“Kaylee had a huge contraction!” I cried out. “Then her water broke!”
Ty stood there, stunned.
“She’s calling the doctor, but get in there, man! She’s having the baby!” I stated as I flung my arms in the direction of the house.
“But she’s not due for another week,” Dirk said.
I swung my head around to meet his stare. Amy was now clutching him like he was a prized possession she didn’t want to lose since he was distracted by the news of Kaylee. My gaze bounced between the two of them, and I was positive I was shooting daggers at them both.
“I’m sorry if the timing is inconvenient for you both,” I said.
Dirk frowned and seemed to realize how Amy was hanging on him. He took a step away from her once again, then looked at Ty.
I focused back on Ty, as well, and smiled softly, settling my panicked voice. “Ty, it’s time. What do you need us to do?”
A wide smile erupted over his face as he fist-pumped. “Holy shit! I’m gonna be a dad!”
He quickly walked by me, and I turned to follow, not bothering to see if Dirk and Amy were behind us.
Ty quickened his pace, and I could tell he was trying not to run. He took the porch steps two at a time and disappeared into the house.
Dirk quickly passed me and ran up the steps, as well, and into the house. I paused, not sure why that made my heart drop to the pit of my stomach.
“Okay, am I missing something here?” Amy said as she walked up to stand next to me at the bottom of the steps.
I looked at her. “What do you mean?”
Amy shrugged. “I get the husband’s reaction, but what’s up with Dirk running in, as well? Is she…with both of them? Do they do that sort of thing up here in Montana? I mean, I’d be down for it, I guess.”
I was positive my mouth fell open. “Excuse me?”
Amy laughed. “Don’t act so innocent, Merit. It’s not uncommon these days for a woman to have a husband and a lover, with both a part of her life.”
I blinked rapidly. “He is not her lover. They’re friends, that’s it.”
Amy nodded. “If you say so. Guess this means no lunch. I’m off to head back home, then.”
And just like that, she turned and started toward her car. I wasn’t going to lie, a part of me was glad she was leaving.
The front door opened, and Ty came walking out, his arm around Kaylee. She gave me a sweet smile that quickly faded as another contraction came on.
“Hold on. Wait,” she said.
They both stopped, and Kaylee took in a few deep breaths. Dirk came rushing out and nearly ran into the back of them. He was carrying a small bag in his hands.
“Contraction…” Kaylee panted as Ty softly talked her through it.
A feeling of sadness washed over me as I watched Kaylee and Ty walk to his truck. The way Ty looked at Kaylee, talked so lovingly to her, and made her feel safe brought tears to my eyes.
Would I ever have that? When I went into labor, would I be alone? I’d have my mother and brother there, and most likely Timberlynn, Lincoln, and Kaylee. That was a comfort, at least.
I straightened my shoulders and took in a deep breath, holding my head high. None of it mattered. As long as I had a healthy pregnancy and baby, I could do it all on my own. I’d be fine.
I looked over at Dirk, who placed the bag into the backseat of Ty’s truck. He leaned into the truck and quickly gave Kaylee a kiss on the cheek and said, “You’ve got this, Kaylee.”
She gave him a weary smile and then looked at me. “Merit! Will you tell Timberlynn and Lincoln?”
I nodded and smiled. “Of course, don’t worry, I’ll let everyone know!”
Kaylee waved as Ty drove off. “See y’all at the hospital!”
Dirk stood there for a moment and watched as the truck drove down the driveway. I quickly pulled out my phone from my back pocket and called Timberlynn.
Dirk turned and looked at me. “Who are you calling?”
“Timberlynn,” I stated.
He nodded. “I’ll call Brock.” Then he walked to his truck.
My heart hammered in my chest as I watched him. How had we been so close at one point in our lives, and now Dirk acted as if he could hardly stand to be around me? I guess it had all been my fault. If I hadn’t asked him to take my virginity that day, things might have been different. We probably would have stayed friends.
“Hey, Merit!”
“Timber?” I said, tearing my gaze from Dirk as I headed to my SUV.
“Hey, how’s lunch?”
“There is no lunch, Kaylee’s water broke. She and Ty are on their way to the hospital.”