The Texan's Baby (Texas Rodeo Barons)

And that probably wasn’t good at all.

Chapter Six

Lizzie rested her elbows on her desk and her forehead against her fingers. Thank God that was over. She’d just managed to chair her first board meeting without messing things up too badly. She’d been right. Mark Baker wasn’t thrilled with her sitting in the big chair, but support had come from a few unexpected sources, giving her a boost.

Emory, her assistant, knocked discreetly on the door. “Hey, Lizzie? You want some lunch?”

Her stomach rumbled. Maria, Brock’s executive assistant, had thought to have a selection of muffins on hand along with coffee for the meeting. Lizzie had stuck with water, but the blueberry wheat muffin had kept her full enough to ward off any lingering nausea.

“I’d love a turkey sandwich, Em.”

“I’ll be back soon.”

Emory shut the door quietly behind her. Rather than move into Brock’s larger office, Lizzie had decided to stay in her own space. Maria was only down the hall if she needed anything anyway.

She was skimming a resume for a new engineer—someone named Jasmine Carter—when her phone buzzed. She looked down to see an incoming text message. One click told her it was from Chris.

How did the meeting go?

She held the phone in both hands and typed with her thumbs.

Meh. As good as could be expected. The predicted resistance though some support too. There were muffins.

Do you ever think of anything other than food?

Yes. Sleep.

She imagined him smiling on the other end.

LOL

She shouldn’t be enjoying the simple messages so much, but they were a bright spot in her day. She had two more meetings this afternoon and tonight she would be back at the hospital to give Brock an update. But this break helped her wind down a little bit.

I got the date for my next checkup. It’s two weeks from tomorrow at four o’clock.

Will you hear the heartbeat or anything?

Maybe. I’ll be over ten weeks by then.

Over ten weeks. Soon after that, she’d have to finally tell her family. Her clothes wouldn’t fit forever, and with her usual power suits and fitted outfits, a change in wardrobe would be noticeable. Besides, then she’d be past the first trimester.

I could come with you—if you want.

Oh my. She imagined being examined with Chris in the room and was sure she’d be embarrassed. But then she imagined hearing her baby’s heartbeat all alone and it didn’t feel right. It seemed right to share it with someone, and who else but the baby’s father?

You sure you want to make the drive?

There was a bit of a pause between messages, but finally a reply came.

No biggie. I’ll be there. Just text me the address.

Emory knocked and came in bearing Lizzie’s sandwich and a bottle of water. “Thanks, Em,” she said, smiling, a

nd checked her watch. Just enough time to eat and get ready for her next meeting.

Lunch is here. GTG. TTYL.

C U soon, he replied.