Page 54 of Perfect Scandal
Despite wanting to hide out here all day, I hurry to make myself presentable, then make my precarious trip over to the ranch. I even take the long way out to the road that leads to the main house to make it look like I came from town instead of the little cabin at the back of the property.
It feels silly and unnecessary, but with any luck, this will be the last time Dean and I have to sneak around. With any luck, he, as well as my family, will know exactly how I feel about him before the weekend is over.
Fortunately, there isn’t a soul to be seen when I arrive at the ranch. Charlotte’s car is parked next to Carly’s in the driveway, and I send up a quick thanks to the Big Guy that Kaden’s truck is parked way over by the cattle barn and both of the ranch trucks are gone. I fully plan on telling him the truth, but I’d like to have my coffee first.
“Knock, knock,” I say as I poke my head inside the front door. “Anyone home?”
“Tessa!” Carly jumps up from one of the couches in the living room and hurries over, looking as adorable as ever with her blooming baby bump. “I didn’t know you were coming to visit!”
“Surprise!” I throw my hands in the air and then give her a hug. “It was a last-minute decision. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. You know there’s plenty of room. And you’re just in time for lunch, too.” She smiles at Charlotte, who’s whipping up something that smells delicious in the kitchen. “I asked if I could help, but she said I’m doing enough by growing this baby.”
“That’s a good point. And please don’t take this the wrong way, but you definitely look more pregnant than you did a couple weeks ago.”
“I know!” The pretty blonde exclaims as she rubs her belly. “I swear the bump showed up overnight.”
“Well, you look amazing. And I hope my brother appreciates all this hard work you’re doing.”
Her cheeks turn pink as she nods. “He’s been great. I even got a foot rub last night, and my feet don’t hurt yet. Let’s not tell him that, though.”
I make a zipper gesture across my lips and toss the key. “Your secret is safe with me.”
Laughing softly, she loops her arm through mine and tugs me to the kitchen. “Think we can squeeze in one more person for lunch, Charlotte?”
The older woman tosses a bright smile over her shoulder. “Absolutely. You know I always make extra. And hello, Miss Tessa. You’re looking as pretty as ever this morning.”
Now, it’s my turn to blush. “Aw, thank you, Charlotte. Can I help with something? I’m not pregnant, so you can’t shoo me away with that excuse.”
Her shoulders shake as she silently laughs. “Fine. There are two tomatoes in the fridge that need slicing. And a couple of cucumbers, too.”
“You got it.” Rolling up my sleeves, I go to the sink and wash my hands.
“I feel guilty now,” Carly says as she takes a seat at the big table. “I could cut vegetables.”
“You could, but then I wouldn’t have anything to do.” I wrinkle my nose at her, and she rolls her eyes. “So, Dean said Alana’s working—” I cut myself off mid slip-up and purposely drop the towel to cover up my gasp. “Whoops!”
Carly smiles cluelessly, but Charlotte, the wise old bird that she is, raises an eyebrow.
“Yes, Alana’s working all weekend. The poor girl has been covering shifts for days.”
“I’ll have to stop by the store to see her. Maybe bring her coffee as a pick-me-up.” And pull my foot from my mouth, too.
“She’d love that. And she usually gets a caramel latte,” Carly says as she gets to her feet again and thumbs toward the hall. “I’m going to grab a sweater. Be right back.”
Charlotte and I both smile, but inside, I’m dying. She knows. And there’s no way she’s going to pretend she doesn’t.
“I had a feeling about the two of you,” she says quietly as soon as Carly is out of sight. “Or maybe it was hope.”
“Please don’t say anything,” I beg. “I want to tell my brothers this weekend, but I have to get Dean on board with it first.”
She nods knowingly as she stirs a pot of soup at the stove. “You have nothing to worry about with me, sweetheart. I’m just happy he’s finally found someone.”
Thank god. “I’m happy I foundhim.”
“He’s a good man,” she says with a sigh. “And he’ll be good to you. But he’s suffered more loss than anyone should have to. It’s distorted his perspective on a lot of things.”
“I know. And I’d like to think we’re working through some of it.”
