26. Tripp
Chapter 26
Tripp
Two weeks after our return to Rust Canyon, we got a call from the family lawyer we’d hired on Bex’s recommendation, informing us that the paternity test results were in. Because Jake had gotten the court order, they would be reviewed by a judge first. Then, they would be read aloud to both parties with our lawyers present.
Though the chances of the baby Penny carried being Jake’s were slim, we weren’t foolish enough to claim victory until the DNA test proved that I was the father in black and white.
Her grip on my hand was tight enough to cut off my circulation as we walked into the judge’s chambers, and I felt her stiffen at my side when Jake came into view. Immediately, I ushered her to the other side of the room, eased her into a chair, and positioned myself to stand at her side, effectively blocking him from her vision.
The door to the office clicked shut, and the judge cleared his throat before he began to speak.
“Thank you for coming in today. I’ll try to make this as quick as possible so that all parties involved can move on with their lives. ”
Direct and to the point. I could appreciate that. Especially when drawing this out would only cause my pregnant wife more anxiety, when we’d spent weeks working on keeping her stress levels low.
It was the unknown that was killing us. Once we had results, we could make a game plan—one way or the other.
“It is my duty to report that the testing showed there is no DNA match between the plaintiff, Jacob Waller, and the unborn child of the defendant, Penny Sullivan.”
The rush of relief hit me so hard that my knees gave out, and I groped blindly for the back of Penny’s chair to keep from collapsing.
This nightmare was finally over.
“I hereby consider this case closed. You’re all dismissed.”
Penny’s silent sobs had me pulling her trembling form into my arms. Her tiny belly brushed my hip, and I pulled back enough to look between us, my hand falling to that bump beneath her skirt.
“Ours,” I breathed. “Yours and mine.”
Tears streaked down my wife’s beautiful face as she placed her hand carefully atop mine, the pair of them resting over the baby we’d created together.
“Let’s get out of here,” I urged. “I think this news deserves celebratory milkshakes at Canyon Comforts, don’t you think?”
The tiniest smile played on her lips. “Can I have your cherry?”
I laughed for the first time in weeks, quickly picking up on her double meaning. “Lucky, you already know the answer to that.”
With her free hand, she wiped away the wetness from her face. “Just checking.”
Nothing else existed as I ushered my girl out of the room. We made it halfway down the hallway before a voice I never wanted to hear again in this lifetime called out. “Penny, I—”
Lightning quick, I spun around, tucking Penny behind me before gritting out, “You don’t fucking talk to her. Not after what you’ve done.”
Jake stepped back at hearing my murderous tone, bringing both hands up in surrender. But instead of walking away, he kept speaking. “Put yourself in my shoes. Surely, you can understand that I needed to know.”
“Even so, you could have waited. What difference would it have made if you found out now versus after the birth? You should be glad this isn’t your kid because the stress of all this bullshit sent her to the hospital. You put my baby’s life at risk.”
The man had the good sense to visibly pale. “I-I didn’t think—”
I scoffed. “’Course you didn’t. Not about anyone other than yourself, that’s for sure.” My free fist clenched at my side. “Do us all a favor and see yourself out of Rust Canyon. I’m sure you’ll find the community less than friendly after you fucked with one of their own.”
Jake audibly swallowed before nodding. “Yeah.” Peeking around my broad frame, he muttered, “I’m really sorry, Penny. For everything.”
Penny pressed her forehead into my back, hiding from him.
I jerked my chin down the hallway. “I think you’d better go.”
Hanging his head, Jake continued his trek toward the exit. Once he was out of sight, I let out a heavy breath before bringing Penny around to my front.
My hands cradled her face, and I searched her beautiful green eyes. “You okay?”
Tears still clung to her lashes, and when she blinked, a few of them broke free. “I am now.”
“We’re done looking back. From here on out, we only focus on the future, all right?”
My best friend, who I was so damn lucky to now call my wife, beamed up at me. “I can get on board with that, Mr. Sullivan.”
I loved this woman so much that my heart threatened to explode. When our baby got here, I knew it would absolutely ruin me. In the best way possible.
With my arm curled around her waist, I led her from the courthouse.
“We got married and got pregnant at the speed of light. What do you say we slow down for a bit after all this?”
When she remained silent for too long, I dared to peek down at Penny, who had an all-too-familiar sparkle in her eyes.
“Aw, come on, Tripp,” she teased. “Nothing gets my blood pumping like the thrill rides. Don’t you remember I fell asleep that one time you forced me to ride the carousel at the fair? Fast is way more fun.”
My head dropped back on a chuckle. I should’ve known better than to even ask.
Fast or slow, I didn’t care. Just so long as Penny—and our growing little family—was at the center of it all.