Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 117506 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 588(@200wpm)___ 470(@250wpm)___ 392(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 117506 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 588(@200wpm)___ 470(@250wpm)___ 392(@300wpm)
“And he believed you?” she asked in shock.
I rubbed my hands down my arms to take the chill away. “Yes. He easily did. So that makes me think I was the only one who felt anything, once again.”
Timberlynn shook her head. “If you think that man isn’t in love with you, then you are as blind as a bat!”
I frowned. “With all due respect, Timberlynn, you hardly know Dirk or me.”
“I’ve known him for almost eight months. I know how kind and caring he is. And over this last month as you and I have grown closer, I know you’re the same way. Merit, when someone brings your name up around him, Dirk gets this look in his eyes that I’ve never seen before. Kaylee says the same thing about him when he hears your name, and they’re best friends, so she knows him even better than I do.”
She stopped talking and glanced away before looking back at me. “I’m sorry. That’s got to hurt, as well.”
“It’s okay. I know they’re friends, and I’m glad Dirk has her.”
Timberlynn reached for my hand. “Nothing has ever happened between the two of them. Nothing.”
With a simple nod, I pushed off the counter, walked over to my glass of tea, and took a drink. I put it down, then sat on the stool. “Besides our troubled past, Dirk is not the type of guy who’s going to walk away from the life he’s built. He’s like Peter Pan in Neverland when it comes to bull riding. He’s living his dream, and from what I hear, he has no intention of giving up any part of that lifestyle.”
Timberlynn let out a deep breath as her shoulders slumped slightly. “Okay, so he’s not exactly the type of guy one thinks of as a family man.”
Laughing, I agreed. “No, he is not.”
“But when he’s around the kids, you can see what a great father he’d make. And I swear, sometimes I see it in his eyes.”
I frowned. “See what?”
“That longing. That need to have what Brock has.”
With a scoff, I replied, “He’s always wanted what Brock has.”
The words were bitter and angry, and I regretted it the moment I said them. I shook my head and closed my eyes once more. “I’m sorry I said that.”
Timberlynn squeezed my hand again, and I looked at her. “Would you be happier if the test was negative?” she asked.
The idea of having a piece of Dirk that no one else had, at least for the time being, sent a wave of excitement through me. I’d finally have a part of him that was my own. All my own, not to be shared with another woman. But it came at the cost of being a single mother.
“I would never not want a child that was mine. I would, of course, rather it didn’t happen this way. But if it did, I would love the baby enough for both of us.”
She smiled, then placed the tissue with the test wrapped up in it on the island. “I know what it says. When you’re ready, I’m here for you. And Kaylee and Lincoln will also be here for you no matter the outcome.”
I slowly drew in a deep breath and reached for the tissue. I exhaled and pulled the test out. A rush of happiness swept over me, and I covered my mouth as tears streamed down my face.
Timberlynn stood and walked around the island to pull me into her arms. “You’re going to be an amazing mother, Merit.”
I closed my eyes tightly and silently cried in the middle of my kitchen.
“Congratulations,” Timberlynn said as she pushed me back at arm’s length and then smiled. “It’s going to be okay. Dirk is going to be over the moon.”
I felt my eyes widen in horror. “You can’t tell anyone. Not yet. Please.”
Timberlynn nodded. “I won’t betray your trust. I promise.” She winked and squeezed my arms reassuringly. “It’s all going to be okay. You’ll see.”
I wanted desperately to believe her words were true, but something told me nothing was ever going to be the same again.
Timberlynn’s phone rang right then and she smiled as she answered. “Hey, Tanner. No, I’m over at Merit’s house.”
Her smile faded, and she covered her hand with her mouth as she gasped. “What? Is he okay? Oh my God. Have you called my father? Okay, good. We’ll be there as fast as we can.”
My heart dropped down to my stomach. Who was hurt?
Timberlynn ended the call and looked at me. “Dirk’s father had a heart attack and was in an accident. He’s in a coma, and they don’t think he’s going to make it through the night.”
“What?” I cried out.
“Tanner said your mother was the one who found him.”
“What? How? Oh my God!”
Timberlynn rushed through my house with me on her heels. I grabbed my purse and keys.