of thing up here in Montana? I mean, I’d be down for it, I guess.”
I was positive my mouth fell open. “Excuse me?”
Amy laughed. “Don’t act so innocent, Merit. It’s not uncommon these days for a woman to have a husband and a lover, with both a part of her life.”
I blinked rapidly. “He is not her lover. They’re friends, that’s it.”
Amy nodded. “If you say so. Guess this means no lunch. I’m off to head back home, then.”
And just like that, she turned and started toward her car. I wasn’t going to lie, a part of me was glad she was leaving.
The front door opened, and Ty came walking out, his arm around Kaylee. She gave me a sweet smile that quickly faded as another contraction came on.
“Hold on. Wait,” she said.
They both stopped, and Kaylee took in a few deep breaths. Dirk came rushing out and nearly ran into the back of them. He was carrying a small bag in his hands.
“Contraction…” Kaylee panted as Ty softly talked her through it.
A feeling of sadness washed over me as I watched Kaylee and Ty walk to his truck. The way Ty looked at Kaylee, talked so lovingly to her, and made her feel safe brought tears to my eyes.
Would I ever have that? When I went into labor, would I be alone? I’d have my mother and brother there, and most likely Timberlynn, Lincoln, and Kaylee. That was a comfort, at least.
I straightened my shoulders and took in a deep breath, holding my head high. None of it mattered. As long as I had a healthy pregnancy and baby, I could do it all on my own. I’d be fine.
I looked over at Dirk, who placed the bag into the backseat of Ty’s truck. He leaned into the truck and quickly gave Kaylee a kiss on the cheek and said, “You’ve got this, Kaylee.”
She gave him a weary smile and then looked at me. “Merit! Will you tell Timberlynn and Lincoln?”
I nodded and smiled. “Of course, don’t worry, I’ll let everyone know!”
Kaylee waved as Ty drove off. “See y’all at the hospital!”
Dirk stood there for a moment and watched as the truck drove down the driveway. I quickly pulled out my phone from my back pocket and called Timberlynn.
Dirk turned and looked at me. “Who are you calling?”
“Timberlynn,” I stated.
He nodded. “I’ll call Brock.” Then he walked to his truck.
My heart hammered in my chest as I watched him. How had we been so close at one point in our lives, and now Dirk acted as if he could hardly stand to be around me? I guess it had all been my fault. If I hadn’t asked him to take my virginity that day, things might have been different. We probably would have stayed friends.
“Hey, Merit!”
“Timber?” I said, tearing my gaze from Dirk as I headed to my SUV.
“Hey, how’s lunch?”
“There is no lunch, Kaylee’s water broke. She and Ty are on their way to the hospital.”
Timberlynn screamed. “Kaylee’s in labor!”
She shouted it to someone else and didn’t even try to cover up the phone. I couldn’t help but laugh as I pulled the phone from my ear. I heard another female scream; this one sounded like it was Ty’s mom, Stella.
“We’re on our way to the hospital now!” Timberlynn said.
I laughed once more. “Okay, well, be careful.”
“Are you not going?” she asked.
“Well, I wasn’t…I mean…I’m really only just starting to get to know Kaylee. I’m not sure if she’ll want me there.”
Timberlynn sighed. “Of course she’ll want you there. She likes you, Merit. She invited you over for lunch.”
“In an attempt to push me and Dirk together.”
“Does she know?” Timberlynn asked in a whisper.
“No, not that I’m aware of.”
Timberlynn remained silent for another moment or two before she spoke once more. “Okay, well, I don’t want to force you to go. How are you feeling?”
“Tired,” I answered truthfully. I felt like I was growing more tired as the days went on.
“Go home and nap. I’ll keep you updated.”
Smiling, I slipped into my car and started it. “Thanks, you’re a good friend. Give Kaylee my best wishes.”
“I will. Rest, okay?”
“I don’t think that will be a problem. This baby—and his father—are sucking all the energy from me.”
Chapter Nineteen
DIRK
I paced the small waiting room as everyone else sat and chatted. Every now and then I would look up and check the time. It felt like it was moving at a snail’s pace.
“Should it be taking this long?” I asked as