The Texan's Baby (Texas Rodeo Barons) by Donna Alward

Author:Donna Alward [Alward, Donna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-06-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

The noise around the table was no different from any other Sunday, but tonight Lizzie listened more carefully, speaking when she was spoken to but for the most part, keeping quiet. Brock was his regular blustery self, complaining about his wheelchair while Julieta assured him calmly that he could use his crutches when he got inside where the floor was even, so he wouldn’t snub them up on the cobblestones. Lizzie’s siblings razzed each other as brothers and sisters do, then moved on to talking about rodeo standings and particular events. Carly shared a story about a current female bull rider that earned her a disapproving look from her father and teasing from the boys, who all insisted the girls should stick to barrel racing and chili cook-offs—which in turn earned them well-aimed elbows from both Carly and Savannah. One big, raucous, loving family.

Now and again Chris added to the conversation, talking about past events and different horses he’d ridden—those he’d been bucked off and the ones he’d shown who was boss.

He fit in incredibly well. Too well. She certainly wasn’t comfortable with it since she didn’t even know her own feelings.

“You’re being awfully quiet, Lizzie,” Carly observed, pushing away her plate. Tonight Carly’s standard braid was done as a fishtail, making her look even younger than usual.

“Not like I could get a word in edgewise,” she joked back, but she felt Chris’s eyes on her to the right and she turned her head and met his questioning glance.

Is now the right time?

As right as it’s gonna be.

He squeezed her hand, his lips curved the tiniest bit and she took a big breath.

“Actually, I kind of have an announcement to make.”

The conversation died off and all eyes turned on her expectantly. Brock’s gaze sharpened and Savannah innocently asked, “Does it have something to do with the office? You’ve done a great job, hasn’t she, Dad?”

Lizzie swallowed and hurried to correct her. “No, not that, but thanks. I appreciate the vote of confidence.” She squeezed Chris’s hand back, gripping tight. “Actually, we have an announcement. Um...it looks like there’ll be the pitter-patter of little feet around here about the middle of October.”

Utter and complete silence greeted her announcement. Her own smile felt false and every single family member was staring at her with their mouths hanging open. All except Alex, who was still gnawing on his last piece of rib, unconcerned with the grown-up conversation.

“You’re...pregnant?” Carly asked, her voice incredulous.

“Yeah.” Lizzie’s smile wavered. “I’m almost done my first trimester. Just another week or so to go.” She looked over at Chris, needing the solidarity. “We actually heard the heartbeat a while back. It was pretty cool.”

“Most amazing moment of my life,” Chris said beside her, and her heart nearly wept with gratitude. At least they were showing a unified front.

“Wow, talk about a shock,” Jet said, the tone of his voice saying he’d never be caught dead in such a situation. Settling down was definitely not on her little brother’s agenda.

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