Chapter 13
You Did What Now?
My days in the fields start at sunrise and end well after sunset, with barely enough hours to get everything done.
I’ve been told I have tunnel vision when it comes to the ranch.
In my defense, running a large operation leaves little room for error, and I can’t afford delays that will set us behind schedule.
However, today my focus was completely shot. I left for work after breakfast, but my thoughts kept circling back to Charlie.
My wife.
I scheduled a doctor’s appointment for her, and the earliest they could get us in was late next week. They assured me that Charlie should be fine waiting that long for her first ultrasound, especially since she hasn’t experienced any cramping or spotting.
I kept refreshing her CGM app today, checking to make sure her blood sugar levels stayed steady. She had a small dip this afternoon, but it was quickly corrected, so I held off on checking in with her about it.
Finding her slumped over the counter this morning had shaken me more than I expected. She’s lived with diabetes for years without me, so I’d never try to tell her how to manage it. I just want to make things easier for her without overstepping.
By three, I gave up pretending I could focus and left work early. Technically, it’s our honeymoon, so it felt justified. Besides, there was no way I was letting Charlie visit her grandma alone, not after I promised I’d go with her.
We’re walking into Meadowbrook two hours later when she catches my arm, stopping me near the entrance. “You sure about this? You can still get in your truck and drive away. I can take the taxi home when I’m finished.”
There’s no way Earl is driving her anywhere when she’s carrying precious cargo.
“Your grandma might be intimidating, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.” I deal with ornery cattle daily, so a disgruntled family member should be a breeze. Right?
“You say that now, but you’ve never seen her and Florence in action. They’re like bloodhounds when they catch wind of something remotely interesting, especially when I’m involved.”
I reach out to squeeze her hand. “Charlie. It’s going to be fine. I promise. We’re going to go inside and share the big news that we’re expecting. They’ll be too excited about the baby to be upset that we didn’t tell them sooner and got married in secret.”
“And conveniently forgot to mention it?” she asks dryly. “I’m sure they’ll let that minor detail slide.”
I chuckle softly. “They’ll be so busy planning quilts and discussing baby names that they won’t have a spare second to be upset.”
That’s the hope, anyway. I wouldn’t underestimate women with a grievance, though.
I’ve had enough experience with Ma and Briar to know better.
On the bright side, Charlie’s grandma and Florence will most likely aim any anger or frustration at me.
I’m more than willing to take the hit if it keeps Charlie out of the crosshairs.
I’m just glad she wanted me to come with her.
It means she’s not shutting me out anymore, and that’s progress.
She exhales, the tension easing from her shoulders. “I hope you’re right.”
I let out a low whistle. “That’s probably the closest to a compliment I’ve gotten from you.”
She shakes her head, amusement shining in her eyes. “Don’t get used to it. It’s only because we have to put on a united front.”
The corner of my mouth quirks up. “If you say so.”
Charlie drops her hand from my arm and readjusts the purse on her shoulder. “I think I’m ready now. Let’s do this.”
“Lead the way, hellcat.” I wink, holding the door open as I follow her inside.
Several residents mill about the lobby, but I don’t see Charlie’s grandmother.
We’ve never spoken, but I’ve seen her around town enough to recognize her in a crowd. She has a well-earned reputation for being fiercely protective of Charlie, so I’m not looking forward to an interrogation about my intentions.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in. There goes my peaceful afternoon,” a woman hollers in our direction.
She’s perched in an oversized armchair, wearing enough jewelry to rival a department store display. As we approach, I realize it’s Florence.
“Hey, old bat. Glad to see I’m still your favorite form of entertainment,” Charlie calls across the lobby.
“I’ve been waiting for you to show up all day.” Florence smirks, folding her hands in her lap with the composure of a Mafia boss sizing up his next target.
“Oh, how come?” Charlie asks, her voice going up an octave.
“You’re not the only one I swap tea with, deary.
Barbara’s granddaughter, MaryAnn, brings me trinkets from her Paris work trips.
” One look at the gleam in her eyes, and it’s obvious Florence has a weakness for expensive things that sparkle.
“Today she had one of those fancy designer bags that rich folks tie scarves around the handle of—the kind you can only get after spending an ungodly amount of money.”
“A Birkin?”
Florence snaps her fingers. “That’s the one.
How come you haven’t gotten me one of those?
The shimmering ostrich leather is to die for.
” If Birdie were here, she’d remind us that an animal did, in fact, die to make it.
“I might be more inclined to share the juicier gossip if you brought better gifts.”
Charlie presses her lips together as she pulls a small robin’s-egg blue box from her purse. “I take it you’re not interested in what’s inside?” she questions, dangling the box in front of Florence.
“Nonsense.” Florence snatches the box and unties the ribbon. “I don’t discriminate against luxury.”
Charlie laughs. “Figured.”
Florence pulls out a delicate silver chain with a small heart-shaped pendant dangling from it.
“A heart tag bracelet,” Florence exclaims as she slides it on. “It’s lovely.
“Better than MaryAnn’s trinkets?” Charlie challenges.
“Without question,” she says, sliding it on her wrist with a grin.
Charlie drops onto the chair’s armrest. “So what’s this gossip you’ve got for me?”
Florence glances around the room, then crooks a finger for Charlie to lean in.
“MaryAnn shared a juicy tidbit from Lasso & Latte about a certain someone getting married to a certain ranch owner.” She pins me with a knowing look.
“I told her she was a fool for believing every rumor, but that rock on your finger and the scowling cowboy standing behind you make me think I’ll have to eat a slice of humble pie and apologize. ”
Charlie drags a hand down her face. “Is that all she said?”
Florence smiles smugly. “If you’re asking whether she mentioned the bun in your oven courtesy of that cowboy of yours, the answer is yes.”
“The name is Heath, ma’am,” I grumble, no longer able to stay silent.
But she already knows that since she’s lived in Bluebell her whole life and is well acquainted with my family.
Florence snaps her head in my direction. “Oh, the cowboy wants to join in, does he? How delightful. I’ve never trusted a man with a beard. Though there was one fellow I met at a bar who put his to good use in the bathroom stall. Shame he robbed me. Probably explains why I prefer women these days.”
“Florence,” Charlie scolds.
She shrugs. “What? If he’s half as good with his tongue as he looks, it explains how you got knocked up by the man you argue with constantly.” My eyes widen as Florence fixes her gaze on me. “Got a better explanation, cowboy?”
“A charming personality and excellent swimmers,” I deadpan.
Charlie buries her head in her hands. “Oh my god. Please make it stop.”
Florence barks out a laugh. “Oh, this is child’s play compared to the interrogation your grandma’s about to unleash on him.”
I swallow hard, seriously considering grabbing Charlie and bolting for the exit.
“How much does she—”
“Charlie Rae Bennett!”
“Oh shit,” Charlie mutters.
Her grandma walks toward us, cane clicking against the wood floor. She may be calling Charlie’s name, but her icy glare is aimed straight at me.
Florence cranes her neck around Charlie. “I told you her boobs looked perkier the last time she was here, Kay, but oh no—you said I was imagining things.”
My jaw nearly drops at how freely she speaks. Then again, at her age, she’s earned the right.
Charlie’s grandma puts a hand on her hip. “If you’d stop putting off that cataract surgery, maybe I would have believed you.”
Curiosity wins out, and I steal a glance at Charlie’s chest. I’ve only seen her naked once, but her boobs do look spectacular in her low-cut graphic tee, the vintage rodeo print with a bucking horse very fitting for the situation.
“Are you checking out my rack?” she demands.
I avert my eyes, ears burning. “Uh…”
We might be married, but I suddenly feel like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
“You can’t blame him, dear,” Florence interjects. “He’s a warm-blooded man. Of course he’s going to appreciate his wife’s tits.” She reaches out and lifts one of Charlie’s breasts in her hand. “Yup. Just as perky as they look.”
Charlie playfully swats Florence’s hand away. “I’m pregnant, not a prized pig. Now can you please stop embarrassing me in front of my—” She cuts herself off.
“Husband,” I finish for her.
She exhales sharply, cheeks flushing a deep pink. “Yes. That.”
Her reaction to my claiming her publicity emboldens me to move closer and drape my arm around her shoulders. She tenses for a moment before relaxing into my side, her hand settling on my chest. I hum in satisfaction, noting how perfectly she fits there.
Kay narrows her eyes at Charlie’s wedding ring. “So the rumors are true? You’re pregnant and married and forgot to mention any of it?” Her voice softens, hurt flashing across her face. “You didn’t even tell me you were seeing someone.”
Charlie drops her gaze, wringing her hands. “I’m sorry, Grams. I never meant to make you feel left out. You’re the most important person in my life. Everything just happened so fast, and I was waiting for the right time.”