Pregnant by the Texan

Glancing at her watch, she saw she would be late meeting her sister for lunch. Trying to focus, she started the car and drove to the restaurant they’d agreed on earlier.

At the restaurant, she saw that her sister was already seated. When Stella sat down at the table, her sister’s smile faded. “You’ve had bad news.”

“Linda, I just can’t believe the truth,” Stella said, tears threatening, which was totally unlike her. “I’m pregnant. The test was correct.”

“Oh, my, of all people. Stella, I can’t believe it. I’ll tell you something right now. I know you—you’re a wonderful aunt to my children. You’re going to love this baby beyond your wildest imaginings. You’ll see. I know I’m right.”

“That will come, but at the moment this is going to complicate my life. This shouldn’t have happened.”

“Here comes the waiter.”

“I’ve lost my appetite. There’s no way I can eat now.”

“Eat something. You’ll be sorry later if you don’t.”

Linda ordered a salad and Stella ordered chicken soup.

As soon as they were alone, Linda turned to Stella. “Look, I’ll help any way I can, anytime. When the baby is due, you can stay here and I’ll be with you.”

“Thank you,” Stella said, smiling at her sister. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“You’ve said the dad is a nice guy. Tell him.”

“I’ll have to think about what I’m going to do first and make some decisions. I know I have to tell him eventually, but not yet. The minute he finds out, I’m sure he’ll propose.”

“That may solve your problem. Marry him. Accept his proposal. You’ve already been attracted to each other or you wouldn’t be pregnant. There’s your solution.”

“It’s not that simple. Aaron and I are not in love. Look at our parents. That’s marriage without love and it was horrible for them and for us. I don’t want that. And I feel like there are moments Aaron shuts himself off. He doesn’t share much of himself.”

“You may be imagining that. Marry him and if he’s nice and you’ve been attracted to each other, you’ll probably begin to love him.”

“I’m not falling into that trap. Linda, when you married, you and Zane were so in love. That’s the way I want it to be if I marry. I couldn’t bear to do it otherwise. And it will be a sense of duty for Aaron. He won’t give it one second’s thought. I’m just sure.”

“I’m telling you—if he proposes, marry him. You’ll fall in love later.”

“Think back to our childhood and the fights that our parents had—the yelling and Mom throwing things and Dad swearing and storming around slamming doors. Oh, no. You can forget the marriage thing. I’ll work this out. It’s just takes some getting used to and careful planning.”

“At least consider what I’m saying. If this man is such a nice guy, that’s different from Mom and Dad.”

“You know Dad can be a nice guy when he wants to. Mom just goads him. And vice versa. Here comes lunch.”

“Try to eat a little. You’ll need it.”

“It helps to have someone to talk to about it.”

“Do you have anyone in Royal?”

“Of course. You should remember Edie. We’re close enough that I can talk to her about it. She’ll understand, too. Actually, I can probably talk to Lark Taylor.”

“I know Lark, but not as well as you do since you’re both the same age. She’s not the friendliest person until you get to know her.”

“In this storm, believe me, we got to know each other. She and the other nurses from the hospital were out there every day trying to help. So were others that I feel are lifelong friends now. Megan Maguire, the shelter director. I feel much closer to some of the people I’ve worked with since the tornado. I can talk to them if I want.”

“Is he good-looking?”

“I think so.”

“Well, then you’ll have a good-looking baby.”

“Frankly, I hope this baby doesn’t look exactly like him.” Stella smiled. “I’m teasing. I’ll think about what you’ve said. Actually, Aaron is in Royal. I’m having dinner with him tonight.”

“There,” Linda said, sounding satisfied, as if the whole problem was solved. “Go out with him some before you tell him. Give love a chance to happen. You’re obviously attracted to each other.”

“I might try, Linda. It’s a possibility. But that’s enough about me. How are the kids?”

They talked about Linda’s three children, their parents, progress in rebuilding Royal and finished their lunch.

As they stood in the sunshine on the sidewalk saying their goodbyes, Linda asked, “You’re coming for Christmas, aren’t you?”

“Yes. I’ll fly in late afternoon Christmas Eve and then back home Christmas afternoon.”

“Think about what I’ve said about marrying the dad. That might turn out a lot better than it did for Mom and Dad.”

“I’ll think about that one. You take care. See you next time.” She turned and hurried to the rental car.

She paused to do a search on her phone and located the nearest bookshop, which was only two blocks away. She drove over and went inside. It took a few minutes to find a book on pregnancy and what to expect with a first baby but before she knew it, she was back in the car, headed to the airport.

All the way to Dallas on the plane she read her new book. She would have to find a doctor in Royal. She was certain Lark could help her there. She knew of two who were popular with women her age.

When she changed planes for Royal, she tucked her new book into her purse and tossed away the shopping bag in the airport.

As she flew to Royal her dread increased by the minute. She felt as if she had gained ten pounds and her waist had expanded on this trip. She felt uncomfortable in her own skin.

When she stepped off the plane, Aaron was waiting. He had on jeans and a navy sweatshirt. There was no way to stop the warmth that flowed over her at the sight of him and his big smile. She had mixed reactions just as she always had with him.

“Hi,” he said, walking up and draping his arm across her shoulders to give her a slight hug as they headed for the main door leading to the parking lot. His brown-eyed gaze swept over her. He saw too much all the time. How long did she have before he could tell she was expecting?

“How’s your sister?”

“She’s fine. I enjoyed seeing her and all is well.”

“Good. I hope you had a restful day.”

“I did. How was it here?”

“I imagine if you’d been here, you would answer, ‘The usual.’ I saw a great deal of the construction and talked to a lot of people. I’ve been at the Texas Cattleman’s Club most of the day. Repairs have begun on the clubhouse. They didn’t have total destruction, so it should be done before too long. Actually, I helped some with the work there today.” They reached his car and he held the door for her. She watched him walk around the car and slide behind the wheel.

As soon as they were on the freeway, he said, “Let me take you to dinner again. We’ll eat at the Cozy Inn if you prefer.”