stare down at the test that’s flashing the word pregnant.
“Oh my,” she whispers. “I’m-I’m going to have a baby.” Her arms wrap around me in a fierce hug, and her body shakes with her tears.
“I’m so happy for you,” I tell her. I am. She and Colby have waited a long time to start their lives together. I understand they wanted to be older and make sure that the love they found as teenagers was real. It was a good plan not to rush into anything. So to see them starting the next phase of their life as a married couple and soon-to-be parents makes my heart swell for them. I couldn’t be happier.
“I’m going to take another,” she says, releasing me and wiping the tears from her cheeks. “And you need to take the first.” She hands me a box. “I’m going to step out of the room. Let me know when you’re ready.”
“I don’t know that I’ll ever be ready,” I tell her honestly. At least not right now. Not when I’ve been dating the guy for almost two months, and I’m already pregnant?
Yesterday I was wondering when the other shoe would drop. I guess I got my answer. I knew it was all too good to be true.
Chapter 27
Rip
I finish mucking the last stall sooner than I anticipated. Not that I’m complaining. I need a shower and some snuggle time with McKenna. I’m sure she’s already up and moving. I wonder if I can convince her to lie back down with me for a few hours. I hated leaving her in bed this morning, but there was work to do. Saturdays are supposed to be the days that I get to snuggle and sleep in with her.
Closing up the barn, I head for the house, only to backtrack, deciding to check the mail first. I ordered McKenna a plaque for her office with her name and Attorney at Law underneath it. The last thing I need is for her to grab the mail and intercept the package before me. Not that she makes a habit of getting my mail, but she’s a sweetheart and has stopped a few times on her way in to grab it for me. I got a shipping notification, so I’m expecting it any day now. In addition to that, she’s yet to receive her grades for the bar exam. That means that technically she’s not an Attorney at Law just yet. It’s just a minor detail of her grade. McKenna is wicked smart, and I know she passed.
By the time I make it to the mailbox, I’m wishing I would have just brought my truck or one of the utility vehicles. It’s hot as hell out here today, but that’s expected for late summer in Texas.
On my way back to the house, I sift through the mail. The gift I ordered isn’t here, which is good since she’s at the house, and I don’t have to worry about hiding it from her. I open the electric bill and notice it’s about the same amount as last month. The rest is junk mail. Magazines, offers for credit cards, publishers clearing house, hell, I didn’t even know that still existed. Stepping up on the porch, I look at the last envelope in the pile. I’m expecting it to be more trash. However, this one looks more official than the others. Looking at the return address, I see it’s from the County Clerk of Nevada. Curious, I rip into the envelope.
Inside there is a certificate of marriage. Why in the hell am I getting a certificate of marriage? Skimming over the document, I get to the names, and my eyes widen. I blink hard, once, twice, three times, and every time the same names appear on the paper.
Marriage Certificate
Rip Alan Callahan
McKenna Grace Dawson
“Holy fuck,” I mutter. I stare down at my name and McKenna’s, trying to decipher what I’m seeing. We’re married? We got married in Vegas? How do I not remember that? I need a minute. Sitting on the top step, that’s when I notice that my sister's car is here. Good, I need to process this before I tell McKenna. She’s going to flip out on me. Not because she’s mad, but I know her. She already thinks we’re moving fast. Sure she loves me, but this… it’s not just something we can tear up and be done with.
She’s my wife.
McKenna Callahan.
Fuck me, but do I love the sound of that.
I can work