“Are you sure, Arianna? I really don’t mind going with you. I’m sure you’ll have a lot of questions, but Dr. Wyatt is so good. You’re in good hands, honey. ”
“Yeah, Mom I know. Don’t worry about me. I’m a strong bitch. What is that Katharine says, Mom? ‘Drive on. Well sweep up the blood later!” That’s me. ”
My mother laughed.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Now I’m quoting Katharine Hepburn. Fuck. If this was what being pregnant wass all about, then I was in for a long damn ride.
“So, Matthew wants you to take him to lunch today, honey, but I wasn’t sure if you were coming into town or not. ”
“I would love to have lunch with him. Give me a few hours to get there. I need to put Big Roy up and get him taken care of. I’ll grab a quick shower, and then I’ll head in. Oh, I didn’t tell you! Gunner and Ellie are back early from their honeymoon. Gunner’s father had a heart attack. He’s okay, but Gunner’s mom and dad are coming to stay at the ranch for a few weeks. ”
“Oh no! That’s terrible. I met Grace at the wedding. She seems like a sweet lady. She told me a little bit about Gunner and his father’s troubled relationship. I look forward to seeing them at Garrett and Emma’s anniversary party. I hope Gunner and his dad can make peace with each other. ”
“Yeah, so does Ellie. Alright, Mom, I’m gonna let ya go, so I can get ready to head in. ”
“Alright, sweetheart, be careful driving, and we’ll see you soon. ”
***
Matthew came running out of the house the moment I pulled up and got out of my Jeep. He ran into my arms, and I picked him up and gave him a big bear hug. I held on to him just a little longer than normal.
“Ari! Put me down now. You will suffocate me with your bear hug!” Matthew said with a laugh.
“Oh my gosh! Do you think I’m that strong, buddy?”
“Where’s your horse, Ari?”
“She is at Jeff’s ranch back in Mason. She has a new stall, and she loves it. You’ll get to see her in a few days when you come out to Garrett and Emma’s big party. ”
“Another party? Is this a wedding, too? Do I get to be in it again?”
I threw my head back and laughed. “Not this time, sweets. Come on. Are you ready to go eat?”
I looked up and smiled when I saw my mother standing on the porch watching. She tilted her head and gave me a funny look. She started to walk down the steps while I was buckling Matt’s seat belt.
“Y’all have fun this afternoon okay?”
I turned to look at my mom, I started to answer her when she stopped dead in her tracks.
She looked me up and down and then smiled. “Oh. My. God. ”
I looked behind me and then all around me. “What? What’s wrong? Shit! Do I have a flat tire or something?”
My mother walked up and placed her hands on my shoulders. As she looked at me, she said,
“Arianna Katherine Peterson. How long have you known?”
What the fuck is she talking about?
“Um, Mom…when did you take up drinking in the mornings? What the hell are you talking about?”
My mom shut the door to my Jeep and pulled me a few steps away.
“Smile big, Ari. Let me see your gums?”
“What the hell, Mom? Oh my god, does Dad know you finally snapped? You need a vacation in a bad way. ”
My mom threw her head back and laughed. Then, proceeded to try and stick her fingers in my mouth to look at my gums.