“For over three weeks and they were the unhappiest three weeks of my life.” Chloe smiled again when she added, “A Westmoreland man has a tendency to grow on you, Bella. They become habit-forming. And when it comes to babies, they love them.”
There was no doubt in Bella’s mind that Jason loved children; that wasn’t what worried her. The big question was if he’d want to father any with her considering the nature of their marriage. Would he see that as a noose around his neck? For all she knew he might be counting the days until their year would be up so he could go his way and she go hers. A baby would definitely change things.
She glanced back over at Chloe. “Ramsey is a wonderful father.”
Chloe smiled. “Yes, and Jason would be a wonderful father, as well. When their parents died all the Westmorelands had to pitch in and raise the younger ones. It was a team effort and it wasn’t easy. Jason is wonderful with children and would make any child a fantastic father.”
Chloe chuckled. “I can see him with a son while teaching him to ride his first pony, or a daughter who will wrap him around her finger the way Susan does Ramsey. I can see you and Jason having a houseful of kids.”
Bella nodded. Chloe could only see that because she thought she and Jason had a normal marriage.
“Don’t ever underestimate a Westmoreland man, Bella.”
Chloe’s words interrupted her thoughts. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that from what I’ve discovered in talking with all the other wives, even those spread out in Montana, Texas, Atlanta and Charlotte, a Westmoreland man is loyal and dedicated to a fault to the woman he’s chosen as a mate. The woman he loves. And although they can be overly protective at times, you can’t find a man more loving and supportive. But the one thing they don’t care too much for is when we hold secrets from them. Secrets that need to be shared with them. Jason is special, and I believe the longer you and he are married, the more you will see just how special he is.”
Chloe reached out and gently touched Bella’s hand. “I hope what I’ve said has helped in some way.”
Bella returned her smile. “It has.” Bella knew that she needed to tell Jason about the baby. And whatever decision he made regarding their future, she would have to live with it.
CHAPTER TEN
JASON DIDN’T BOTHER riding his horse back home after his discussion with Derringer. Instead he borrowed Zane’s truck and drove home like a madman only to discover Bella wasn’t there. She hadn’t mentioned anything at breakfast about going out, so where was she? But then they hadn’t been real chatty lately, so he wasn’t really surprised she hadn’t told him anything.
He glanced around his home—their home—and took in the changes she’d made. Subtle changes but changes he liked. If she were to leave his house—their house—it wouldn’t be the same. He wouldn’t be the same.
He drew in a deep breath. What if the ladies’ suspicions were true and she was pregnant? What if Derringer’s suspicions were true and she loved him? Hell, if both suspicions were true then they had one hell of a major communication problem between them, and it was one he intended to remedy today as soon as she returned.
He walked into the kitchen and began making of all things, a cup of tea. Jeez, Bella had definitely rubbed off on him but he wouldn’t have it any other way. And what if she was really pregnant? The thought of her stomach growing big while she carried his child almost left him breathless. And he could recall when it happened.
It had to have been their wedding night spent in the honeymoon suite of the Four Seasons. He had awakened to find her mouth on him and she had driven him to more passion than he’d ever felt in his entire life. He’d ended up flipping her on her back and taking her without wearing a condom. He had exploded the moment he’d gotten inside her body. Evidently she had been good and fertile that night.