Introduction

Part 4

"I gotta go help out Lloyd, where d'ya want me to to drop you" Rip asked as we were coming up to the Ranch.

"Just drop me at the cabin."

"Alright."

——

I was well out of my depth as much as I wouldn't usually ask for help it looks like I needed to. Monica knows more about babies. I want to ask her but don't know if I can. Then I would remind myself I don't need help. I'm Beth Dutton, I can do this all myself. In the meantime I'm just going to sit out on the porch with Birdie in my arms, soaking up all her beauty.

Staring down at her face I notice how big her eyes are, how dark her hair is and how small she really is. I need to phone a paediatrician surely? I need baby food, clothes, car seat oh god maybe I hadn't thought this all the way through. But I have bee given a second chance here so I'm not going to waste it.
I'll head out to the store, but I can't take her with me. I have no seat or a pram. Maybe I did need help. But where would I get it from?

I made my way down to the stables hoping to find Carter there. When I approached the doors I saw a young girl there with him. I stood away from the building but not so far that I couldn't see "Carter" I called for him. As I did the girl docked into one of the horse stalls.

"Yeah" I saw him straighten himself as though he was caught.

"If you're not too busy, could you come into town with me? I need some help getting some stuff."

"Yeah, whose that?" He questioned with his bad arm. It was still in a cast only a few more weeks though then it would be free.

"Birdie, girl was abandoned the other night. I'm gonna take care of her."

"Oh. I'll meet you at the car" His voice was quieter this time.

"I need more room, which means I'll take one of the trucks, meet me up at the house." As I walked away I spoke loudly enough both of the kids could hear me "Oh and next time you try to hide a girl from me be a little better at it." I then turned around and gave him a grin which caused his face to go a bright shade of pink.

"Is that your mom?" Halie asked, coming out of the stall.

"No," Carter answered, throwing his gloves on the floor. The mood had obviously changed now and she could very clearly tell.

"I best get going." Halie sent a weak smile as she left. Though before she could sit the stables Carter called after her "When can I see you again?" His voice lightened up this time.

"Guess ya have to wait n see" She blew a kiss then ran off.

——

"Took you long enough" I mocked Carter as he opened the passenger side door. He just looked up and gave his head a small shake. He may not want to talk about it now but I'll find a way to pull it outta him.
"Can you hold Birdie for me till we get into town, need to grab her some stuff. Do you need anything?"

"No." His answer was short and sharp as he took the baby.

"You sure? What about a new pair of boots? Look at those they got a hole in em" I pointed at the shoe in question. When he shrugged his shoulders I got the hint and started the truck.

He didn't speak to me. He didn't even throw his occasional insults at me. I had a hunch what was up but if he had a problem he needed to come to me about it. 
The journey was silent. All that could be heard was the sound of the truck's engine roaring as I drove down the open roads.

Finally the silence was interrupted, thankfully by the sound of my phone. Though I didn't stay thankful for long when I noticed it was a call from Jamie. I declined the call on the steering wheel, but when he rang again it felt much louder now that my phone had connected to the car. I declined it once more and he rang once more.
I gave in and answered the 6th call.
"Beth where the fuck are you!"

"What's it to you dipshit."

"Beth I'm not joking where are you!"

"Not that it's any of your business but I'm on my way into town. And watch your fucking language asshole there's kids in the car."

"Fuck! Fuck, fuck. Beth you need to get off the road now. You need to turn back now!"

"Fuck off Jaimie," I ended the phone call.
When I looked over at Carter I saw that he was smiling. I guess a little bit of anger is enjoyable to him. He really is my son.
No he's not. He's not my son. I have to remind myself of that. Maybe this whole thing isn't going to work out.

My phone rang again interrupting my thoughts and Carter leaned over and pressed accept which earns him a joking glare from me.

"Beth you are being so stupid! You think the rules don't apply to you, well guess what they do!"

"Jaimie you seem stressed maybe you need to go relieve some of that stress, I know a great hooker he will sort you out nicely."

"BETH! You are going to be arrested for kidnapping that baby."

"Excuse me! How do you know that I have... why do you care?" My voice was still high in rage.

"Because I've been lumbered with having to be your lawyer. Dad -"

"He isn't your father Jamie."

"Just get back here" He let out a huff before putting the phone down.