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“I heard that Wild Bull Ranch is opening a spa,” I say.
Scarlett scowls. “I hate Walker Matthews. Why would he start up a spa when he has the smallest B&B? I mean, come on, he can’t compete with us. He’s so cocky. Don’t be surprised if I build a five thousand square foot spa just to one-up him.”
I laugh and set my water on the counter as Emmett barrels down the stairs. He stops when he reaches Scarlett.
“Talking about Walker Matthews again?” He laughs, kissing his cousin on the cheek.
“The man drives me insane.” She waves. “But I’m glad you’re here. Can we sit?”
I glance at Emmett and his eyebrows furrow.
“What’s up?” he asks.
Scarlett has always been super nice to me, but I don’t know her well, so I’m hoping Emmett can decipher what I can’t.
“Let’s go into the family room.” Emmett stands to the side, waiting for Scarlett to go first.
When I walk by, Emmett places his hand on the small of my back, leading me into the room. I step away as soon as Scarlett turns to sit in the chair.
She clasps her hands in her lap. “So, I got a call yesterday, and at first, I wasn’t going to tell either of you about it because it’s not really my business. I’m not like everyone else in this family who thinks that if it’s a family member, we’re entitled to know.”
“Just spit it out, Scarlett,” Emmett says.
“Do you know a woman named Parker?”
My body freezes, and my heart thumps loudly. Please say it’s another Parker and not the woman we met in the waiting room in Lincoln.
“Um…” Emmett says because I’m frozen.
Scarlett’s eyes are on me.
“What do you know?” I ask, ready to face it. She clearly knows something. She wouldn’t be here otherwise.
“Well, she called and said she was friends with Emmett and his wife. That she’s been following your account, Emmett, and ran into you both at your OB appointment.”
“Man, she just outed us completely in one swoop,” Emmett says, sliding closer to me and putting his arm around my back.
Scarlett’s eyes widen. “You’re married?”
Emmett shakes his head. “No, but we’re a couple.”
“That just kind of came out while we were talking to Parker,” I say. “Didn’t want to have to explain the situation.”
“But you’re pregnant?” She looks at me with wide eyes.
How can I tell her without telling Gillian first? It feels like such a betrayal. Emmett found out by accident, but if I tell Scarlett right now, it’s purposely telling someone before my sister and that doesn’t feel right. But I have no one to blame except myself for putting it off for so long.
“I am,” I say. “It’s complicated.”
I don’t mention the baby’s parentage, not wanting to get into it right now. Gillian should be the first to know the whole situation.
She raises her hand and shakes her head. “It’s not my business. I’m sure you have plans to tell people, but this Parker said she was going to drive down here today to see the place. She really wants some gender reveal party like the one she saw online.”
“She’s coming here?” My stomach turns over, and my head whips toward Emmett.
“I stalled her. I said we had a big family get-together today and that no one would have time to talk to her. She said okay, and I scheduled for her to come next week, even though we don’t have a gender reveal party package.” Her gaze lands on Emmett, and he laughs.
“Well…”
