The Cowboy's Baby by D'Ann Lindun

Author:D'Ann Lindun
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, contemporary
Publisher: F+W Media
Published: 2013-09-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Cat lay in the unfamiliar bed, unable to sleep. The snowstorm had finally let up and pale moonlight filtered through the window. The windows had quit rattling as a peaceful calm overtook the house, but she still tossed and turned. Being this close to Tanner, in the home he had shared with Jillian, unsettled Cat. She turned her head his direction as a memory played.

On weak legs, Cat had climbed the front stairs, holding onto Tanner’s hand as if he could save her from her mother’s wrath. Together, they went into the Burke’s living room to share their news. Leona stood straight and tall, back near the piano. Roscoe had refused to come, possibly believing this might be an attack on him and his choice to be with Nancy.

Candace sat on the floral sofa, wine glass in hand. She swung her leg in a rapid arc, obviously agitated. “What’s this about, Cat? Why did you have to drag me all the way out here? We can talk at home.”

Cat looked to Tanner and their eyes met. In his, she saw quiet strength. “We need to talk to you, Mom. And Mrs. Burke, too.”

“Well, talk,” Candace ordered, then drained her glass.

Tanner led Cat to the other end of the sofa and motioned for her to sit. He stood at her shoulder while she continued to cling to his hand. Cat swallowed. “I, uh … ” She blushed and dropped her gaze to her feet.

“Cat is pregnant.” Tanner squared his shoulders. “By me.”

In the silence following his statement, Cat swore the world stop moving. Her mother’s mouth opened and closed a few times. Leona’s shoulders slumped for a second before she straightened again.

Cat’s eyes welled. “I’m sorry.” The words weren’t adequate. How had she been so dumb as to get herself in this mess? She was smart, educated. Not using a condom just one time had been the stupidest thing she had ever done. But what was done was done and now she had to face up to her responsibilities. Without Tanner by her side, she didn’t think she could manage.

“You’re sorry?” Candace half rose from the couch, and for a moment, Cat thought her mother might strike her. But she sat back with an exaggerated slap on the couch. “Sorry!” She shook her head in disgust. “You’re sorry, all right. I didn’t raise my daughter to be a common tramp.”

“It’s not the end of the world, Candace,” Leona said quietly. “Worse things have happened.”

“My sixteen-year-old is pregnant and you’re telling me not to get upset?” Candace’s voice rose to a high-pitched whine. She turned her wrath on Tanner. “And, you. You ought to be ashamed of yourself, taking advantage of a young girl like this.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Tanner met Candace’s angry eyes. “I want to make it right.”

She laughed, the sound like a cat in a fight. “Are you out of your mind?”

“Mom,” Cat tried weakly, “I’m going to have my baby.”

“Absolutely not. How far along are you?” Her gaze settled on Cat’s still flat stomach.

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