by Judy Duarte
“On Wednesday. According to what Shannon said earlier today, it’ll be a celebration of his life. They plan to hold it on the ranch.”
“I’ll make sure to order a nice spray of roses and have them delivered. I’m afraid David and I will be leaving for London the next day, and I’ll be busy packing and having my hair and nails done.”
“I’ll tell Shannon you’re sorry you had to miss it.”
“Thank you, honey.”
“I do have something to tell you, though.” Carly bit down on her bottom lip, wondering how her mother would take the news, but she couldn’t keep it a secret forever.
“What is it?”
“I’m pregnant.” The line went still, and Carly sensed her mother’s shock.
After several beats, she found her voice, “Oh, dear.” Her tone indicated she’d just been given some disturbing news. Had she connected the dots to realize that meant she was going to be a grandmother? That ought to send her over the edge.
“I take it you didn’t elope without telling me,” Raelynn said. “Are you going to marry the baby’s father?”
“I’m not sure. We haven’t discussed it yet.”
Raelynn blew out an exasperated sigh. “I suppose we can keep it quiet.”
“We won’t be able to keep it under wraps too long. I’m already nearly five months pregnant.”
Raelynn clucked her tongue. “I can’t believe you’re just telling me now. David is up for reelection, and I’d hate to have it get out that my daughter is unwed and pregnant. It might put a real damper on his standing with conservative voters.”
Great, Raelynn. Why don’t we make this all about you? Carly didn’t say what she was thinking, but then again, every hope, every dream she’d ever had, everything she’d ever done, had revolved around her mother’s career and her convenience.
But Carly would be darned if she’d get married just to please Raelynn and the senator’s potential voters. And she was rebellious enough these days to refuse to marry Ian, even if he asked her.
“I’m not sure what I plan to do about the baby’s father,” she said. “We can talk more about it when you get back from Europe.”
“All right. But I hope you won’t tell anyone in the meantime.”
Like who? The paparazzi? The Brighton Valley Gazette? Or was she afraid Carly would announce it on Facebook, where the news networks might catch wind of it?
“For Pete’s sake, Mom. Can’t you be just a little supportive? My pregnancy might seem like a scandal to you, but I’m actually happy about having a baby.” As the words rolled off her lips, she realized they held some truth. “I just wish you’d be happy, too.”
“I’m not unhappy,” Raelynn said. “And I’m not a prude. Lord knows I’ve made mistakes, too.”
Somehow, Carly didn’t see her baby as a “mistake.” And it grated upon her to think her mother did.
“It’s just that the timing could be better,” Raelynn added.
Granted, that was true. Carly would have preferred to have gotten married before she got pregnant. And it would be nice if she’d had a chance to establish her career before starting a family. That way, she would feel good about taking time off to be a real mother to her son or daughter.
“I’ll tell you what,” Carly said, “I’ll do everything I can to save you and the senator from any undue embarrassment, even if that means staying out of your life until the baby reaches adulthood.”
“Now, that’s not what I meant, Carly. You don’t have to be so testy.”
Didn’t she? This entire conversation only reminded her how lousy her childhood had been. And how little she’d actually mattered in her mother’s world. Raelynn may have given up singing and performing, but she still lived on a stage of sorts.
But none of that mattered anymore. Carly was going to have a baby—one who was loved. And she’d be a much better mother than Raelynn had been.
“Let’s talk more about this later, after we both have a chance to let the news set in. In the meantime, have a good trip. I’ll talk to you when you get back.” Then they said their goodbyes and disconnected the line.
Carly wasn’t so sure that she actually would call her mother after the London trip. But she did need to talk to Ian. And there was no point in putting it off any longer. They had some planning and compromises to make. After all, the baby would be here in a little more than four months.
Carly went outside, determined to find Ian and have the discussion she’d meant to have this morning. It took nearly ten minutes, but she finally heard Cheyenne yipping at something or other. So she followed the sound to the back of the barn.
Ian was leaning against the corral, studying one of the mares, while the little cattle dog tried to herd a couple of butterflies that hovered near a patch of bluebonnets. He turned when he heard her approach.
“Got a minute?” she asked.
“Sure.” He pushed away from the wooden rail and slid his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. He was a handsome yet formidable sight as he stood there, all muscle and sinew and...cowboy strong.
“I’ve been putting off talking about the baby,” she said, “mostly because I’ve been trying to wrap my mind around the news. But don’t get me wrong. I’m not unhappy about it.”
“I’m glad to hear it. And for the record, I’m actually looking forward to being a father.”
“That’s good to know.”
The gelding moved to the side, and Ian gave it a pat on the rump. “I want you to know that you can live here while the baby is young.”
She’d suspected he would offer that. But did he think she’d be content to be a rancher for the rest of her life?
“Are you suggesting I give up my dream?” she asked.
“No, I’m just throwing out the idea that you could postpone it a bit. At least, the big-time aspects. Keep in mind that Earl Tellis would let you perform anytime you want at the Stagecoach Inn. I know it’s not your idea of stardom, but you’d be doing what you want to do until you moved on to something more glamorous.”
Would performing in a local honky-tonk be enough for her?
“And Stu Jeffries loves your voice,” Ian added. “He’d have you singing at all the community events.”
He was probably right about that, but would she grow to resent the small-town life in time?
She feared that she might. But instead of speaking her fears, she lifted her foot and brushed her big toe against a clump of dandelions on the ground.
“I’d marry you in a heartbeat,” Ian added. “Just so you know.”
Her own heartbeat fluttered at the thought, even though it wasn’t a real proposal. Still, a wedding would certainly please Raelynn, but Carly couldn’t marry a man who’d only proposed to provide his child with a name and to make an honest woman out of her. She needed to know that she was loved unconditionally.
She struggled with the urge to admit that she loved him, that his offer, while sweet, hadn’t been enough. But she knew admitting those words would only lead to heartbreak, so she kept them to herself.
“The way I see it,” Ian said, “we have a lot of options. I’d be happy to watch the baby while you go on the road.”
She ought to be thankful to have his support, but she didn’t like the idea of going anywhere and leaving the baby behind. Yet she also hated the thought of remaining on the ranch with him indefinitely. The dilemma was killing her.
“Why can’t you just go on the road with me?” she asked. “You don’t have to perform. You could watch the baby.”
“I can’t do that,” he said. “You’re asking me to be Mr. Carly Rayburn.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Either way, a baby doesn’t belong on the road with a singing act. It isn’t a good environment—the long hours, the touring, the various
hotel rooms. And that’s just the logistics. There are other factors, too.”
“How do you know what it would be like on the road?”
Ian opened his mouth to speak, then shut it and slowly shook his head.
Maybe he realized any argument he came up with wouldn’t hold water.
“I’ll tell you what,” Carly said. “Why don’t we give ourselves time to think about the options?”
“All right. But don’t toss out the marriage idea.”
She’d remember his offer. But she couldn’t marry a man who didn’t love her to the moon and back.
Chapter Ten
Shannon and Braden planned a celebration of life for Gerald Miller at their ranch on Wednesday afternoon, where many of the longtime Brighton Valley residents could pay their respects to a man who’d been their friend and neighbor.
Carly had driven over to the Bar M earlier that morning so she could help them set up. She’d asked Ian if he wanted to go with her, but he said he’d meet her there later.
So far they hadn’t talked any more about the baby or the future, but they would have to do so soon. Her blind determination to pursue her dream at all costs seemed to be weakening. In fact, she still held Molly Carmichael’s card in her purse and had yet to call her about representing her. How could she, when she’d just learned she was pregnant? She had no idea what the future might bring and hadn’t wanted to make any kind of commitment until she figured it out.
Surprisingly, she found herself actually wanting to stay on the Leaning R until the baby came. After that, she’d just have to take each day as it came.
The more Carly thought about that plan, the better she actually liked it. Last night while she’d watched TV, she’d seen a commercial about a new baby store that had opened in Wexler. It seemed only natural for her to think about cribs and rockers—and to wonder which bedroom she should fix up for the nursery.
And as she’d continued to nest in her mind, she hadn’t thought once about singing on stage. Instead she’d found herself humming lullabies and wondering if Ian had been serious about writing one of his own. If he was, maybe he’d let her come up with the lyrics for whatever tune he created.
Now, however, she would have to focus on the work at hand—and on the tribute to Gerald Miller, the gruff but kindly man everyone had liked and respected.
Gerald Miller had been a champion bronc rider who’d competed in rodeos all over the country. After his retirement, he’d turned his sights on breeding and training cutting horses. He was a successful businessman in his own right, honest and fair.
Folks around these parts looked up to cowboys. They seemed to have a code of honor unique to them. And Gerald was no different. He had a strong work ethic and a love of family and community.
Ian, too, was the epitome of the honorable cowboy. And she’d found herself considering more than once over the past few days that he’d make a good husband and father. But at this point, she wouldn’t entertain any thoughts other than that.
When the doorbell rang, Carly left the caterers in the kitchen and volunteered to answer it. “I’ll bet it’s the florist with another delivery.”
And she’d been right. The driver held a plant garden in one hand and a large bouquet in the other. “Where do you want these?”
Carly scanned the living room, which was already adorned with several arrangements. Then she reached for the potted plant. “I’ll set this on the hearth. You can put the bouquet on the coffee table.”
“You got it.” The delivery boy did as she instructed, then added, “There’s one more still in my van.”
He went outside and returned carrying a large spray of roses that had been arranged in the shape of a cowboy boot.
Carly gazed at the flowers and the stand that came with it. Something like that must have cost a pretty penny, and she wondered who’d sent it.
She reached for the small card and read, “With deepest sympathy. Senator David Crowder and Raelynn Fallon.”
“Where would you like this to go?” the young man asked.
The stand-up display was too large for the living room, especially with all the other arrangements set out. “It should go in the backyard, near the horse arena, where the celebration will take place. But I’ll take it.”
“Thanks.” He set the stand on the floor, then reached for the clipboard he’d tucked under his arm. “Can I get you to sign for this?”
After scratching out her name, Carly carried the spray outside, where several other large arrangements had been placed already. She found a spot for her mother’s flowers, but before placing them, she took one last look at the large, colorful floral boot. It was a fitting arrangement for a man who’d been a true cowboy in every sense of the word.
As Carly started back to the house, Braden came out of the barn. He was dressed in black jeans, a white cotton shirt and a bolo tie. Talk about real cowboys—her brother also fit the image to a tee.
She hadn’t had a chance to speak to him yet, so she crossed the yard and met him near the vegetable garden his grandpa had planted each spring.
“How are you holding up?” she asked.
“I’m doing okay. We were expecting it—and Grandpa had taken care of all the financial issues. Having his affairs in order has made everything easier.”
“He was a good man,” Carly said. “I’m sorry you lost him so soon.”
“I guess we’re never ready for a loved one to pass on.” Braden blew out a sigh. “Thanks for coming early to help out today. My mom and I really appreciate it.”
She offered him a smile. “That’s what sisters are for.”
A crooked grin tugged at his lips. “Yeah, maybe so.”
“That reminds me,” Carly said, “Jason and Juliana will be coming back with the twins soon. Have you had any luck finding them a home?”
“No, not yet. I talked to Pastor Steuben at the Brighton Valley Community Church last week. He was going to look into it for us, but as far as I know, he hasn’t found anyone yet.”
“I guess it won’t be easy to find someone willing to take on two kids, especially when they don’t speak English.”
“You’re probably right. But I’ve got my fingers crossed.”
Carly did, too. The poor kids had been through a lot already—losing their mother and their grandfather, spending time in an orphanage and then with a nanny who seemed to care more about finances than children. Now they were being uprooted again and moved to a different country where they would have to learn a new language. They’d also have to adjust to family life with strangers.
“On the upside,” Braden said, “I stopped by Nettles Realty and signed the paperwork to list the Leaning R yesterday. From what I understand, Ralph still needs your and Jason’s signatures, but he seems to think it’s already as good as sold.”
“I’ll see Ralph and sign on Monday. I have a doctor’s appointment that afternoon, so I’ll be in town.”
Braden furrowed his brow. “Is something wrong? I know you were sick while you were in San Antonio. You’re not still dealing with that, are you?”
She was tempted to skate around the issue by telling him it was just a checkup, which it was. But there really was no use in keeping the news from him. “Actually, it’s nothing to worry about. I’m just pregnant.”
Braden flinched. “Boy, I didn’t see that coming.”
“Neither did I.”
He glanced at her waistline, which was hidden behind the loose beige top she wore over a pair of black stretch pants. Then he asked, “Who’s the father?”
She couldn’t very well hold back that information, either. “Granny’s foreman—Ian McAllister.”
Braden seemed to give that some thought, then asked, “Does he know?”
She nodded. “He seems to be happy about it, but we
’re still trying to figure out how we’re going to coparent. He offered to marry me, but I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. I think he just made the offer because he’s an honorable guy.”
“Don’t you want to get married?” Braden asked.
Not if they weren’t crazy in love with each other. And although she had come to the conclusion that she might feel that way, it had to be a two-way street, and she wouldn’t settle for less.
“Like I said, the future is still up in the air.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “And you may as well know, Ian is the one who’s interested in purchasing the Leaning R.”
“That’s what Ralph told me. And to be honest, I like the guy and have no problem with him buying the ranch. But where would a cowboy get that kind of money?”
“Ian said he’s got it. Heck, maybe he has a trust fund like us.” Even as she said it, she doubted that was the case—it didn’t fit with what he’d told her about his family.
“The down payment alone is pretty hefty,” Braden said. “And then he’ll need the money to buy more cattle as well as to hire extra hands.”
Carly hadn’t thought about the startup funds Ian would need. “He mentioned having a small nest egg, but maybe he does have an inheritance of some kind.”
“He seems pretty levelheaded,” Braden said. “But I hope he isn’t just dreaming about being able to make a purchase like this.”
“No, I think he’s serious.”
Yet she couldn’t help wondering the same thing. Could Ian actually come up with enough money to buy the ranch? Or was he chumming her?
He knew how she felt about selling the place. Was he trying to tempt her to stay with him?
“With the baby coming,” Braden said, “maybe he’s hoping you’ll throw in your third from the proceeds, which would allow him the start-up funds he’ll need.”
Braden had a point. If Carly threw in her third, he’d only need to purchase the other 66 percent.
But Ian had never given her reason to believe he was using her for any reason. So she slowly shook her head. “No, he wouldn’t expect me to do that.”
