I stretched out my sore muscles and climbed onto the bench, then lifted the door and raised the metal prop to hold it open.
A delicious breeze floated through the gap and cooled my face. I drew in the clean scent of morning, taking a moment to appreciate the splendor of dawn. But I wasn’t ready to start the day. A new day meant another chance to lose someone I loved. Three days had gone by since we packed up and left home, and already we’d been engaged in battles that tested our loyalty and resolve.
Naked on the wooden bench, I turned away from the opening and curved my hands around my belly. I watched dappled sunlight dance on the cold floor, and the baby began to move as if he could sense my altered mood.
“Hey, little one. I know I haven’t talked to you before, but it’s me, your mom.”
He stopped moving around.
“I’ve been waiting to meet you for a long time, so I hope I’m not a disappointment. Your dad sure won’t be. He’s an amazing man. Take my word for it—I’ve known him since I was a little girl. You’re about to come into a big family, so I hope you’re ready to be loved by a lot of people. Your Aunt Maizy is so sweet, and she’ll take you to the creek to swim in the summer when it’s hot. Your Uncle Denver will probably splash water all over you doing a cannonball, but go easy on him. He’s a big kid at heart. Aunt April will teach you to love animals and good music, and I’m not sure what Uncle Reno will teach you, but it’ll probably involve a water pistol.”
A sound caught my attention, and I turned my head, peering through the crack. A squirrel was digging a hole in the dirt beneath a nearby tree to bury his prize. I smoothed my hand over my belly, turning away again.
“And Uncle Wheeler can be a grump sometimes, but he’s the one who’ll let you do whatever you want. Auntie Naya, well, I just hope you’re a girl, because she’s going to dress you up in all kinds of little outfits. Uncle Trev will probably show you how to make paper airplanes, although I kind of want his sense of style to rub off on you. Uncle William will take you for long walks on his shoulders, so I hope you like heights. If music’s your thing, then you’re in luck, because Uncle Jericho and Aunt Izzy will take you to concerts and teach you how to play an instrument. Would you like that?”
The little one didn’t answer, but I kept my hand placed against my stomach, waiting for him to move again.
“And just wait until your grandma gets a look at you. She’s already hoarding toys and thinks I don’t know about it. While you’re sitting with Maddox, working jigsaw puzzles, Grandma will be in the kitchen making you chocolate milk and cookies. She likes to sit at the table and talk, so be sure to tell her all about your day.”
Tears stung my eyes, and one escaped, sliding down my cheek. “I’m so sorry you won’t be able to meet your Uncle Wes, but I’ll tell you all about him. He would have been such a good uncle. I’m going to take you to his grave so you can talk to him. I still go there once a year so he knows I haven’t forgotten about him.” I paused and closed my eyes. “I miss the sound of his voice. But that’s okay, don’t worry about your mom getting all hormonal and crying.” I laughed when I felt the baby kick again. “Maybe we should have had more of these little chats, huh? I was just scared that I might love you too much, that’s all. So I hope we’re all good. I promise to be the best mom I can, and I know I’ll probably make mistakes, but you’re always going to feel loved. You’re going to have cousins and aunts and uncles and… a father. That’s a pretty big deal. Not only that, but you’re getting the best daddy there is. I know it’s a little scary right now, but Mommy’s going to protect you. No matter what happens. Okay?”
Austin’s voice startled me. “Hey, why didn’t you wake me up?” he asked groggily, sitting back on his legs and rubbing his eyes.
I smiled and wiped my nose.
Austin furrowed his brow and gave me a pensive stare. “Is something wrong?”
“No, nothing’s wrong. Not a thing. Toss me my clothes before someone discovers us naked and thinks we’ve been having sex down here all night.”
Austin crawled toward me and kissed my knee. “At least they’d have their facts straight.”
Chapter 27
The morning sun made a brief appearance before the fog had enveloped its light. I didn’t mind. The overcast skies kept the temperature down, and that was a welcome relief considering Texas summers were unmerciful.
“How long have we been walking?” I asked Reno.
“An hour,” he replied without looking at his watch. “Never stay in one place too long. Scouts can sneak through and give up our location. It also keeps them guessing as to how many they’re up against. A little exercise is good for the soul.”
I stopped and held on to a slim branch from a short tree. “Well, my soul might pass the physical exam, but this hike is killing my back.”