Page 29 of A Forbidden Spring
“Pen is here, and she likes Montana.”
“Plus, our family is awesome.”
“We are.” He smirks.
“Are you happy? Have you guys talked about what you want to do?”
“I would’ve liked to date her a little more.” Pausing, he takes a bite and stares off, seemingly lost in thought. “I knew she was special when I met her—unforgettable—and it’s crazy but I would marry her right now.”
“But…” I hedge, hoping like hell there’s abutattached to that.
“But I can’t without her thinking I’m only marrying her because of the baby.”
“Dammit, Beau,” I growl, grabbing a napkin and dabbing my eyes, because he’s in love with the woman carrying his child, andgah,it’s too much.
He snorts. “If you’re like this, I can’t wait to tell Mom.”
“She’s going to lose her mind.”
“I know.”
“But so will Reid.”
“I know.”
“And Lake and Dad and hell, even Jesse is gonna be excited.”
His smile falls as his lips press into a thin line. “She’ll come around, right?”
“I know she will. Just give her time—and enjoy getting to know her as you get ready for the baby.”
“I’m gonna be a dad,” he says, the words filled with awe.
“You’re going to be agreatdad and?—”
My phone buzzes where I set it on the counter, my eyes locking on the sender’s name as my stomach drops to the floor.
HOLLY: I know you’re fucking Merrick
HOLLY: And I’m not the only one who knows—heard people gossiping about you all over town
HOLLY: I can’t wait till everyone knows THAT is why he took your proposal over mine
HOLLY: Ignore me all you want I’m gonna run you right out of Wintervale
“What’s wrong?”My brother asks, his brows furrowed with concern as he stares at me. Startled, I drop my phone back onto the table.
Face down.
“Nothing.” I smile, forcing myself to relax, “it’s nothing.”
17
MERRICK
“How long will you be in New York again?” Wren ask as she sits on my bed, watching me pack.
Almost a month has passed since our encounter with her brother in the parking lot. He is still the only Sterling I’ve met formally, and it is starting to grate on me. The secrecy has been a necessity, but after almost two months of sneaking around—driving out of Wintervale to have dinner and pretending she doesn’t make my heart race at work—it has become too much.
