When dawn broke a little while later, Zach got up and helped Sam with the chores so Dusty could sleep. He attempted to feed Nigel but didn’t have much luck. The tiny kitten squalled and cried until Dusty finally woke up.

“What are you doing to that poor thing?”

“I’m sorry, darlin’. I didn’t want to wake you.”

“It’s all right. Look at the time. I need to help Sam with the chores.”

“Already done.” Zach smiled. “He and I took care of it. I wanted you to sleep.”

“You’re an angel.”

“Just the man who loves you. But I’m afraid I’m not having much luck with Nigel here.”

“I’m coming.”

Dusty rose, her peachy naked body a tempting sight for Zach. He willed himself to cool off while she pulled on a pair of sweat pants and a tank top. That woman could make army fatigues look sexy. He handed the kitten to Dusty and kissed her lips. “I’ll go get you some coffee.”

“That’d be perfect. Thanks.”

Zach walked to the kitchen, poured a cup of coffee for Dusty, and checked his watch. Only a little after nine. So he was startled when the phone rang. Sam was still outside, and Dusty made no move to answer it. He picked it up and said hello.

“Hello. Is this Sam?”

“Nope. Sorry. He’s outside. I’ll get him for you.”

“No, no. I’m calling for Dusty, actually. This is Dr. Lloyd.”

Zach’s heart thumped against his sternum. “Oh, yeah, yeah. I’ll get her for you. She’s just in the next room. Hold on.”

He ran to the bedroom, neglecting to put down the coffee so it sloshed all over his jeans. “Dusty.” He took a deep breath, handing her the phone. “Dr. Lloyd.”

Dusty put Nigel down on his bed and shakily reached for the phone. “Zach,” she whispered.

“I’m here, darlin’.” He sat down on the bed and pulled her into his lap. “We face it together, okay?”

She nodded and pressed the phone to her ear. “Good morning, Dr. Lloyd.”

Zach felt Dusty tense on his lap. His own body was wound tighter than a bowstring. Why didn’t she say something? How long did it take a doctor to say yes, you have cancer or no, you don’t?

She sat, rigid, her eyes and mouth revealing nothing to him. A lone tear fell. Shit.

“It’s okay, darlin’,” he whispered. “We’ll get through it.”

Then, “What?” She dropped the phone onto the floor. Zach reached for it and put it back to her ear.

“I’m sorry, Doctor,” she said. “Could you repeat that, please?” A pause. “Are you absolutely sure?” Another pause. “But how?”

Zach’s mind whirled with jumbled thoughts of illness and loss as he imagined the absolute worst. Up until now he hadn’t actually considered that he could lose Dusty. But now… He didn’t want to live without her. He wasn’t sure he could. Damn it, they would beat this!

“Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate you calling me so quickly. You can’t imagine what you’ve done for me. Thank you!”

She tossed the phone on the bed and then took Zach’s mouth with hers. His heart hopped. Maybe it was good news. He broke away.

“What is it? Tell me.”

She smiled, a wide smile he had never seen before. Always before, something had been clouding her smile. Now she was letting the sun itself shine through her. “It’s wonderful news.”

“I’m sitting on pins and needles here.”

“I’m all right. My blood test came back normal.”

“Thank God. What about the elevated white count earlier?”

“I was fighting a cold or something. Totally normal.”

“Yee haw!” Zach stood up with her in his arms and swung her around. “Everything’s going to be fine now. We’re going to Colorado to start our life.”

“Yes, we sure are.”

“See? You were feeling sick because of nerves. Or maybe even a little virus.”

“Or maybe a little something else.” She smiled impishly.

“What have you got up your sleeve, darlin’?”

“Nothing up my sleeve. Just a little something in my belly. Do you still want to marry me today?”

“You bet I do. Just name the time and the place.”

“As soon as possible. Unless you want our child to be born out of wedlock. I’m pregnant, Zach.”

For the first time in his life, Zach McCray was speechless.

---

Zach’s face was a shocked white. Wasn’t he happy?

“Sweetheart, are you all right?”

He shook his head. “Fine, darlin’. Fine. But how?”

“Surely you don’t need to ask that question. You certainly put a lot of effort into it.”

He smiled sheepishly. “You know what I mean.”

“Yeah, I know. I guess I’m not technically infertile. I do still get periods, just not very often. In order to get a period, I have to ovulate first. Evidently, I would have gotten a period right about now. Only you got to me first.”

“But you were on the pill.”

“No, I was never on the pill. You just assumed I was, and…I guess I let you believe it.” Oh God, what if he thought…“I-I really didn’t think I could get pregnant,” she stammered, her face warming. “I never would have tried to trap you.”

He cupped her cheeks and kissed her lips. “You don’t have a deceptive bone in your gorgeous body, darlin’. I know you didn’t mean to get pregnant. But I’m so damn glad you did. It’s a miracle.”

“Not a miracle. You’re just a major stud who can impregnate an infertile woman.” She kissed his cheek. “This is the most wonderful gift you could have ever given me.”

“You’re giving me the gift, darlin’. I’m so happy for you. For us. I’m not letting you out of my sight. I’m going to take such good care of you.”

“You’re going to smother me, aren’t you?”

“Absolutely. No barrel racing and no roping. And especially no bull riding!”

“Zach—”

“I mean it, Dusty. This may be our only chance for a child.”

“You’re right, and I agree with you.”

“You’re acquiescing that easily? Where’s my little spitfire?”

“Oh, she’s still here. But she wants to have your baby more than anything in the world. I can’t believe it, Zach. This is the happiest day of my life. I reached my five year mark. I’m cured. I’m in love, I’m getting married, and I’m having a baby.” She began to cry.

“No crying allowed. You’re happy, remember?”

“Oh, I am.”

“Me too. More than ever.”

“Zach, do you think he’ll have your eyes?”

“God, I hope not.”

“I hope so. Your eyes are so unique and wonderful. I love them. And I love you.”

“I love you too, darlin’. Now let’s get into Black Eagle and get hitched. I want to be your husband. And then we’re heading straight home to McCray Landing. Your wedding gift is waiting there.”

Dusty squealed. “Wedding gift? What have you done?”

“Not too much. Let’s just say Harper Bay drives a hard bargain.”

“Regina! Oh Zach! Now I have to get you something really special.”

Zach smiled and rubbed his hand over her abdomen. “You already have, darlin’. You already have.”