I pushed out the tinge of guilt. This went against the Bro Code but Nate wasn’t one, not really. My plan meant Becky would marry him. My Pa would see to that. So would Nate’s kin. His Dad was well off, but he needed people to like him. People do business with people they like – or tolerate. He couldn’t let his son get away with getting a girl in trouble and then leaving her unwed.

No, not in these parts.

I took a calming breath and slowly opened the door to her room. The old pink walls were still here. I don’t remember the purple curtains from last time. Her bed wasn’t made. Just a simple white sheet on a wooden bed my Pa built years ago. The rest of the blanket was on the wood floor. Pictures of attractive male movie stars I recognized decorated the walls. My heart quickened as I looked at each.

What I wouldn’t give for a body like that.

My gaze went to the chipped vanity and makeup brushes. Her black purse hung to the side.

It was several moments of indecision before I snaked my hand in. Lipstick, tampons, and spare change went over my fingertips before I found what I needed in a side pocket. I pulled out a row of six condoms.

Geez. I use one every few months if I was lucky.

I shook my head. Girls have it so easy.

Again, I thought about what I planned but… this might happen on its own. I was just speeding things up. Besides, if it happened later, it might not be in time. Two months would be enough to know if she was pregnant, right?

Yeah.

I got the silver needle, inhaled deep and poked a hole in each pack. Then I ran my nail over the edge to cover the hole. The shower water slowed, then stopped. I dropped the roll of condoms back in her purse, opened the door and scurried out into the kitchen.

I poured myself a drink of Dr. Pepper, while I kept an ear cocked to the bathroom. The long drawn out squeak told me she left the bathroom. I heard the soft thumps as she strolled into her bedroom.

I lived with her long enough to know when she was… uh, fertile. Thinking of my sister in that way wasn’t something I liked, but it had to happen. Otherwise, we’d lose the farm.

This will make her into a proper woman.

It wasn’t a popular opinion, but it was true. Women were meant for certain things and men for others. Women had the babies. It was as nature intended. Well… there were new exceptions. The Volardi showed us that.

Besides, she was always into jewelry and Nate would give it to his future wife.

Hopefully, he gives it to her tonight. I couldn’t see my face, but I imagined it was a mix of a frown and a smile. Imagining Nate’s smug smirk while naked was a repulsive image. Although, I had to allow myself a grin. Having the girl of the family married would solve everything.