“Sweetheart, are you all right?”
He shook his head. “Fine, darlin’. Fine. But how?”
“Surely you don’t need to ask that question. You certainly put a lot of effort into it.”
He smiled sheepishly. “You know what I mean.”
“Yeah, I know. I guess I’m not technically infertile. I do still get periods, just not very often. In order to get a period, I have to ovulate first. Evidently, I would have gotten a period right about now. Only you got to me first.”
“But you were on the pill.”
“No, I was never on the pill. You just assumed I was, and…I guess I let you believe it.” Oh God, what if he thought…“I-I really didn’t think I could get pregnant,” she stammered, her face warming. “I never would have tried to trap you.”
He cupped her cheeks and kissed her lips. “You don’t have a deceptive bone in your gorgeous body, darlin’. I know you didn’t mean to get pregnant. But I’m so damn glad you did. It’s a miracle.”
“Not a miracle. You’re just a major stud who can impregnate an infertile woman.” She kissed his cheek. “This is the most wonderful gift you could have ever given me.”
“You’re giving me the gift, darlin’. I’m so happy for you. For us. I’m not letting you out of my sight. I’m going to take such good care of you.”
“You’re going to smother me, aren’t you?”
“Absolutely. No barrel racing and no roping. And especially no bull riding!”
“Zach—”
“I mean it, Dusty. This may be our only chance for a child.”
“You’re right, and I agree with you.”
“You’re acquiescing that easily? Where’s my little spitfire?”
“Oh, she’s still here. But she wants to have your baby more than anything in the world. I can’t believe it, Zach. This is the happiest day of my life. I reached my five year mark. I’m cured. I’m in love, I’m getting married, and I’m having a baby.” She began to cry.
“No crying allowed. You’re happy, remember?”
“Oh, I am.”
“Me too. More than ever.”
“Zach, do you think he’ll have your eyes?”
“God, I hope not.”
“I hope so. Your eyes are so unique and wonderful. I love them. And I love you.”
“I love you too, darlin’. Now let’s get into Black Eagle and get hitched. I want to be your husband. And then we’re heading straight home to McCray Landing. Your wedding gift is waiting there.”
Dusty squealed. “Wedding gift? What have you done?”
“Not too much. Let’s just say Harper Bay drives a hard bargain.”
“Regina! Oh Zach! Now I have to get you something really special.”
Zach smiled and rubbed his hand over her abdomen. “You already have, darlin’. You already have.”
Epilogue
One year later