Rebuilding Appaloosa Plains

Content warning: Options for dealing with an unplanned pregnancy are discussed in this chapter. Opinions expressed by the characters may be difficult for some readers. ---------- "I don't know how I could have been more clear that moving to the middle of nowhere and having a baby was not a lifestyle I want," Shaun said angrily. "If you decide to keep the baby, that's not going to change my mind. I'm sorry, Rukiya, but I don't know what you were expecting." "Some support would have been nice," Rukiya snapped back, wiping tears from her eyes. "It took both of us to make this mistake." Both of them were quiet for a moment. Shaun eventually broke the silence. "I can come pick you up and take you to a clinic whenever you need me to," he said softly. "Thanks," Rukiya sniffed. "I'd appreciate that." "And I can stay with you while you recover," he added. "I'll ask when...

Content warning: Mild coarse language and a suggestive scene. ----- ----- ----- “Now that is a bridge!” Ryker said proudly, marveling at his colorful block construction. “It looks good,” Mason agreed. Ryker and Mason were the only two who played with the toys in the playroom anymore, but they were both alright with that. They’d always gotten along, although Ryker was growing more annoyed with Mason’s incessant questions by the day. Ryker shared his brother’s curiosity, but preferred to try to figure things out on his own, while Mason tended to ask (and ask, and ask) for answers. “ Good? ” Ryker raised an eyebrow. “ This is how it’s done ,” he told his brother. “Okay,” Mason shrugged. Ryker scowled. How could the only Tevellyn younger than himself have ruined his sense of accomplishment? Mason was only 6, while he was about to turn 10 – the coveted double digits . “Ryker?” Mason quietly asked. “Is Rukiya gonna’ be another sister?” “What?” Ryker scrunched his face. “Th...