Page 132 of Duke
A breeze blows through the trees, filling this little slice of heaven with the rustle of leaves.
The sun has begun to set. It’s the golden hour, my favorite time of day, when the air is pleasantly cool and the light is ardent, painting everything in shades of yellow and amber.
The sky is clear, its fiery colors vibrant.
And the rocking chair I’m currently sitting in? It’s so comfortable I melt into the seat, the ache in my back lessening as I use my big toe to rock myself back and forth. Back and forth.
I’m not feeling great. I’ve been hit by a bout of insomnia, another lovely symptom of pregnancy. Paired with the nausea I’ve been experiencing, it makes for a pretty miserable end to my first trimester. But I’ll take it if it means having a healthy baby.
My boobs still hurt, and I feel bloated. Even so, it’s such a beautiful evening I almost forget about all that.
I’m also really, really excited to welcome our visitors. Everyone on the ranch already knows I’m pregnant, but it’s still going to be fun to share the news.
Duke’s family is going to be so happy for us. They already are, despite the, ahem, less than perfect circumstances that led to us getting together. It’s nice to know we’re not going to be judged for what happened.
It’s nice to know we’re going to becelebratedfor it instead.
My boyfriend—I still can’t believe this delicious specimen of a man is myboyfriend—emerges from the cottage. He’s carrying a large metal tray that contains all the accoutrements we’ll need for our s’mores: a box of graham crackers, stacks of Hershey’s chocolate bars, and a big bag of marshmallows. In his other hand, he holds a bottle of Coca-Cola, which he holds out to me.
“Sally and Wyatt swear it tastes better in the glass bottle,” he explains. “So I grabbed some at the grocery store. I know the carbonation helps settle your stomach some.”
Taking the bottle, I shake my head. “You’re lucky your family’s about to be here. Otherwise I’d be climbing you like a goddamn tree.” I take a sip of the Coke. It’s sweet, ice cold, and so delicious I can’t help but moan. “Thank you.”
He grins. “You say that like it’s a bad thing. You’re welcome to climb me anytime, sweetheart.” Leaning down, he presses a quick, hot kiss to my mouth before setting the tray on the nearby picnic table.
Ryder is the first to arrive. He’s wearing a Bellamy Brooks T-shirt and a big smile.
He’s also holding a gift that’s wrapped in pale yellow paper.
My throat closes in as he mounts the steps. I stand, and he loops an arm around my neck and pulls me in for a hug.
“Hey, mama,” he says. “Congratulations.”
I can only whisper a reply. “Thank you.”
“I’m thrilled for y’all.”
I see Duke approach over Ryder’s shoulder. “You whisperin’ sweet nothings into my girlfriend’s ear?”
“Just some words of wisdom for the mother of my niece.”
Leaning my head against Ryder’s shoulder, I swallow. “So you’re convinced it’s a girl too?”
“Definitely a girl. We need more of ’em in this family.” Ryder pulls back, and my heart twists when I see that his eyes are wet. “Glad you’re one of them, mama.”
Duke glances at me, brows knit. He’s not sure if I like being called that.
I don’t like it. I love it.
“We’ll see if you and dad are right.” I lean over to curl my hand over Duke’s shoulder. “I’m still thinking it’s a boy.”
“It’s definitely a boy!”
I glance to my right and see Mollie and Cash approaching. She’s got a bouquet of flowers in her hand, and Cash is carrying a huge box.
“What’s that?” My heart begins to pound.
Mollie grins. “Just a little something I know you’ll like. I’m sorry I didn’t have time to wrap it.”
