DAKOTA’S SISTERS looked at her with identical expressions of surprise. Her mother lunged forward and hugged her close.
“Really?” Denise asked, still holding on. “You’re not just teasing me to get my mind off my date?”
“I wouldn’t do that. I’m pregnant. It’s kind of unexpected, given my medical history. I wasn’t planning on this, but I can’t help but be happy.”
“Finn must have some great swimmers,” Montana said. “It is Finn, right?”
Dakota laughed. “Yes, it’s him. There hasn’t been anyone else. I know there’re complications and I know this isn’t anything he wanted, but I can’t help being happy. I’m going to have a baby and I never thought I could.”
“You’re probably having enough sex to defy the odds,” Nevada told her. “Statistically it was always possible. You just needed the right set of circumstances.”
Dakota stepped back and turned in a circle. “I don’t care whether it was his swimmers or the moon or an alien landing. I’m so excited.” She was having trouble grasping the reality of the situation, but so far there was no downside. Sure, having two kids so close together would be a challenge, but other women got through it and she would, as well.
“When you decided to become a mother, you did it in a big way,” Denise said with a laugh. “If you’re happy, I’m happy.”
“I am. Hannah is going to love having a baby brother or sister.”
Montana and Nevada exchanged a glance. Dakota knew exactly what they were thinking. She drew in a breath.
“No, I haven’t told him,” she said, answering their unasked question. “I will. I know I have to. And I know he’s not going to take it well. Finn has made it very clear what he wants from life and it isn’t more responsibility. He’s been great with Hannah, but she’s not his. He can walk away at any time. A baby is going to change everything for him.”
There was an emotional storm coming. As much as she wanted to believe he would be happy, she knew better. He might even think she’d tried to trick him. Whatever happened, she would get through it. Even if he walked away, she would be fine. Broken hearts healed. Hers would, too. Because no matter what, she was having a baby.
“He might surprise you,” her mother said. Although her expression was hopeful, her tone was thick with doubt.
“I don’t think so.” Nevada looked uncomfortable but kept on talking. “When it comes to things like this, men tend to tell the truth. If the guy says he’s never been faithful, a woman needs to listen. And if a man says he doesn’t want a family, he’s probably not lying.” She turned to Dakota. “I’m sorry. I really want to be wrong. But I don’t want to see you hurt more.”
“I know.” Dakota understood the risks. She and Finn had started their relationship for a lot of reasons that were about attraction and hot sex. Along the way, she had discovered he was a pretty great guy. She’d felt herself starting to fall for him and figured that was the biggest problem she would face. Being in love with a man who only wanted to leave.
Now she had to explain how her claim of being unable to conceive might not have been completely true. Not a conversation designed to go well.
“Maybe he’ll surprise you,” Montana said. “Maybe he’ll be mad at first, but then he’ll realize this is what he’s wanted all along. Maybe he’s wildly in love with you and doesn’t know how to tell you.”
“If wishes were horses…” Denise said, then sighed. She looked at Dakota. “I’m sorry, honey. Nevada’s right. Men tend to tell the truth, even when they don’t mean to. I don’t think Finn is going to be happy about this.”
“I know.” Dakota smiled. “I’ll be fine, whatever happens. I know I have all of you and the town. I have Hannah. And I’m having a baby. That’s the miracle. Whatever else happens, I have my miracle. Most people don’t get to say that. Most people go their whole lives without experiencing something like this. Having Finn around would have been an amazing bonus, but I’m okay with what I have.”
“You love him,” Nevada murmured. “Did I see this before?”
“No, because I didn’t want to admit it to myself.” Love? Dakota told herself not to be surprised. Considering the man in question, it was probably inevitable.
Love. She turned the concept over in her mind and found that it fit. She loved him. No doubt she had for a long time.
“It will be an unconventional happy ending,” she told her sisters and her mother. “I won’t get the guy, but I’ll get everything else. That’s going to be enough for me.”