Pregnant by the Texan(19)

                “There,” Linda said, sounding satisfied, as if the whole problem was solved. “Go out with him some before you tell him. Give love a chance to happen. You’re obviously attracted to each other.”

                “I might try, Linda. It’s a possibility. But that’s enough about me. How are the kids?”

                They talked about Linda’s three children, their parents, progress in rebuilding Royal and finished their lunch.

                As they stood in the sunshine on the sidewalk saying their goodbyes, Linda asked, “You’re coming for Christmas, aren’t you?”

                “Yes. I’ll fly in late afternoon Christmas Eve and then back home Christmas afternoon.”

                “Think about what I’ve said about marrying the dad. That might turn out a lot better than it did for Mom and Dad.”

                “I’ll think about that one. You take care. See you next time.” She turned and hurried to the rental car.

                She paused to do a search on her phone and located the nearest bookshop, which was only two blocks away. She drove over and went inside. It took a few minutes to find a book on pregnancy and what to expect with a first baby but before she knew it, she was back in the car, headed to the airport.

                All the way to Dallas on the plane she read her new book. She would have to find a doctor in Royal. She was certain Lark could help her there. She knew of two who were popular with women her age.

                When she changed planes for Royal, she tucked her new book into her purse and tossed away the shopping bag in the airport.

                As she flew to Royal her dread increased by the minute. She felt as if she had gained ten pounds and her waist had expanded on this trip. She felt uncomfortable in her own skin.

                When she stepped off the plane, Aaron was waiting. He had on jeans and a navy sweatshirt. There was no way to stop the warmth that flowed over her at the sight of him and his big smile. She had mixed reactions just as she always had with him.

                “Hi,” he said, walking up and draping his arm across her shoulders to give her a slight hug as they headed for the main door leading to the parking lot. His brown-eyed gaze swept over her. He saw too much all the time. How long did she have before he could tell she was expecting?

                “How’s your sister?”

                “She’s fine. I enjoyed seeing her and all is well.”

                “Good. I hope you had a restful day.”

                “I did. How was it here?”

                “I imagine if you’d been here, you would answer, ‘The usual.’ I saw a great deal of the construction and talked to a lot of people. I’ve been at the Texas Cattleman’s Club most of the day. Repairs have begun on the clubhouse. They didn’t have total destruction, so it should be done before too long. Actually, I helped some with the work there today.” They reached his car and he held the door for her. She watched him walk around the car and slide behind the wheel.

                As soon as they were on the freeway, he said, “Let me take you to dinner again. We’ll eat at the Cozy Inn if you prefer.”

                “Thanks, Aaron, I would like that. There’s still time for me to go by the hospital this afternoon. By the end of the day, all I’ll be up for is the Cozy Inn for dinner. Right now I want to go back to my suite and catch up on emails.”

                “You may regret doing that. What if you have over a hundred emails waiting? You might have to go look for another lost dog.”