Arthur was lounging on the fence, cracking a joke with some of the other bull riders when you approached, heart pounding. He caught sight of the serious look on your face and straightened up, wiping dirt off his hands.

— “You look like you’re about to drop a bomb, darlin’,” he said, voice teasing but eyes sharp.

You pulled out the pregnancy test, holding it steady. “Well… surprise. I’m pregnant.”

For a second, Arthur just blinked, the easy grin slipping for a flicker. Then he cleared his throat and smirked. “Well, damn. Guess I better start practicin’ my dad jokes, huh?”

You smiled softly, but could see the nerves behind his eyes.

He ran a hand through his hair, voice quieter. “You sure you want this? ‘Cause… I ain’t exactly the perfect guy for this kinda thing.”