Reckless Love (Cowboys & Angels 7)

“My insurance will cover a good portion of it and Trevor’s already said he’ll pay for what isn’t covered.”

John smiled for the first time. It hit me that since they had found out about the baby, not one of them had congratulated us. Feeling sick to my stomach, I pressed my lips together and quickly stood.

“If you’ll excuse me.”

Trevor was right behind me as I rushed out of the family room and down the hall. I wasn’t even sure where I was going. When I got to the end of a hall, I stopped and wrapped my arms around myself, letting the tears I’d been holding back finally fall.

Warm arms engulfed me, holding me while I let it all out.

“Shhh, it’s okay, baby.”

Shaking my head, I turned to Trevor. “They didn’t even congratulate us! This wasn’t how I pictured this, Trevor. Not at all. I feel like I’ve been robbed of so much already. I didn’t get to tell you the way I wanted to, our parents are mad at us for being reckless and irresponsible and although they are being cordial, they totally expect us to be married before next May. I just want to feel happy about this. I’m tired of crying! I’m tired of being sad. I want this baby, and I can’t even feel happy about it.”

Trevor pulled me to him, letting me bury my face in his chest.

“I swear I’ll make it up to you, baby. I swear.”

He couldn’t make it up to me though. Those moments would never come back. The happy tears, the room filled with laughter and joy. I would never get them for this baby and that nearly shattered my already broken heart.

Trevor used his finger to lift my chin, so I was looking up at him.

“Let’s me and you go out tonight and celebrate.”

I smiled and wiped my tears away. “Really?”

The way he smiled back left me breathless. I knew this man cared deeply for me. I’d heard him whisper in the darkness that he loved me. Why couldn’t I let my heart believe he’d be happy with me and our baby?

Why?

Trevor pulled out his phone and sent off a text message as I wiped my tears away.

“Yes, really. We’re having a baby, and not only could I use a hard drink, I want to do this over again. Tonight you’re going to tell me I’m going to be a father. This is our do-over.”

I smiled, feeling a lightness in my body I hadn’t felt in weeks. Trevor looked at his phone again when a message came through. Maybe he was already making plans for our dinner. I felt giddy for the first time in a long time.

After pushing his phone in his pocket, Trevor slipped his fingers between mine. I didn’t have the strength to pull away, and I didn’t want to. I needed him right now, and I was going to be selfish and take what I could.

“Thank you, Trevor.”

He winked and tugged me gently.

“Let’s go tell our folks we’re leaving.”

I let Trevor lead the way back to the family room. When we walked in, my mother and Melanie both stood up.

“Scarlett and I are leaving. Y’all may not want to celebrate this news, but we definitely do.”

Melanie’s hand covered her mouth and John did his best to stand. My father was standing in front of me before I even knew he had moved.

“Scarlett, you don’t believe that we’re happy?”

“You all certainly don’t seem like it. This wasn’t the reaction I’d hoped for when I told you about the baby.”

“Darling, we were shocked. That’s all,” my mother said, pulling me to her and wrapping me in her arms.

I watched as Melanie hugged Trevor and John did the same. Trevor was careful not to hurt his dad with his broken ribs.

“Why don’t we all go out and celebrate!” Melanie said. “John, are you feeling up to it?”

“Hell yes, I am. There’s another grandbaby coming, so let the party begin!”

Trevor leaned down and kissed his mother’s cheek. I couldn’t hear him, but I saw him say thank you. Trevor must have sent her the message in the hallway. The way our parents did a one-eighty was nothing short of a miracle. I made a note to ask him what he had done to make this happen.

A small piece of my heart felt like it was mending.

“Let me take Scarlett home so she can change and then we’ll meet…where?” Trevor asked.

“How about Lane’s Grill? Waylynn knows the owner and said the food is amazing,” Melanie said with excitement.

Trevor winked at her. “Make it happen.”

After kissing and hugging everyone, Trevor and I made our way out of the house and back to his truck. We drove in silence most of the way back into town. I could tell Trevor was thinking, and I didn’t want to interrupt whatever he was working through in his mind. When he finally spoke, I jumped.