Page 142 of Burning Skies
We pick up some dinner and debate what movie to watch tonight. I might have a lot of grading to catch up on, but I’m not going to be married to my work anymore. If the car crash taught me anything, it’s that life’s too short.
When we get to his cabin, we unload my stuff, and he’s standing in the kitchen, riffling through the mail when he freezes. “It’s here. The paternity test.”
I rush over to him and grab his arm. “Okay. Let’s do this. And no matter what, we’ll work through what it means.”
He kisses me. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.” He tears open the envelope. “There’s a zero percent chance I’m the father.”
Excited, I yell and jump in his arms. He spins me around, then stops suddenly. “I’m not supposed to be spinning you.”
“I’m over the acute phase of my concussion. You don’t have to be so careful with me.”
He chuckles. “I’m not gonna pound you into the mattress yet, Honey.”
I jut out my bottom lip. “That’s so sad. I’m ready for the pounding.” Snuggling up to him every night has been making me crazy. He’s so sexy and always smells so good.
Beau places me on the counter, but stays between my legs. He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “Love you, baby.”
“Love you too.” I lean over to kiss him. “Not to ruin the good vibes, but do you think we should call Melissa?” I still can’t believe she was also sleeping with my brother. I’m just grateful that didn’t overlap with her dating Beau because… well, I don’t want to think about that.
He sighs, but nods. “It’s probably the right thing to do.” After he pulls out his cell and dials, he puts it on the counter. When she answers, he looks at me. “Hey, Mel. I’m here with Honey. I have you on speakerphone.”
“You got the results too.” She sounds like she’s been crying.
“We did.” He crosses his arms. “You okay? Honey and I wanted to check on how you’re doing.”
“Hey, Melissa.” This is so awkward. “I guess… I guess I’ll be an aunt soon?” I try to sound cheery.
“Um. Yeah.” She sniffles. “I’m sorry. I really thought Beau was the father. I wasn’t trying to jerk your brother around.”
I look at my handsome boyfriend. I don’t blame her for wanting him to be her baby’s daddy. I love Trig, but sometimes he’s a hot mess. “Listen, I know we got off to a bad start, but Iwant you to know you can call me if you ever need anything. I want the best for you and your baby.” It’s difficult to say those words, but she’s having my niece or nephew, and I want to be in that child’s life.
“Th-thank you, Honey. I don’t know what to say.”
When we get off the phone, Beau hugs me. “You’re such a good woman. You handled that with so much grace.”
I run my hand along his beard and kiss him. “It’s easy to be gracious when you won the man.”
“You’re stuck with me now.”
My heart soars. “That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day.”
Grinning, I nibble his neck, and he groans. “The doctor said you should wait another week or two.”
“That’s bullshit. What does he know?”
“I’m guessing a lot based on those medical degrees.”
“Whatever.”
He chuckles. “Besides, you need to save your strength. Next weekend is Baylee and Maverick’s wedding. We have the rehearsal dinner too. Don’t wanna wear you out.”
I drop the subject, but I’m not excited we’re holding off. I feel like I barely escaped death and want to make the most of every moment with Beau.
We eat a quiet dinner before we curl up together to watch a movie, but I fall asleep half an hour in. When I wake up, he’s carrying me to bed.
“Sorry. I didn’t realize how tired I was.”
“The movie sucked anyway. You didn’t miss anything.” He sets me down gently next to the bed. “Want me to get you your pajamas?”
