weaved my fingers in his hair and playfully tried to guide his head lower.

Ben stiffened, shooting his gaze up to mine. “What are you doing?”

I smirked.

“Gabbs, I’m not licking your kitty on your bedroom floor with your door open and your parents downstairs.”

I laughed because the way Ben said “licking your kitty” was so matter-of-fact, not seductive at all.

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