One Christmas Night, page 2
Granted, she didn’t need to take on more work to gain another demographic of customers. The Rancher’s Daughter had already well surpassed last year’s profit and the year wasn’t over yet.
It would take some time to figure out what to bring in, but perhaps she could launch her maternity section after the holidays. And, who knew, maybe later she could add an adorable baby line?
An image of little cowboy boots and gingham dresses popped into her head. Morgan glanced around the store and mentally reconfigured everything. Redecorating and looking forward to future sales and new customers was much easier than facing reality.
When she’d turned and plowed right into Ryan earlier, she’d panicked. She hadn’t seen him since their night together and she’d had no idea what to say. Leading with “I’m pregnant” seemed harsh, though he would have to find out at some point.
What was the protocol for telling your one-night stand and sworn enemy that you were now bonded for life and he had eight months to get ready?
Morgan couldn’t dodge him forever. Although Ryan likely assumed she was insane, the way she refused to look at him and practically ran back into the safety of her store. She’d just been caught off guard, that was all. She just needed a day or so to process everything, not to mention she should make a doctor’s appointment to make sure that test wasn’t a false positive. But she’d taken both in the box and had the same results.
And then there was that whole missed period thing.
Yeah. There was no denying what had happened and the sooner she faced those facts, the better. She honestly didn’t know who to tell first. Her family? Would they be disappointed or shocked or both? They already had so much going on with her sister’s upcoming nuptials and the whole scandal with Heath Thurston wreaking havoc on the Grandins and the Lattimores. That man had caused an absolute nightmare requesting the largest estates in all of Royal to be dug up while he searched for his supposed inherited oil.
Morgan hated that her sister would be marrying Heath’s twin brother, but there was no way to prevent love...or so Morgan assumed. She’d never been in love, and right now, finding love was the least of her worries.
She had to talk to Ryan privately, and out on the sidewalk in the middle of town hadn’t been the place. Should she call or just go straight to see him? How would he respond to this life-altering news? Maybe he didn’t want to be a father. What if he decided he wanted nothing to do with their child? How could she handle being a single mother?
All of these unknowns would surely drive her mad if she didn’t get some control over her thoughts. She needed a plan. That was how she had such a successful business—she planned every last detail. Carrying that over into her now unsteady life would surely help matters...she hoped.
There were many people in her life she trusted and could confide in, but they were each so busy with their own lives, did they have the time to listen to her crisis? Her brother Vic would do anything for her, but she really would rather have a woman’s perspective right now.
Of course Zanai would lend an ear and no doubt offer sound advice, but her best friend had just fallen in love, as well. Her world right now was perfect and Morgan didn’t want to put a kink in that.
Morgan brought the new gold cocktail dresses from the back to put in the front window. Kylie had taken the day off, which was just as well. Morgan needed to stay busy and keep her mind on something else so she didn’t have a total breakdown. Morgan planned on taking a couple days off this week, which would be perfect for her to mentally decompress and figure out her next steps.
She adjusted the shoulder on the mannequin just as the front door chimed. With a smile on her face, she turned to greet her customer, but spotted a welcome and familiar face.
“Hey, babe.”
Her sister Chelsea came bouncing in with a wide grin. Of course the woman was overjoyed with life. She was marrying her true love, Nolan, in just a few weeks. A Christmas wedding was nothing short of fairy-tale material and Morgan couldn’t be happier for her.
She really didn’t want to ruin Chelsea’s plans or their big day with a surprise pregnancy announcement. Maybe after Chelsea returned from her honeymoon would be better timing.
Morgan was just glad their family had come together over the past month after Vic decided to share the ranch. Now the siblings were one unit again instead of divided.
“What’s up?” Morgan asked, stepping down from the window display. “Are you visiting or shopping?”
Chelsea immediately pointed to the new dress in the window and gasped. “You didn’t tell me this was coming in. Gold will be fantastic for my rehearsal dinner.”
Morgan moved to the rack of new arrivals and located her sister’s size.
“Go try it on.” She held the garment out to Chelsea. “I’ll get your picture and put it up on my social media. You’ll make the perfect model.”
Chelsea rolled her eyes. “I don’t know about that, and my hair is a mess.”
“You’re gorgeous all the time, now go.” Morgan shooed her sister away. “I’ll bring you this adorable strappy heel that also just arrived and you can complete the look.”
Morgan went to the back and unboxed the new shoes, grabbing her sister’s size. Just for fun, she also decided to get some accessories. If Morgan suggested anything to Chelsea, her sister would buy it. Might as well start padding that baby fund.
“I have everything ready for you,” Morgan stated through the dressing room door.
“I actually stopped in to see if the things you ordered for my honeymoon had come in yet,” her sister called back.
Oh, right. Morgan had every intention of looking that up...but her morning had taken a drastic turn.
“I’ll get on that while you change.”
Morgan maneuvered her way around the fat, circular ottoman and adjusted the folded plaid throws she had on display for the new home accent line she’d started carrying. Her cell vibrated in the pocket of her cardigan as she reached the counter. The moment she pulled out her phone, she recognized the number of a frequent customer and town busybody.
“Good afternoon, Sylvia.”
“Oh, Morgan. Darling, I need to find the perfect dress for a Christmas party and I’m afraid I waited too long. Please tell me you have something in my size that will wow everyone and nobody else will be wearing.”
Morgan tried to make every customer feel beautiful and special whether she was looking for a casual, stay-at-home outfit or a blingy, sparkly dress for a high-society event. She often ordered one dress so there were unique styles and no clones in this small town. If Morgan didn’t have what a customer requested, she’d find a way to get it.
“I’m sure I can gather some things for you,” Morgan promised. “Would you like to stop in and try on, or did you want an appointment after hours? Kylie will be taking appointments on Thursday for some one-on-one shopping.”
In her midsixties, Sylvia Stewart always chose personal shopping, wanting to feel even more special, like she was the only customer. She also loved the chance to catch up on all the gossip she missed while traveling since retiring as Augustus Lattimore’s secretary. Right now, Morgan really hoped Sylvia would choose her usual, because Kylie was an absolute pro at dealing with overdramatic shoppers.
“Why don’t you pull them and send me some pictures,” Sylvia suggested. “I’ll let you know if I want to try one on or have you look for something to order.”
Relieved, Morgan disconnected the call and immediately went to pull some dresses.
“What do you think?”
Morgan turned to see her sister standing at the opening of the dressing room. Chelsea stared down at the wrap style and adjusted her top.
“Do I look okay?” she asked. “I love it, but I always think things look better on other people than me.”
Morgan rolled her eyes. “Oh, stop. You’re stunning. I just need to know if you’re thinking of getting it, because Sylvia called and needs me to put together some things for her.”
Chelsea narrowed her eyes. “Don’t you dare sell me the same dress you sell that woman.”
“That’s why I’m asking.”
Morgan laughed as she took a few options behind the counter and hung them in the closet area for her VIP customers.
“Did you get a chance to check on my order?” Chelsea asked as she put on the earrings Morgan had left for her to try.
“I’m doing that now.” Morgan went to her laptop as Chelsea came up beside her. “I got a shipping confirmation for the clothes, but the shoes were on an entirely different order. Let’s see where things are.”
But the moment the screen came to life, Morgan’s breath caught in her throat at the same time Chelsea gasped.
“Maternity clothes?” Chelsea asked. “You’re going to carry maternity now? You’ve never mentioned that before. How exciting and great for the town with all the marriages and babies popping up!”
Morgan chewed the inside of her cheek, thinking of a proper way to respond. She couldn’t to lie to her sister, but at the same time Morgan still had to process everything and she hadn’t even talked to Ryan yet.
“Just thinking for now,” Morgan replied honestly.
She quickly closed out of that tab, but the next one betrayed her.
“‘What to expect in the first trimester’?” Chelsea read aloud.
Her attention immediately went from the screen to Morgan, and now Morgan had no way of hiding the truth.
“Are you pregnant?” her sister whispered.
“I just found out this morning,” Morgan confessed. Some of that heavy weight instantly lifted from her shoulders. “Nobody knows, so please don’t say anything.”
Her sister’s eyes widened. “Did you plan this?”
Morgan jerked back. “Planned? No, of course not! I’m just as shocked as you are. Well, probably more so.”
Chelsea continued to stare for another moment and rubbed her forehead. “Can I ask who the father is? Do you know?”
Morgan sighed. “Of course I know, Chels. I don’t just sleep around.”
“I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”
“How else could it sound?” Morgan fired back.
Chelsea reached for Morgan’s hand and squeezed. “I’m sorry. I’m caught so off guard, I don’t even know what to ask.”
“I’m well aware of who the father is, considering I’ve had no social life for months and, bam, one time and here we are.” Morgan pulled in a shaky breath and tried to not freak out, because speaking about all of this aloud made the entire situation sink in. “I haven’t told him yet. You’re the only person who knows.”
Chelsea tipped her head. “It’s Ryan, isn’t it?”
“What makes you say that?”
“Are you kidding? The whole town saw the way you two were kissing at the masquerade party at the clubhouse before you snuck out. When two people are typically arguing and at odds, then they do a complete one-eighty, it draws attention.” Chelsea shrugged and quirked a perfectly arched brow. “I’m just doing the math and coming up with the fact that was a month ago.”
Wonderful. The moment people discovered she was pregnant, they’d immediately know also. That party had been amazing. Morgan had loved her mask she had special ordered with all the beading, feathers and bling. Every member of the TCC had been in attendance, but her friend Zanai really stole the show with her special makeover before the event. She’d always been a beautiful woman, but just needed a boost of confidence. The Masquerade Ball had been the perfect opportunity for Zanai to show her true self, which gave her the edge she needed to win the heart of Jayden Lattimore.
The night had been absolutely magical with the dancing and laughter...and Ryan.
She couldn’t ignore the fact she still thought about him, about what they’d shared. But an intimate fling wasn’t exactly the solid base needed for parenting skills...and that didn’t even factor in all of the fiery arguments they’d had in the past.
“When are you going to tell him?” Chelsea went on, obviously drawing her own conclusion without Morgan confirming.
She shifted back to the laptop and closed out the telling tab. As she worked on finding the whereabouts of her sister’s order, Morgan shook her head.
“I honestly don’t know,” she admitted. “We’re not in a relationship, so I don’t want him to think I’m expecting something from him. I mean, I can clearly financially handle a child.”
“I’ve no doubt, but Ryan is going to want to be in the baby’s life.”
Morgan opened her mouth, but before she could say anything else, the door on the shop chimed as another customer came through.
“Not a word to anybody,” Morgan murmured. “I’ll keep you posted, but for now it’s just us. Not even Layla. Got it?”
Morgan wanted to tell her other sister, Vic, her parents and grandma in person. She just needed the time to process everything herself before she took it to the entire family.
Chelsea nodded. “I’ll take this dress with the shoes and accessories you picked out for me.”
As she slipped back to the dressing room, Morgan went to assist her customer and wondered just how long this secret would remain so hush-hush.
Three
The sign in the window said Closed, but she was still in there. Ryan had seen her sporty little car parked in the usual spot.
Morgan’s behavior this morning had plagued him the entire day. He’d been riding the fence lines and trying to focus on what his ranch foreman had been saying, but all Ryan could think about was how the Morgan from this morning was quite different from the Morgan he’d always known.
Sex wouldn’t have made her so agitated and leery. The last time he’d seen her, they’d agreed they wouldn’t mention having sex ever again, but did that mean they were never speaking at all? He’d almost rather go back to their verbal sparring matches than to have silence. He wasn’t a chatty guy unless he was arguing with Morgan. He realized now that every single time they’d quarreled, she’d been damn sexy.
Who knew anger could be so arousing? Maybe the line between irritation and passion was narrower than he’d ever thought.
Ryan never backed down from a challenge and he demanded honesty from those around him. He’d learned early on in life that people treated you the way you allowed them to.
He wouldn’t let Morgan hide whatever it was that bothered her. If she just didn’t want to talk, fine, but he had a sinking feeling there was something else going on.
Had he done something? He thought they’d both had a pleasurable night and were in agreement when they parted ways, but now...
Their one-night stand came on the coattails of years of frustrations and arguments. He had no clue what the next steps should be, but he needed to figure that out in the next few seconds.
Ryan spotted Morgan through the double glass doors and tapped his knuckles on the frame. When she spun around and caught his gaze, she simply stared for a moment. Time seemed to stop and he wondered if she was going to ignore him or let him in. He waited maybe only a few seconds, but it seemed much longer as those striking blue eyes stared back.
Damn. He could get lost in those baby blues, but he’d vowed long ago to never lose himself in a woman again.
After being jilted and finding time to heal properly, he knew this version was stronger than ever before. No matter the relationship, whether friendship or intimacy, he demanded honesty and he had to remain in control. That was the only way he could keep his heart guarded.
Sure, Ryan could have texted Morgan, but he wanted her to look him in the eye because she’d refused earlier. He wanted to read her body language and if he had done something, then he would apologize in person to show respect.
And, fine. He wanted to see her. So what? Maybe he needed to see if they would revert back to arguing or if something else had sparked between them.
Morgan was a striking, intriguing woman he couldn’t get out of his damn mind. For the past month he’d replayed that night over and over.
Vic and Jayden had put that stupid thought in his head about Morgan being attracted to him at the Masquerade Ball. Maybe she had been, but if she still was, she was clearly confused and reacting completely out of character. He had to see for himself now that no alcohol was involved and time had lapsed.
Finally, Morgan made her way toward him and flicked the lock. She eased the door open as she narrowed her eyes. Ah, yes. There she was. That spitfire he found way too damn appealing.
“We’re closed.”
“Clearly. We need to talk.”
Her eyes widened a fraction. Was that fear? Hesitation?
Something was definitely up with her and he wasn’t leaving until he figured out what happened to make such a bold, strong woman react so out of character.
“I was just getting ready to leave.”
Again, she wouldn’t meet his gaze up close. Ryan certainly didn’t want to make her uncomfortable, but he did want to know if he’d offended her or hurt her in some way. Morgan never backed down from anything, especially an opportunity to tell him exactly what was on her mind.
Ryan slid his finger beneath her chin and tipped her head up so she had nowhere else to look. Her sharp intake of breath didn’t stem from fear...no, that was desire looking back at him.
There was his answer. He didn’t know why that revelation made him so happy.
“Are you letting me in or are we going to talk like this for the town to see?” he asked.
Her eyes darted over his shoulder, then back to him. She took a step back and eased the door wider, gesturing him inside.
Ryan glanced around at the stylish decor that combined modern metals with rustic Southern charm. There seemed to be so much inventory, yet everything had a neat, orderly vibe.
