Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 35240 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 176(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35240 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 176(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
“They would have hated me, wouldn’t they?”
Tillie laughed. “I think at first, they would have thought I was crazy. Choosing you, and us, well, you know, together. But I also think they would have liked you as well.” She held onto his hand. “Mom, Dad, if you were here today, I know you would have a lot to say. Here is Jaxson Riggs, and I know you’re both probably upset.”
“How about I take it from here?” Jaxson asked.
Tillie nodded.
“Mr. and Mrs. Short, I know I probably wouldn’t be your first choice for Tillie. Possibly not even your tenth choice. I’ve not made all the right choices, but I promise you, this is the best choice I have ever made. I will take care of your daughter. Always.”
He looked over to Tillie and saw the tears glistening in her eyes. “They’re happy tears, I promise.”
She started to laugh and moved right into his arms.
****
Several Weeks Later
Tillie was not in the mood to film. She had woken up, had been sick, and was still not feeling her best. She felt so tired, and just a few pieces of toast seemed to suffice, but it hadn’t settled her stomach.
Jaxson was back to work on Cruz’s ranch. In between other emergency calls, like keeping his promise to Carl and dealing with the school, as well as several local businesses, he’d been so busy.
She had a lot of filming to get done. She’d been in her sewing room several times over the past several weeks and made so many garments. She needed to get them documented and reviewed. Right now, she just didn’t have the energy. Turning off the camera, as she hadn’t done anything with her makeup, she felt terrible, and it was time to leave the house.
Belle was already waiting at the front door. Her dog knew her better than she knew herself. She was not going to walk today, as the weather had taken a slight turn over the past couple of weeks and was quite cold compared to previous weeks.
She secured her dog into the back seat, rounded to the driver’s side and slid her seat belt on, then pulled out of her driveway, going to the one place that would make her feel happy.
Arriving at Kate’s Fabric Shop, she saw there were not a lot of cars in the main parking lot, and she was a little thankful for that. She climbed out of the car, made her way inside the fabric shop, and was grateful to feel it was warm.
“Tillie, I was not expecting to see you back so soon,” Kate said, coming around the counter. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. I think there is a stomach bug going around or something.”
Kate frowned. “Not that I’ve heard. Is Jaxson ill as well?”
“No, he’s not ill at all. He’s just busy. He has lots to do.”
Kate moved toward her and put a hand on her forehead. “You’re not feverish.”
“I’m not?”
Kate grabbed her hands. “Nor cold to the touch.” Kate looked around and then leaned in close. “Do you think, by any chance, you might be pregnant?”
Tillie jolted back a little, shocked that she would ask her that, but at the same time, it also made a lot of sense. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought about this sooner. What kind of fool was she?
“Is there a chance?” Kate winced. “Your eyes have gone wide, does that mean there is a chance?”
“I don’t know,” Tillie said. “I mean, there is a chance.” She hated how stupid she sounded.
There were a couple of women in the shop and Tillie winced. “I can’t go to the pharmacy and get a test. If I do that ... everyone will know.”
“Crap, you’re right. Jaxson would hear the news even before you had taken the damn test. You know what, I’ll go.”
“But ... the rumors?” Tillie asked.
“What rumors? People won’t have a clue as to why I’m taking the test in the first place. They’ll be shocked because I’m not seen with anyone. Trust me, this is the only way.”
She wanted to argue, but at the same time, if she did go, everyone was going to know she might be pregnant with Jaxson’s baby. This was terrible and amazing all at the same time.
Kate reached behind the counter and grabbed her bag. “Watch the store. I’ll be as quick as I can.”
Tillie wanted to stop her because she knew the town would start to talk about Kate. However, her friend was quite fast on her feet, and within a few seconds, she was gone.
What if she was pregnant? She couldn’t believe Kate had figured it out before her, if she was indeed pregnant. What if she wasn’t? She’d have to go and see her doctor. Otherwise, Tillie didn’t have a clue what could be wrong.
The few ladies that were in the shop made some purchases, then were on their way. Even as Tillie was terrified about what a pregnancy test could mean, she was also a little excited. She had no clue what Jaxson would think. Her nerves started to get the better of her. What if he freaked out? What if this was all just a little bit of fun for him?