Baby Makes Four

by Cynthia Thomason

  After a moment of uncomfortable silence he scattered a handful of feed, as well. “Do you remember that day we discussed my renting the barn?”

  “Of course.”

  “Well, when I was trying to get in your good graces, I said one of the advantages to having me rent was that I would be around your place often and I would help you when you needed it.”

  “I believe you did say that.” She threw another handful of feed.

  “It wasn’t just idle talk,” he said. “I meant it. So don’t hesitate to ask me to do things for you.”

  Without looking at him she said, “Sure.” She glanced at the second bucket, which was still full of pellets. “We can feed the goats now.”

  He followed her and participated.

  “Where are your sons?” she asked after they were finished.

  He didn’t mind telling her he’d brought the boys. He was here to watch them, and besides, Esther wasn’t even home.

  “They’re in the barn. I made them promise not to come out.”

  She frowned at him. “That’s not necessary.”

  “I know. But you don’t want them anywhere near Esther without supervision, and...”

  “As you know, Esther’s not here. Would you ask the boys to come out, please? I’d like to talk to them if that’s okay with you.”

  “Sure. I’ll get them.” He walked with a fast stride to the barn. This was the last thing he’d expected. Was she going to yell at his boys or offer them milk and cookies? When he looked back at her, she was carrying the empty buckets to the shed, giving no indication of what she had in mind.

  Reed stood with a son on either side, his hands on each one’s shoulder. If they tried to run, at least he could collar them. Camryn came from the shed. She wiped her hands on her jeans and stopped in front of the trio.

  “Hey, boys, how are you?”

  “Fine,” Phillip said.

  “Okay,” Justin said.

  “I like those cowboy hats.”

  Reed had just bought the hats yesterday at the Route 90 Western store outside of Bufflehead Creek. The boys had been ecstatic to get them and had tried them on all sorts of ways in front of their mirror. This morning they’d added jeans and authentic leather boots to their look, along with a light jacket. They looked ready to ride the range.

  Camryn smiled at them. “I asked your dad if I could talk to you a minute. Hope that’s okay.”

  Phillip shrugged. Justin nodded his head. “Where’s Esther?” he asked.

  “She’s with her father in Charleston.”

  “Oh, cool,” Justin said. “We never get to be with our mother.”

  “Who cares?” Phillip said. “If she were here we wouldn’t be able to wear these clothes and get dirty like we can with Dad.”

  Reed knew he was right.

  “Can we sit down?” Camryn asked. She led the boys to the same bench where she’d suffered that dizzy spell. She sat in the middle with a boy on each side. “I wanted to talk about Esther, and now, with her in Charleston, seems like a good time.”

  “What do you want to say?” Phillip asked.

  “I don’t know if you can tell or not, but Esther is very impressed with you two guys.”

  Phillip looked up at his father as if to say, “See, I told you she didn’t mind the teasing.”

  But neither boy spoke, so Camryn continued. “Unfortunately, with her being a girl, and a small girl at that, and living most of her life in a house in the city, she isn’t quite as adventurous as the two of you.”

  “Yes, she is,” Justin said. “She’s done everything we told her to, or at least she wanted to if you didn’t stop her.”

  “Well, yes, I know,” Camryn said. “But she really shouldn’t have. She’s not as strong as you guys. She hasn’t tried as many things as you have.” Camryn looked from one to the other. “I don’t doubt for a minute that she’ll catch up to you soon enough, but for now, this country life, being around horses, going on the big-people rides...it’s all new to her.”

  “We just wanted to in—” Justin looked up at his dad “—what’s that word you told me the other day?”

  “Include?”

  “Yeah, that’s it. We just wanted to include Esther so she wouldn’t feel bad.”

  “I’m sure that’s partly true, Justin, and I thank you for thinking of Esther’s feelings. But while you tried to include her, you also issued a number of dares that she shouldn’t have done.”

  Justin nodded. Phillip was obviously holding his opinion for later.

  “But I think we need to give Esther some time to get used to the way boys do things. Because she looks up to you both, she’s not likely to say no to anything you ask her to do. But you both know that’s not the safest way for Esther to behave, right? I mean she doesn’t have your skills and experience at this point in her life.”

  “She’s a girl,” Phillip said. “She’ll never be able to do what we do.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure,” Reed said. “One day you’ll turn around and Esther will be wearing a cowboy hat and scoot-bootin’ all over this farm. She might even grow taller than both of you.”

  “Like that’s ever going to happen,” Phillip said.

  “She could,” Justin said. “Dad knows this stuff.”

  Camryn gave Reed a look of sincere appreciation. “Who knows?” she said. “But for now, here’s what I would suggest. I know Esther and I both want you guys to come to our place whenever you want. She missed seeing you this week. But to be really fair...” She paused, looked at Reed again. He gave her a nod of encouragement.

  “Maybe you could ask Esther what she likes to do once in a while.”

  “Like play with dolls?” Phillip groaned.

  “Not necessarily. Esther is raising her very own chickens. And she feeds the goats and runs around the pasture with them so they get exercise. Goats are very fun animals. They can be silly at times. Esther loves that.”

  Both boys were listening.

  “And she can make chocolate chip cookies and her very own jam to use with PB and J sandwiches. And most of all, she likes to share. With you being the only kids around, well, who else will she share with but you?”

  “I like chocolate chip cookies,” Justin said.

  “I hope you understand what I’m saying,” Camryn said. “I want you kids to play together, but to do that you have to do things Esther likes once in a while. And you can’t expect her to keep up with you guys all the time. What do you say? We’d really like to have you back at Cottontail Farm whenever you want to come.”

  Justin looked up at his dad. “What do you think, Dad? Can I come back sometimes even if you’re not with me?”

  “If you agree with the rules, sure.” He stared down at Phillip. “How about you?”

  “If Justin comes, then I guess I will, too. But I’m never playing dress-up or anything like that.”

  “I doubt that’s part of the deal,” Reed said.

  “Great.” Camryn put a hand on each boy’s knee and pushed up from the bench. “Esther gets home tomorrow, probably too late to play, but maybe after school on Monday...” She waited for Reed to say something.

  “I suppose we can put off the homework until after dinner. Now go finish brushing Saucy.”

  The boys ran off. Reed went to Camryn, lightly brushed her hand with his index finger. “Thanks for that, Cam. It was a great start in helping our kids to get along. You’ve already won over Justin. And Phillip will follow soon.”

  “We’ll see. I don’t want to keep Esther from the boys.”

  “You’ve got some admirable skills at this parenting business.”

  “I don’t know about that. But maybe it’s a way to mend some fences.” She started to walk back to the house.

  “Wait a minute.”

  She turned back. “Yes?”


  “One other thing before you go in...”

  She stared up at him with bright, luminous eyes.

  “I’m sorry things got so awkward last night.”

  “In a way I don’t know how we could have expected any other outcome,” she said, sticking out her hand. “Friends?”

  He grasped it in both of his. “The best. And I meant what I said. You need anything, I’m here. Just ask, Cam. In spite of the words between us, I want you to have a healthy, beautiful baby. I’ll help in any way I can.”

  “Thanks. I’ll see you around, then.”

  “You bet. Looks like you’re going to see all three Bolden men.”

  She turned and walked back to the house. He stared after her, hoping she would turn around and give him one last, meaningful smile. But she didn’t. Obviously the words they’d spoken last night were still between them.

  * * *

  AROUND NOON, CAMRYN sat down to eat a sandwich. Her cell phone rang and she took it from her pocket. Brooke. Finally. Cam had wondered why her sister hadn’t called at the crack of dawn. “Hey, Brooke,” she said.

  “How are you? Did you and Mr. Dreamy have breakfast together?”

  “Of course not. We went to dinner. He liked my dress. I confessed everything. And now it’s all history.”

  “I hope that doesn’t mean what it sounds like.”

  So did Camryn, but she answered honestly. “Pretty much. We’ll talk later, okay? Right now I’m still sort of processing.”

  “Sure, fine. There’s someone here who wants to talk to you.”

  A few seconds later, a cheerful voice said, “Hi, Mommy, it’s me, Esther.”

  “Esther? Where are you? Where is Daddy?”

  “Daddy is at his house I think. I’m at Auntie Brooke’s apartment.”

  You think? Camryn swallowed the first hint of panic. Everything was fine. Esther was with Brooke. But something had definitely not gone according to plan. “Sweetie, why are you at Auntie Brooke’s?”

  “Because she came and got me.”

  “Why did she do that?”

  “Because I called her.”

  “Are you okay? You’re not sick?”

  “Yes, and I’m not sick.”

  Getting very little information, Camryn said, “Do you think I can talk to your aunt a moment? And then I’d like to talk to you again.”

  “Sure. I’ve got to change clothes anyway. Auntie Brooke and I are going to a fancy place for lunch.”

  The next voice was Brooke’s. “Everything’s fine, Cammie. Don’t worry.”

  “Tell me what happened, Brooke.”

  “I will. But first Mark wants you to promise not to say ‘I told you so.’”

  Camryn was just beginning to understand. “You can tell him that ‘I told you so’ is the least of what I think I’m going to say to him.”

  “Yeah, I understand, but it has all worked out. Essie just wasn’t having such a good time at Mark’s. He’s kind of hooked up with a woman who has a kid. Apparently Es and this girl have very different outlooks on life.”

  “What are you talking about, Brooke? They are children. They don’t even have outlooks yet.”

  “True, but Essie believes in the philosophy of sharing. This other kid believes in ‘Give it to me, it’s mine.’ Basically it just wasn’t working out. Es called me this morning and asked if I could come get her.”

  “Did she ask Mark first?”

  “She did. He approved the phone call.”

  “Did she even tell Mark why she wanted to leave?”

  “Look, I don’t know. The thought of Esther being unhappy was enough for me. I got confirmation from Mark and left right away to go get her. You can ask her all these questions later.”

  Yes, she could. It was enough for now to know that Esther was with Brooke. Her voice sounded bright and cheerful. She was going to a fancy place for lunch. Whatever disappointments had existed this morning had obviously been replaced with girl-time joy. But Camryn couldn’t forget the warning she’d given Mark. She’d told him to go slow with this new relationship, that Esther was still vulnerable to changes in her life. Seemed like Mark was a bit like his girlfriend’s daughter. Everything was about him.

  “So you think Essie is okay?” Camryn asked.

  “Yep. All good here. You can talk to her again. But Es is staying with me tonight, and I’ll return her to Mark in time for him to bring her home.”

  “What fancy place are you going for lunch?”

  “Charles Burgers and Gourmet Shakes at the Palladium Hotel. They have twenty-one combinations of milkshakes.”

  Camryn laughed. “I owe you, Brooke.”

  “All you owe me is another beautiful niece or nephew. I love being with Es.”

  “I know, but this is Saturday. You must have plans for tonight that include someone gorgeous.”

  “Actually, no,” Brooke said. “It has been a few weeks since my Saturday night has included a date of any kind. Guess you can say I’m in a slump. Popcorn and a movie with my favorite niece will be more fun than I’ve had in a while, though Mom and Dad will holler when they find out Es was here and I didn’t bring her over.”

  Brooke in a slump? Why hadn’t she mentioned this to her twin? That was a conversation the sisters would have to have soon.

  “Anyway, Brooke, thank you so much. You don’t know what it means for me to know that my daughter’s backup plan includes the second most wonderful twin in the world.”

  “Ha! Very funny. I’ll call you when I drop Es off with Mark. Then you can explain about last night’s date.”

  And you can explain about the slump, Camryn thought. “Tell Esther to call later this afternoon, okay?”

  “You got it.”

  They disconnected. Camryn wished she were with her sister and her daughter. They could all enjoy popcorn and a movie together. Remembering a quote she’d heard once, Camryn said aloud, “Being lonely isn’t so bad unless you have no one to share it with.”

  Then remembering a couple of goats and several chickens that would be happy to share her company, not to mention four lush acres of radishes, carrots and baby gold potatoes, she hurried through her sandwich. Grabbing the keys to her gardening shed, she went outside just in time to see Reed coming across her property.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  AS REED GOT CLOSER, Camryn noticed the double-handled cotton bag he was carrying. She wondered what was inside, since the flowery print seemed out of place in the hands of a sensible, structured veterinarian.

  “Back so soon?” she called to him as she walked toward her plants.

  “I’ve got something for you,” he said. “From my mother.”

  She stared at the bag, breathed deeply and nearly fainted with delight. Whatever was in that bag smelled heavenly.

  “It’s Brunswick stew,” Reed said. “My mother is Irish, and when she makes it, she makes enough for every Irishman in County Cork.”

  “And it’s for me?”

  “Yep.”

  Camryn put down her gardening tools and took the bag. “I knew I liked your mother.”

  “And she likes you. When she asked about our date last night, as I knew she would, I said it was great. So naturally she asked when we were going out again. I said you weren’t feeling too well.”

  “But that’s a lie,” Camryn said. “I’m feeling fine.”

  “I know but did you want me to tell her the truth...that you are pregnant? That’s definitely your news to tell, Cam.”

  Camryn was impressed that Reed was guarding her privacy but thought he might have come up with a more plausible explanation. Who goes out on a date when she’s not feeling well? “Actually I am keeping it a secret for now,” she said. “There is one person in Bufflehead Creek who knows. Becky at the feedstore. And it’s enough to have one mother
hen watching out for me.”

  “Two mother hens,” Reed said. “Although I don’t want to be gender-specific since I’m the second one.”

  “You don’t have to watch out for me, Reed. I told you last night that I face less risk with every day that goes by. Soon I’m going to tell Esther she’s having a baby brother or sister.”

  He took his cowboy hat off and brushed his hair off his forehead. “You know something has been bothering me.”

  She gave him a small smile. “I sort of figured that out last night.”

  “No. It’s not that you’re pregnant. It’s that fainting spell you had when Esther was up on Saucy.”

  He remembered that? Well, why not? It was not every day that a seemingly healthy woman practically swoons at the sight of her daughter on a pony. She shrugged. “I was just upset, unreasonably so, I guess.”

  “I don’t think so. It was something else.” He grinned. “I am a doctor, you know.”

  She chuckled. “How many fainting animals have you treated, Reed?”

  “I can’t tell you for fear of violating doctor-patient confidentiality,” he teased. “But I can guarantee you that I’ll keep anything you tell me confidential, too.” He offered to take the bag from her. “Can we walk up to the house and deliver the stew to your refrigerator?”

  “Sure, I guess.” She fell into step next to him. When they reached the house, he followed her inside and waited while she put the stew away. When Cam noticed he was seated at the table, she sat across from him. “Are you still wondering if I’m in good health?”

  “Yep. And I have a couple of questions.”

  “Okay.”

  “Are you really feeling well, Camryn? Did your miscarriages have anything to do with a medical problem you’re experiencing?”

  Truly, the miscarriages did not stem from a medical problem. Her gynecologist explained each loss in scientific terms that could have applied to any woman. The problem Camryn suffered from had to do with her reaction to the losses, and her inability to adjust to Mark’s social-climbing goals. She debated about telling Reed the truth. Let him believe she had a serious condition or admit that her problems were due to something else?