“Sorry.”
“Tell me what’s going on. What were you thinking?” He led her away from the group and they walked out toward the open field that Will and Matt were planting. He stopped and pulled her in close to him when they were too far away for anyone to hear. “What’s in that beautiful head that’s distracting you?”
“I ate three biscuits at breakfast.” He shrugged. “That’s a lot.”
“I’ll still love you if you’re fat.” He grinned down at her.
“Sidney thinks I’m pregnant.” Harper said so softly that she wondered if he’d heard her.
“Have you changed your mind?” Harper shook her head before he finished the question. “Then what’s the problem? Are you having trouble wrapping your head around it?” A breath rushed out of her suddenly.
“I think so. I think that’s exactly what’s wrong with me.” Ryder chuckled and hugged her tighter.
“It’ll be okay baby. Everything will be okay.” His hand slid around to her belly and he gave her a light pat. “It’s only been a day but I hope that she’s right. No one will know for a while. In the meantime, there is no shoveling for you. The first three months are a big deal. You need plenty to eat, plenty of sleep and plenty of sex.” Harper laughed and swatted him. “Hey, you’ll be more relaxed with plenty of sex or was that for plenty to eat.” Harper felt her cheeks burn and shook her head. “Believe me you won’t turn it down. I hear that pregnant she-wolves are a force in the bedroom.” He kissed her lips then her cheek. “Come watch us dig a big hole and don’t forget you have lunch duty.”
“I know and it’s an easy shift too. Nicole already put the beans on.” Ryder led her back to where the pack was already measuring and digging. They would dig down several inches and make sure that the ground was flat. Ryder explained then they would frame it out and put in long steel rods to secure the cement. Harper found it fascinating. She’d never watched a house go up before and looked forward to watching. She sat in the grass and watched Ryder work the earth with his shovel. He stripped his shirt off and tossed it to her. She immediately held it to her face and his eyes flashed at her. His strong tanned back muscles worked in the morning sunshine. She watched his arms bulge and shrink as he dug then tossed the dirt aside. Fingers snapped in her face suddenly.
“Harper.” Sidney laughed. Harper looked up at her. “Yeah you, come on, time to get lunch ready. You’ve looked at him long enough.” Sidney pulled her to her feet and tugged her toward the porch. “Corn bread, think corn bread.” Harper finally chuckled. “Good, you’re with us again. I know it’s fascinating watching them work because I’ve been in the attic but they like to eat too.”
“I know. I just…”
“Haven’t had a mate worth looking at until now.” Sidney winked and let go of her as they entered the kitchen. “Funny, I don’t smell beans.” Sidney looked around.
“Me either.” Harper went to the crock that sat next to the stove. It wasn’t turned on.
“Think she did it on purpose?” Harper shrugged.
“Sandwiches again. Damn it. Ryder wanted beans.”
“We can turn them on ‘high’ now and have them for dinner.” Sidney flipped the switch. “We’ll explain what happened and it’ll be fine.” Sidney said pulling plates out of the bag. Harper went to the fridge and saw that they were nearly out of lunchmeat.
“Shit. What now?” She held up the package that was almost empty. Sidney blew out a breath. Harper pulled her cell phone from her pocket and dialed her favorite pizza place. “Hi, I’d like to place an order to go.” Sidney shook her head and put the plates on the counter with the napkins. Harper finished the call and Sidney pulled her keys from her pocket.
“You buy, I’ll fly.” Sidney grinned.
“I need to tell Ryder then we’ll go.” Harper went out to the yard where they were digging. “Where’s Ryder?” She asked Evan who was digging closest to her. He just shrugged and went back to straightening a corner. “Can you guys tell him that we went to get pizza?” Evan nodded. Harper texted Ryder anyway and followed Sidney to her car.
“I hope we don’t bother you guys tonight.” Sidney winked and Harper giggled. “Curtis is inspired about building the walls. He was done with one of them when I came down for lunch and was starting on the other. I can’t thank you enough Harper for all of this.” Harper shook her head.