I lifted my glass and nearly drank the entire thing.
“So he wanted her gone because she was a reminder of what exactly?”
“I’m not sure. Some men aren’t…well, let’s just say I don’t care for him and never have. Your mother and I have both told Joyce that he has cheated on her, and she refuses to listen. I think in some weird way, she feels like she owes him something. Her life and Scarlett’s has been a good one, and it might not have been if Dalton hadn’t married her. I’m sure Joyce would have struggled. Her folks didn’t have much, and she worked for Dalton’s parents. I think she felt she owed them to stay with their son.”
“That’s messed up.”
“I think Dalton tries, and I have no doubt that he loves Scarlett. Not like how your mother and I love you kids, which is a shame.”
Rubbing my hand over the tight muscles in my neck, I asked, “Why did you tell me all of this, Dad?”
“I wanted you to understand why Scarlett’s parents reacted the way they did earlier today. Why they seemed so…disappointed. I knew Scarlett was upset, and I have to tell you, I’m proud as hell of how you took things into your own hands tonight.”
“You don’t think this pregnancy was a mistake, do you?”
He shook his head and flashed me a bright smile. “This was not a mistake. I’ve heard rumors around town about your rather loose lifestyle when it comes to women.”
My cheeks heated. “Since Scarlett and I have been together I haven’t been with anyone but one other woman and that was a mistake.”
He shrugged. “The past is in the past, Trevor. The only thing you need to focus on now is what’s in front of you. Now, how are things with you and Scarlett?”
I finished my drink and set it on a coaster. “That’s why I’m here. I needed to talk to you. I need your advice, Dad.”
“I’m listening.”
I slowly pushed out a deep breath. “Scarlett has put a wall between us, and for good reason. I never promised her a relationship, but I know I gave her mixed signals. I wanted to be with her but didn’t want to commit.”
His brow lifted.
“I know. Believe me I’ve already gotten lectured by all of your other sons and daughters on more than one occasion.”
“Good. Now keep going.”
“When I finally came to my senses about Scarlett, it was before I found out about the baby. I thought she was with another guy, and I realized that I couldn’t live without her in my life. The only problem is, she thinks I’ve changed my tune because of the baby.”
“Did you explain to her that wasn’t the case?”
“I have, but I understand why she has her guard up. I hurt her, Dad. Not on purpose, only because I was a complete asshat.”
“Let me ask you something, Trevor. Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Leaning back in the chair, I smiled. “That’s easy. Running the ranch with Scarlett by my side, maybe another baby by then. I don’t know what Scarlett wants in the way of kids, but I know watching my other siblings that it would be pretty cool to have at least two.”
A smile grew over my father’s face. “Do you realize what you just said, son? The ranch has always been in your blood, always something you knew you were going to do, but almost all of that had to do with Scarlett and kids.”
Pinching my brows, I looked down in thought. “Who am I and what happened to fun, carefree Trevor?”
His head dropped back as a burst of laughter came out. When he finally stopped, he looked at me.
“Out of all my sons, you remind me the most of myself, Trevor.”
Warmth filled my chest.
“That’s a compliment, Dad.”
“Thank you, son. But seriously. I had the same ideas about life when I was younger, but when I met your mother I fell hard on my ass and life did a one-eighty. Everything that once revolved around me, went right to her. Still does.”
“You and Mom have a beautiful love story, Dad.”
He winked. “We do, but so do the rest of your siblings. What have I always told you kids about life?”
“That we all live on borrowed time and to make the most of every moment.”
He pointed to me. “Exactly. Take each day as it comes. If Scarlett needs slow, give her slow, but let her know how you feel every single day. Be honest with her. If you’re scared, nervous, unsure of something, tell her. The key is being open. Why do you think your mother and I have been so happy all these years? I’m not afraid to tell her the truth. When I found out she was pregnant with twins, I nearly ran for my life.”