Catching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 2)

“And you’re sure I’m the father?” I ask gently.

“I hadn’t been with anyone else but you at that time. The last guy I was with was over six months before we met in Vegas. I knew for a fact it was your baby, but all I had was a stupid nickname because we didn’t share personal details about ourselves. I thought about asking Zoey since I knew she ended up with Riley, but then I started second-guessing myself. I didn’t know how you’d react or if you’d care, and my heart wouldn’t be able to handle it if you wanted me to abort or give up the baby. I also didn’t want to be forced to co-parent with a complete stranger who I knew nothing about. So instead of risking it, I didn’t say anything at all. I guess at the time, being a single mom was easier than the what-ifs of telling you. You living in Texas meant sharing him would be super complicated, not to mention confusing since you’d be in and out of his life, assuming you’d even want to be in it. I know I’m rambling, but I did what I thought was best for Dawson and being shipped between states wasn’t the right thing for a little kid.”

I put myself in her situation and think about how we’d only hooked up that one time and didn’t know each other. I really do get why she’d have concerns about telling me.

“I can understand your situation, Chelsea. It must’ve been hard for you to make that decision, and while I wish you’d told me sooner, I can’t fault you for putting his needs first ”

“I’m not saying what I did is inexcusable, but I’m relieved you know now and can accept why I didn’t reach out. I love Dawson more than anything—more than life itself—and the thought of a stranger taking him from me was terrifying. I didn’t want to be something you had to deal with.”

Nodding, I take a sip of my coffee, happy it’s cooled some. “I’d never think that, but there was no way of you knowing that. It takes two to tango, but I’d never take him from you. If anything, at least, Dawson deserves financial support. Laurel said you’re strugglin’ to make ends meet.”

She groans and shakes her head. “And I hate that she told you that too. The last thing that I’d ever do is come to you for money.”

“I know, but if he’s mine—”

“You doubt he is?” She pops a brow. “He’s your mini twin, down to your cocky attitude too.” She chuckles, and I laugh with her, remembering I was quite arrogant the night we met.

“I’d still like to get a paternity test done so there’s no doubt in either of our minds. That way it’s a fact, and he can legally get my support and benefits..”

“Alright, then what?” she asks calmly.

“Then I’ll help support Dawson and find a way to see him more. If he’s my son, I’d love to form a relationship with him. It won’t be easy being in two different states, but we’ll come up with some sort of arrangement, even if we have to wing it. I can fly here, and you can fly there. We’ll take turns.”

She immediately starts shaking her head. “I can’t afford that, Diesel.”

“I’ll take care of it.” I smile genuinely. “Seems like we’re both in a predicament. You don’t want to leave here, and I can’t leave my home either. So we’ll have to make do the best we can.”

A long breath escapes her. “Okay.”

“My return flight is in two days. If we can get the test done before I leave, then we can move forward together and figure out the details of what to do next.”

She nods, and I feel good we’ve found common ground, regardless if it’s still shaky. We don’t make small talk, but instead, I finish my coffee and then stand to leave. I thank her for the hospitality, and we exchange contact information. After her number is saved in my phone, I tell her I’ll look into a testing facility and send all the details as soon as I have them.

“I’m staying in a hotel down the road, so I’m not far if you need anything…” I say when she walks me to the door.

“Thanks.”

Turning, I smile at Dawson who’s happily bouncing around the living room to the music playing on the TV. “Bye, Dawson. See you soon!” I wave, and my heart melts a little when he waves in return.

The next two days fly by. We go to the lab for the blood tests, have lunch and dinner, and try to get to know each other between all the craziness. My thoughts are all over the place, and I can’t seem to focus past the fact that in a week I’ll find out for sure if Dawson’s my kid or not. Though a part of me is hoping he is because after spending time with him, I’m already wondering when I’ll get to see him again.