Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
There was a huge chair in the corner, with a small table and lamp beside it. I pictured myself sitting there with a blanket and a book. It looked so comfortable. On the other side of the room stood a massive bookcase, with glass shelves above and drawers below. Family pictures were on most of the shelves, along with a few other things that looked like little trophies.
Caden turned and saw me standing in the doorway. I raised my hand and mouthed goodbye.
“Gatlin, I need to call you back. Yeah, bye.” He hung up and set his cell on the desk.
“That’s one beautiful view you’ve got there.”
Caden glanced over his shoulder before focusing back on me. “It is, but there’s something about being out there, seeing it from the back of a horse. Sitting here at a desk can’t compete.”
I nodded. “I didn’t mean for you to get off the phone. I was just letting you know I’m heading home.”
He made his way toward me. “We haven’t talked about when to move you in.”
Looking everywhere but at him, I said, “We’ve got time.”
He placed his finger on my chin and lifted it so our eyes met. “Is everything okay?”
I closed my eyes, and after a few moments, I nodded. Looking at him, I smiled and shrugged. “It’s just going to be…”
Drawing me into his arms, he rested his chin on my head. “I know. The attraction is there for me as well. But I swear to you, Lili, I’ll respect your wishes.”
I squeezed my eyes shut to keep from crying. Why couldn’t Caden even try to open up his heart? Of course, now things were so complicated. I didn’t want him to want me because of the baby. I wanted him to be with me because that’s what he truly wanted. And even if that was a possibility—which it wasn’t—how would I know the difference?
Damn you, Rachel…whatever your stupid last name is. Damn you.
Caden
Week 10
I lifted my head at the sound of a knock and smiled when I saw Levi, my best friend, now brother-in-law, standing at the door to my ranch office. “What are you doing here?” I asked, as I made my way around the desk.
We shook hands, and Levi grinned at me like he was on cloud nine.
“Dude, can you wipe the smile off your face? It’s creepy.”
He laughed, took off his cowboy hat, and followed me into the office. I sat back at my desk, and he took one of the chairs on the other side.
Levi was practically bouncing in the seat. “I’m not supposed to say anything, but I can’t keep it a secret.”
“Did you already hear back from the courts about the adoption?” I guessed.
“Oh! Yeah, we did. Since there are no other living relatives, they don’t think it will take as long as it typically does. We’re hoping to have the kids legally adopted by the end of the year.”
“The end of the year? Wow.”
“But hopefully a lot sooner. Tim, our lawyer, thinks it’ll actually be six months, tops.”
“That’s not too bad. I take it that’s not what you’re wanting to tell me, though.”
He smiled. “Nope. Emeline is pregnant!”
I blinked a few times before leaning back in my chair. “Wow. I mean, congratulations!”
We both stood, and I made my way to him, giving him a quick hug and slap on the back. “When’s she due?”
“August thirtieth.”
I couldn’t help the smirk that took over my face. “She’s nine weeks pregnant?”
His brows shot up. “How the hell did you know that? I can’t figure out these dates to save my life.”
Sitting on the edge of my desk, I said, “Because Lilibeth is pregnant…and due August twenty-third. She’s ten weeks pregnant. Both of our parents, Gatlin, and Ensley all know. We were going to tell you guys and the rest of the family tonight at dinner.”
Levi slowly sat down in the chair again. A stunned expression on his face. “It’s your baby?”
“It is.”
“When did you find out?”
“A couple of weeks ago.”
“And you’re okay? You don’t seem upset by it.”
I frowned. “How can I be upset about a baby, Levi?”
He shrugged. “It’s just…I know you’ve always wanted to have a family, and…” Giving me a look, he asked, “Are you and Lilibeth…together? As in, a couple?”
“No. And I know this isn’t how I pictured starting a family, but this is how it happened. Lilibeth has agreed to move in with me, and we’ll co-parent.”
Levi leaned forward. “She’s moving in with you, but you’re not together. Do you think that’s a good idea, Caden?”
Irritated now, I asked, “Why wouldn’t it be?”
He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. “Listen, you’re my best friend, so I’m going to speak frankly. You like her, Caden. You’ve also said you don’t see yourself ever getting into another relationship, but anyone with eyes can see that you like her. And I’m pretty doggone sure she likes you. You don’t see this as a problem, trying to live together platonically?”