What would he say when she told him about the baby?
“Give your dad time,” Calvin said, though that wasn’t what worried her now. “Let’s go ahead and find a place to live. I think leaving that house where you grew up will be the best decision. You weren’t happy with the rental we saw, but there’ll be another.”
“I do like that little house and the yard,” she said just as someone called her name.
Becca froze. She should have expected this. Everyone in town had come for the rodeo today. It seemed only natural that Jenna Smith would be among them. She lived here at the McMann ranch. Becca turned, a lump in her throat.
Jenna stood there with Hadley, holding hands. “I just had to tell you, Becca. After I saw you last time following your doctor’s appointment,” she said, “I sorted through Luke’s and Grace’s things from when they were smaller—newborn outfits and toys, and their bassinet is still in Clara’s attic.” The words had tumbled out of her.
“Jenna—”
Her face glowed. “We can go over the legal stuff later, and we’ll certainly cover all charges for prenatal care, delivery. When you’re ready to go home, we’ll make the exchange as easy as possible for you. We’re so happy you decided to let us have your baby.”
Her pretty speech, like the one she’d given on the street before, went through Becca like an arrow. But she and Jenna weren’t alone now. Calvin was here, staring at her too. He’d heard every word.
Jenna’s excitement had blinded her to anyone else, and she seemed to notice Calvin for the first time. She tightened her grasp on Hadley’s hand. “Calvin. I knew you had come back, but I didn’t realize you were in this picture again.”
“Well, I am,” he said, searching Becca’s face with an expression that practically shouted, What’s going on? What have you done?
Hadley was frowning too, as if he knew Becca was about to destroy their hopes.
She wouldn’t have Elizabeth’s counsel now. Becca had to handle this herself.
She swallowed. “I know I promised, Jenna. I wasn’t lying then...”
“Please.” Jenna darted a look at Clara McMann, who was hurrying across the yard, her skirts flying as she tried to catch the twins before they reached the open gate to the arena, where the last of the prizes were being handed out. “Please don’t.”
The bleachers had started to empty as some of the townsfolk headed toward the food tables, and the scents of barbecue and hot dogs permeated the air. The growing look of confusion, then sorrow on Jenna’s face demanded an explanation. And still, Becca remained motionless, not hearing the final announcements from the arena, the applause—Dusty Malone had come forward in his wheelchair to receive the donation check for him and his family—or seeing the cloudless blue sky.
But she had to think of Calvin. He and Becca were their baby’s parents. She wanted more than anything for them to be a family.
“I’m so sorry, Jenna, Hadley. But Calvin and I are going to keep our baby.”
DALLAS STRODE ACROSS the ranch yard in search of Lizzie, his progress hampered by people who offered congratulations for his win. Even the guys he’d competed against on the circuit seemed happy for him. “Glad you’re back, Dallas.” For those few seconds in the ring, he’d proven he was still on his game, and leftover adrenaline coursed through his veins. With another feeling he couldn’t quite name. He could go back to the circuit now, and one of his first calls would be to Ace. His problem was what to say to Lizzie. What to do about them.
Lost in thought, he almost walked right past his brother. They hadn’t exchanged an unnecessary word since he’d learned about Lizzie’s pregnancy. Since Serenity, they’d been keeping out of each other’s way. Hadley put a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, that was some ride.”
“Thanks. You didn’t do so bad yourself.”
Hadley scanned the area, obviously distracted. “I need to find Jenna. We’ve just had a nasty blow and she headed for the food tents, probably to have a good cry.” He told Dallas about the baby—Becca’s child—they’d hoped to adopt.
“I’m sorry, man.” Dallas didn’t know what else to say.
Hadley rubbed his neck. “Yeah, well, Becca’s choice. We’ll be all right. Now that I see Jenna’s point about a brother or sister for the twins, we’ll work something out.” He eyed Dallas for a moment. “You off to the road again? Or is there some way I can get you to stay here?”
“I’m not sure what to do yet.” It wasn’t the first time Hadley had asked, but those surprising words of acceptance from his brother gave Dallas courage. He’d hated feeling estranged again. “Look. I’m sorry I disappointed you, but I want you to know I’m going to do what’s right by Lizzie.”
“Okay,” Hadley said, taking another look around. “I figured you would. I need to apologize for telling you about her pregnancy. That was a rough way to find out and a mistake on my part.”
Dallas stared at him for a moment, trying to find the other words that had lived in his heart for so long. “There’s something else, Hadley. For over twenty years I thought I’d overcome any damage from that last foster place we shared. But Millie—Mom—says I’m still that scared little kid. She should have said a guilty kid. Because I failed you.”
“What are you talking about?”
He lowered his gaze. “It was my fault you got caught after stealing that food.”
“While you were locked up in that room? How could that be? I told you last Christmas you should have blamed me for not protecting you.”
Dallas shook his head. “You went
