A Montana Cowboy. Rebecca Winters

“Your brother’s a sick man.”

      “I know. Ned had no idea how much I loved Logan. Neither did my parents. It’s their loss now.” She was all fired up at this point. “I intend to prove that I’m independent and will make a good mother even if it kills me—”

      “I’m already convinced nothing could do that.”

      She let out a laugh. “Sorry I got so heated.”

      “It’s understandable. When are you due?”

      “October 14.”

      “You must be about five months along. Do you know the gender?”

      Cassie nodded. “I found out today.”

      His lips twitched. “Are you planning to keep me in suspense?”

      “I’m going to have a girl. I bought some baby clothes for her in town after my doctor’s appointment. He gave me a picture of the sonogram.”

      “I’ve never seen one. You’ll have to show it to me.”

      “As it happens, I have it right here because I can’t stop looking at it.” She reached in her jeans pocket and pulled it out. He moved next to her so they could look at it together.

      “That’s incredible,” he said in a husky voice.

      “I know. While he took the picture, her heartbeat was so strong and loud, it made everything real for the first time.”

      “Did you and Logan pick out names for the baby before he died?”

      Cassie put the picture back in her pocket. “I didn’t learn I was pregnant until a few weeks after his death.”

      “That’s tough. I’m sorry,” he murmured. “You really are doing this on your own.”

      “It’s all right. Finding out I was pregnant gave me a whole new lease on life.”

      “You’re a remarkable woman, Cassie.”

      Her eyes met his searching gaze. “Say that to me when I’m old and have raised a terrific daughter, and I’ll believe you.” Surprised they’d spent this long talking she said, “I’ve got to go in and finish putting up the strawberries I picked this morning.” She would prepare a meatloaf and potatoes to go in the oven at the same time.

      “While you do that, I’ll take the horses back to the barn and settle them in.”

      They weren’t his responsibility, but there was no point in fighting him on it. “That would be great. Thank you.”

      Much as she appreciated Trace’s help, she felt guilty. Now that he knew she was pregnant, it changed everything. Cassie could tell he had a protective streak in him like his father. She didn’t want him treating her any differently, but it was too late because he’d already figured it out just by looking at her blossoming figure.

      Trying not to think about how excited he’d sounded when he’d looked at the baby picture, she prepared the dinner, then continued to make jam. Her raspberries would be coming into season soon. White Lodge had a fair in the fall. She could sell her wares and hopefully make enough money to buy a crib and the basic items she’d need for the baby.

      Trace had asked her about a name. She didn’t know yet, but the fact that he’d asked told her he was a caring, sensitive man. Cassie was thinking too much about him. What on earth was wrong with her?

      While she was pouring the hot paraffin wax over the filled jars to seal them, she heard him come in the back door. He didn’t pause to talk so she didn’t say anything. Forget he’s here, Cassie.