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“I thought she’d refuse. Everyone knows how close you are.”
Not even Tee knows how closeweused to be.
“She’s as happy as we are about our current situation,” is all I say. “But she’s a friend and she helps where she can.”
Another hum.
“I’ll book flights for myself this?—”
“Why?”
“To meet you in New York.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Sure I do.”
“It’s a waste of money.”
“I’m not going to let you do this on your own.” That shouldn’t make me want to cry, but it does. “I’ll fly down on Wednesday and be with you Thursday morning. We’ll head for a license once we’re in Saskatoon. Zee?”
“Yes?”
“It’ll be okay.”
“I-I guess.”
“I couldn’t prevent what happened with my father at the airport but I’ll be on my guard from now on. I know he scares you even if you deny it. I’ll protect you from him. I promise.”
Staring blindly at the crocheted flower pattern covering my knees, I whisper, “I believe you.”
A satisfied grunt sounds in my ear. “We’re starting this off strong by having each other’s backs. I’ll see you on Thursday but keep in touch, okay?”
“I will.”
“Zee?”
“Yes.”
“You can trust me with your ranch. I’m not Clyde?—”
“I know you’re not, and I know I can.” An annoyed laugh escapes me. “Your father tried to tell me that you weren’t used to managing a ranch. Even when you were seventeen, you knew the Seven Cs better than he did.”
“Thank you.”
“There’s no need to thank me. It’s the truth. The Bar 9 will be in safe hands with you. Hell, the triplets will be too.”It’s just me I’m worried about.
Before he can comment, I cut the line.
Once the silence of my room is all I can hear, I rub my eyes.
That entire conversation was unexpected and yet, when I climb into bed a few minutes later, the burden of my upcoming marriage is lighter than it was.
Just like last night, I press a hand to my stomach once the light’s off.
I could be pregnant soon.
By next summersoon.