Chirp(61)

His chest burned as if he’d been sucker punched. But he needed to ask himself some hard questions. What would have happened if he’d known about the pregnancy? Probably wouldn’t have a law degree. She was right. A baby on the way would have forced him to change his future. And as angry as he was, she’d made all the sacrifices. And he loved her. That was the most important part. No matter what she’d done, he loved her. And she loved him. And they shared a child. “Only one way you can make it up to me.”

She sobbed into her hands. “Anything.”

“Marry me.”





28


Rance


Someone pounded on Rance’s bedroom door, and he woke with a start. Vaulting to his feet, he jerked on his boxers, and grabbed his pistol. Chirp sat up straight and pulled a pillow to her chest.

“Rance! Wake up,” Seth yelled.

He yanked the knob. “What the hell? You’re about to get your ass shot!”

Seth pushed past him and paced back and forth, babbling. “I have a son. Can you believe it? I’m a dad.” He turned to Chirp. “You knew about Noah, didn’t you? That’s why you said not to give up.”

Rance looked at her. “Who the hell is Noah?”

“He’s my kid! I haven’t met him yet, but I will in a few hours. Hanna says he looks like me.”

Rance threw up his hands, the gun still gripped in one. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. You have a kid with Hanna? What the fuck?” He faced Chirp again. “Is that true?”

She stared wide-eyed at the weapon, so he put it back on the dresser. “Chirp? Does Hanna have a kid?”

“Yes.”

“Damn. Why didn’t you say something?”

“She asked me not to. But I encouraged her to tell Seth. Every man should know his children.”

Rance reached out and grabbed his brother. “Stop the damn pacing. You’re wearing out my new carpet.”

“Sorry. I can’t help it.” Seth dropped onto the end of the bed. “Me. A dad. I want to buy him something.” He twisted to face Chirp again. “What would be a good gift? Wait.” He raked his hand over his face. “I don’t have a job. How the hell am I going to provide for them, much less spring for a present?”

Rance put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll give you some cash.”

“Okay, but what about the gift?”

Chirp leaned forward. “He wants a pony.”

“A real pony?”

“Yes.”

“Damn. Where will I get a horse on short notice and at this hour? Wait! Is Mr. Henderson still alive? He used to have horses.”

This time Rance grabbed both of Seth’s shoulders. “Go to bed. We’ll call him first thing in the morning. If he doesn’t have a horse, he’ll know where we can find one.” He nudged his brother toward the door. “Now get the hell out of my room.”

“Okay, okay. I’m going.” Seth made it to the hallway, then turned back. “Oh, one more thing. I asked Hanna to marry me, and she said yes.”

“Damn, Seth. Now you’re engaged to two women?”

“Technically, yes, but in my heart, only one. I love her, man. Always have. I know it sounds crazy, but when I saw her, I knew. And we have a child. God, I can’t believe it.”

Rance ran his hand over his stubble. “What I don’t understand is why you’re not pissed. But we’ll add that to the discussion for tomorrow.”

“You know I won’t sleep!” Seth shouted.

“That’s your problem. See you in the morning.” Rance crawled back into bed, and Chirp scooted next to him.

“It’s good they’re getting married. I mean, now Noah will have both parents. And if two people love each other, they should be together.”

Rance shifted to spoon her. “Don’t do this.”

“What?”

“Try to start a conversation about love and marriage shit.”

“I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. I thought we were clear about our situation.”

She pulled away and rolled to her back. “Perfectly clear.”

Rance hated the sadness in her voice. He’d been too harsh. Gathering her in his arms again, he nuzzled at her ear. “I didn’t mean to be so gruff. I’ll always protect you, but I’m right, and you know it. We’re from different worlds, Chirp. I’m not the guy to attend operas or dine at the country club, or do any of that rich-people shit. And I never will be.”

“Neither am I.”

“You are and don’t even realize it because you’ve always had money. Besides, a piece of paper doesn’t guarantee fidelity.”

“So Seth won’t be faithful?”

“He will. But not because of a legal document.”

She stiffened. “Stop talking.”

“Dammit. What do you want from me?”

“Nothing.”

“Yes, you do.” He propped on his elbow and stared into her eyes. “As long as we’re sleeping together, I won’t have sex with anyone else. That’s the most I can offer. You have to decide if it’s enough.”

God, she gazed up at him with those big eyes shimmering with tears and he wanted to take it all back. Why had he pressed the subject? He should have dropped it, but he couldn’t let her expect something he could never give.