Page 4 of Rough Cowboy
Sweet Sammy peeks around the door. His cedar-colored eyes radiate kindness. And he’s gentlemanly enough not to rake his eyes down my body. Then again, he doesn’t see me that way. We only ended up in bed after a night of drinking and dares with his brother. Oh, and his twin brother is possibly baby-daddy number two.
The current state of my life is right out of one of my sister’s bestselling books.
“I can come back.” He slides the Stetson off his head and runs his fingers through his thick wavy hair.
“Oh, calm down. Nothing you haven’t seen.” I shake the gift box. “Lena bought me a dress. Well, another dress because her first choice sucked.”
Sammy closes the door with a soft chuckle.
The rodeo cowboy has the body of a Greek god and a heart of gold. Hands down, he’s my first choice for the father of this baby. I would never say it out loud, but his brother is an arrogant dick. Nope, that’s not true. I would totally say it out loud.
Sammy sets his Stetson on the bed I’ve occupied for the last few months. The white hat is a contrast against the red and blue southern stars. And a massive change from the contemporary house my sister and I used to share in New York.
Looking back at Lena, I find her lips pinched tightly together.
She shakes her head. “We literally just finished talking about your lack of manners,” she scolds, but her lips crack a smile. “Open this before I change my mind.”
My sister holds the bottom of the box, and I toss the lid on the floor. Sammy bends down and picks it up before stopping at Lena and my side.
I push away the layers of tissue to find the prize. My insides vibrate at the sight of a black mini-dress. Lace, tulle, and a sweetheart neckline will look credible with my recently bustier chest and a stretchy middle designed for my baby bump.
Tears burn my eyes.
Damn uncontrollable hormones.
“You bought me a sexy mini dress.” I hug it against my chest. “I love it.” I hold it up for Sammy to admire. “Don’t you love it?”
“It’s a beautiful dress for a beautiful glowing mama-to-be.” His broad smile eases some of the worries flagging me today.
Which Wilde brother is the father of my baby? What does my future hold after the baby announcement today? Raising this baby at Sammy’s folk’s ranch is out of the question. My sister now lives with her husband and step-daughter, so I’m not crashing there. And Sammy and Silver travel the rodeo circuit, so nailing down either isn’t an option. I will end up in a house by myself, raising this baby and praying I don’t make the same mistakes my mom did—worries for another day.
I throw my arms around my sister’s neck. “Thank you, Lena.” Unnecessary tears roll down my cheeks.
“You’re welcome. Now, are you ready to go have a baby reveal?”
I nod my head into her lavender-scented hair, even if I want to stay in her protective arms for a few more minutes, hours, and days until my baby is eighteen and off to college.
“Alright.” Lena leans back and smoothes her fingers over my cheeks. “Stop crying. I will get your makeup bag, and we’ll have you prepped and ready in no time. Get dressed.” My sister disappears into the attached bathroom.
I face Sammy. “I’m crying.”
“I see that.”
I blot my fingertips under my eyes. “Over nothing.”
“I’m sure it’s not nothing.”
“I’m hungry.” I frown. “I’m always hungry. For hot Cheetos dipped in yogurt.”
His nose crinkles. “That’s a new one,” he chuckles. “And it sounds disgusting.”
I laugh, considering I’ve never liked cheese puffs until recently.
He nods at my middle. “May I?”
At least, he asks. Everyone else grabs, rubs, strokes, and fondles my stomach like it’s become public domain.
I move the dress and expose the baby bump. “Always.”
