Chapter Eight
Eight
“You’re doing what?”
Vic’s voice boomed through the cell speaker and echoed in the boutique as Morgan continued to scroll through the new maternity line she’d been considering. She knew her older brother would be shocked at this news, but she couldn’t exactly keep it from him.
“You heard me,” she told him. “I’m moving in with Ryan.”
“I get that, but what the hell for?”
Yeah, that was part of the story she really didn’t want to share, but yet another aspect of her life she couldn’t exactly hide for much longer.
“Well, that’s something I’d like to discuss in person. Do you have time to run by the store? I don’t open for another thirty minutes.”
“Why do I have a feeling I’m not going to like this?” Vic asked.
Morgan clicked on an adorable A-line dress with pockets. “I don’t know if you’ll like it or not, but I’d rather not get into my personal affairs over the phone.”
“I’m on my way.”
He disconnected the call and Morgan went to unlock the front door.
Vic was just down the street getting some supplies for the Grandin ranch when he called and Morgan had dropped the bomb.
She didn’t want him to hear about her living situation or pregnancy from anyone else and this would be news that would blast through town faster than a wildfire.
And as far as the baby news, she had to tell him. Out of all of her siblings, she had always been closest to Vic and she knew he would support her and be there for her no matter what. Besides, Chelsea already knew so this would only be fair.
Moments later, the chime on her door echoed and she glanced up to see her brother striding in. He adjusted his Stetson and made his way toward her desk.
“Spill it,” he demanded. “What’s going on with you and Ryan?”
“Well, good to see you, too.” Morgan came to her feet and crossed to give him a kiss on the cheek. “Would you like to get some Christmas shopping done for your fiancée? I know exactly what Aubrey would love.”
Vic propped his hands on his hips and glared at her. “Stop stalling and tell me what’s going on.”
She was stalling and he was about one more breath away from steam shooting out of his ears. Morgan clasped her hands in front of her and pulled in a deep breath.
“I’m pregnant.”
Vic continued to stare and silence enveloped them. She waited for him to say something, anything, but he seriously just stared.
“You’re joking,” he finally stated.
Morgan snorted. “Is that really something I’d joke about?”
Vic shook his head and muttered something beneath his breath.
“What?” she asked. “Just say it.”
“I can’t believe you and Ryan are having a baby,” Vic exclaimed. “When I... I never expected... I mean, you two were pretty into each other at the Masquerade Ball, but this is...” Vic seemed completely flustered.
“Yeah, that’s pretty much how I felt, too. He wants me to marry him, but that’s taking things a bit far. So we’re trying to live together, basically to prove each other wrong.”
Vic reached out and took her hands in his. “This is moving rather fast, don’t you think?”
Morgan nodded. “Extremely, and that’s why I’m not marrying him. We need to figure out the best course of action for the baby. But Vic, please don’t say a word. We’re not ready to tell people yet.”
Her brother gave her hands a reassuring squeeze. “I won’t say a word.”
Morgan let out a sigh of relief and closed her eyes. “Thank you.”
Vic pulled her into a tight embrace and she realized that was all she needed. Some comfort from her big brother. Just that simple gesture eased some of her worries. No matter what her future held, she knew Vic would always be there for her.
When she eased back, she couldn’t help but laugh. “You know, this is partly your fault.”
Vic cocked his head and adjusted his hat. “And how do you figure that?”
“Oh, I overheard you and Jayden talking about Ryan. I believe your exact words were, ‘It’s obvious he’s into her.’”
Vic’s smile reminded her of when they were younger and he’d get into mischief and then try to lie his way out of it.
“Well, maybe we embellished just a bit,” Vic defended himself. “And none of this is on me. If you were eavesdropping, then that’s totally on you.”
“So you’re saying you tricked me?” she scolded. “Are you serious right now?”
“What? We knew you were listening.” He shrugged as if that conversation didn’t change her life. “Everything will work out. You’ll see.”
Morgan tucked her hair behind her ears and moved behind her desk to take a seat. She couldn’t go back in time and change anything, and being angry or irritated with Vic wouldn’t get her anywhere, either. She had bigger issues and worries than her meddling brother.
“I know you share everything with Aubrey,” she began. “But I’d appreciate it if you didn’t say anything about the baby. We’ll tell everyone, we just need some time. We’re still processing and trying to figure out what we’re doing.”
Vic nodded. “Understandable, but when she finds out that I knew and didn’t share, she’ll be upset.”
Morgan offered a smile. “Well, I’m sure she’ll get over it and you deserve nothing less for planting that idea in my head. Besides, she’ll forgive you and slide into the role of auntie very well.”
Vic groaned. “Damn it, I didn’t even think of the hit my credit card will take.”
“Your credit card can handle it.” Morgan crossed her legs and rested her arm on the desk. “I really appreciate you stopping in. I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t know how or when. Then you called and the opportunity presented itself.”
“I’m glad you told me. Just make sure you’re doing what is best for you and the next little Grandin. No matter what Ryan wants, you have to look out for you first.”
Morgan nodded in agreement. She knew at the end of the day, she would have to do what was best for her and her baby.
“I need to get going,” he told her. “You promise you’ll let me know if you need anything at all? No matter the time or anything. I’m here for you. Got it?”
Tears pricked her eyes as Morgan came to her feet and hugged him once again.
“Well, don’t cry.” He chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her once again.
“Damn pregnancy hormones,” she muttered as she eased back. “Thanks for keeping my secret.”
He tipped his hat and turned on his booted heel and left her boutique. Morgan patted her damp cheeks and went to the closest mirror to see if she looked a mess. She was a hideous crier. Red nose, red-rimmed eyes, splotchy skin. Must be her pale complexion that betrayed her when she showed emotion.
Morgan figured she was okay as she adjusted her long red hair over one shoulder.
She did feel better now that Chelsea and Vic knew the truth.
Next up was Layla, then Mom, Dad and Grandma.
Luckily, Layla was busy with her new husband, and her parents and grandmother were visiting friends for the weekend.
She wouldn’t have to tell them for several more days.
First things first. She planned on taking a few of her things to Ryan’s house later. He was meeting her at her family ranch after she closed so he could help her gather whatever she wanted to bring.
For the next month, she was going to play house with Ryan Carter and she only assumed they’d be sharing a bed. His bed.
“Looks like you’re staying longer than a month.”
Ryan stared at the suitcases and totes they had hauled over from her parents’ house where she still lived.
He would have offered for a few of his employees go gather her things and move her in, but he wanted to be discreet for Morgan’s sake.
He hadn’t told a soul about their situation and until they discussed things further, he wanted to respect her privacy.
“No, this is it for a month,” she informed him. “I have a lot of clothes, shoes and accessories. Plus there’s the party at the TCC for Christmas and Chelsea’s wedding. It looks like I packed my entire closet, but I swear I only brought necessities.”
Five suitcases and four totes were necessary?
“Don’t you own a store you could grab clothes from whenever you want?” he asked, turning to focus on her.
Morgan rolled her eyes. “I sell what I have to my loyal customers, that’s the whole point. Of course I keep pieces, but I can’t exactly go in every day and grab something new. That’s not how a successful business is run. I would think you’d understand profit margin.”
She glanced toward the wide staircase leading to the second floor and then glanced down to all of her belongings.
“Which room is yours?” she asked. “I assume upstairs.”
“My room is upstairs,” he confirmed as he took a step toward her. He lifted her chin and turned her to face him. “But you’ll be in the room across the hall from me.”
Morgan jerked back, her brows drew in, and she blinked. “Excuse me? We’re not sharing a room? I thought that was the whole point of me moving in here.”
Ryan framed her face with his hands and held her in place. He wanted to be very clear and didn’t want there to be any confusion.
“You’re here because I want you to see how we could be as a family. But we shouldn’t sleep together, Morgan. We’ve done everything backwards, and for the sake of our child, we need to see if we can live together.”
Morgan continued to stare at him and he knew his statement had taken her by surprise. Honestly, his stance shocked him, too, but this would be best in the long run.
Damn if it wouldn’t be difficult being so close to her and not being intimate.
“You’re serious.”
Ryan nodded. “The room is all ready for you and you have your own bath with a large soaker tub. I figured that room would be best so you can relax after working all day on your feet.”
Morgan stared another minute before she took a step back. She didn’t say another word as she went to one of her suitcases and extended the handle.
“I’ll get these,” he told her. “You shouldn’t be lifting anything.”
She completely ignored him and started for the steps. “I’m more than capable of taking the lighter ones.”
“Then you can wheel them to the elevator.” He gestured toward the hallway. “But I really can get everything if you want to go on up and check out your room.”
“First thing you need to learn about me is that I don’t sit by and watch other people do the work.”
She wheeled the suitcase down the hall, then glanced around, and back to him.
“I have no clue where I’m going,” she admitted.
“That would have been a more dramatic exit if you had.” Ryan lifted two of the totes. “Follow me.”
Making his way down the hall, he led Morgan to the elevator. Once they were upstairs, he started showing her around her room, hoping she’d get distracted enough that he could go back and get the rest of the load.
“This bathroom is even bigger than mine and I didn’t think that was possible.” She trailed her fingertips along the edge of the marble counters. “Oh, my. Now, this vanity really makes me have some envy.”
She pulled the faux fur stool out and took a seat. She stared at her reflection in the mirror and then noticed the bouquet of fresh cyclamens.
“Did you have these brought in for me?” she asked, catching his reflection in the mirror as he stood behind her.
“I wanted you to feel like this room was for you,” he admitted.
He wasn’t about to tell her he’d had the stool delivered and the bedding completely changed out, and added a new white chaise so she could relax at the end of the day.
“The cabinet is stocked with towels and bubble bath. There’s a variety because I didn’t know what scent you’d like or if you were allergic to anything.”
Morgan came to her feet and turned, but rested against the vanity. With her hands by her hips, fingertips curled around the edge of the counter, she tipped her head and looked both adorable and sexy. He had to take a mental step back and focus.
Yes, they were alone, but they also had to take charge of this situation and not allow their hormones to control them.
“You’re seriously going to tell me that this big tub is all for me?” she asked, a corner of her mouth tipping up in a naughty grin. “That this big bed will only be for me and you’ll stay across the hall in your bed? Am I understanding this correctly?”
Ryan nodded. “For this month that you agreed to, yes. If you want to stay after that and marry me, I’ll have your stuff moved to my room so fast.”
“You won’t last a month with me under your roof with nobody and nothing around to stop us.”
Why did that sound like a challenge?
And why did she sound like she was going to seduce him?
Damn. Maybe he underestimated his willpower around this sexy vixen. That look in her eye said she was hell-bent on proving him wrong.
Game on.