Reckless Love (Cowboys & Angels 7)

“Let Wade go. You need to sit down and get something to drink,” Corina demanded.

I let them both usher me over to the large group of tables pushed together. I watched as Maebh laid into Eric outside the café. Her finger was jabbing into his chest while Cord was trying to pull her away. I tried calling Trevor a few more times, but each time it went to voicemail.

My eyes closed, and I tried to forget the look of pain on Trevor’s face, but it only became clearer. My heart ached. I knew it must have hurt him to find out like that. It was not how I planned to tell him.

“Why did he do that?” I whispered.

“He was upset and in shock. He’ll be back,” Corina said, taking my hand in hers.

I shook my head. “No. Eric. Why would he tell Trevor I was pregnant?” They exchanged looks and Paxton turned to glare at Eric. The anger was clearly written all over her face.

“Paxton?” I asked, urging in my voice.

When she looked back at me, she took in a deep breath. “He did it on purpose, Scarlett. With the way he acted, putting his arm around you defensively, I’m sure it has people wondering who the father of your baby is. Including Trevor.”

I gasped. “What? It’s Trevor’s baby! I’m only friends with Eric. That’s it!”

Paxton quickly sat down, relief washing over her face. “I thought so, but Scarlett, I had to ask. Eric made it look like he was the father, I think that was part of the reason Trevor reacted the way he did.”

Tears spilled down my cheeks. “I didn’t want him to find out like that. I was going to tell him today. Then everything happened with John, and Trevor had to leave. I swear, I was going to tell him today.”

“Shhh, it’s okay,” Corina said, pulling me against her side. The whole family was now seated around the table. Everyone but Trevor, Wade, Jonathon, Waylnn, and their parents. Maebh had come back in from bitching out Eric. I was hoping she’d left an impact.

My gaze swept over everyone. “This wasn’t how I wanted you all to find out.”

Maebh and Cord smiled gently.

Cord laughed. “I’m pretty sure Maebh just tore Eric a new asshole, if that makes any of this better.”

I groaned as Maebh started talking in Irish.

“Ah, hell, you know she’s pissed when she starts that.” Tripp chuckled.

“Do you mind if I ask when you’re due?” Corina asked.

I chewed on my lip. “Um, well, I wanted to tell Trevor first, but since everyone seems to know I’m pregnant anyway, why not? I’m due May 25.”

Steed, Tripp, and Mitchell looked relieved. They hadn’t heard my conversation with Paxton and Corina, so this was their confirmation that the child I was carrying was indeed Trevor’s.

Harley squealed. “Scarlett, this is going to be so much fun, both of us being pregnant! John and Melanie are going to die!”

I snuck a peek at Amelia. Wade was still gone, probably with Trevor. We exchanged a secret smile.

“Well, now that the drama has settled, what can I get everyone to eat?” Lucy asked, trying to avoid looking at me. I’m sure she was wondering, just like Paxton had been, who the baby daddy was.

“I’m going to go ahead and go home,” I stated.

Everyone’s eyes snapped over to me.

“What? Why?” Paxton asked.

With a half shrug, I replied, “I’m not feeling very well, and to be honest, I need to be alone for a bit.”

Steed stood. “Let me get you home, Scarlett.”

Standing, I shook my head. “No thank you, Steed. It’s a short walk and the air will do me and my stomach some good.”

Everyone took turns giving me a hug goodbye and congratulating me on the baby. I tried to ignore the stares from other people in the café as I walked out. I was both physically and mentally exhausted.

As I set out for my house, I texted Trevor. I was desperate to speak to him. I couldn’t have him thinking that Eric and I had slept together.

Scarlett: Please call me or come back. Please!

The dots started to bounce on the screen, and I held my breath.

Me: I need to know one thing. Is it his baby or mine?

Was he serious?

Scarlett: Please don’t make me tell you over a damn text, Trevor.

Me: I need to know, Scarlett.

I stopped walking and stared at his text. He honestly thought there was a chance the baby wasn’t his? Tears pricked at the back of my eyes as I typed my response.

Scarlett: Then you don’t know me at all, Trevor Parker. The baby is yours. I’m ten weeks pregnant.

Pushing my phone into my pocket, I picked up the pace. My mind raced as I thought about how badly all of this had gone down. The plan had been to tell Trevor about the baby. Tell him I wasn’t expecting anything from him, but that I wanted him to be a part of our baby’s life. Now he was doubting if the baby was even his because of a stupid move Eric made.