She propped her elbows onto the counter and dropped her forehead into her hands. "I can't let you do this, Craig. I really can't. I appreciate your offer to help. Actually I'm touched more than I can say, but I know you. You'll hate being cooped up here all day. After a Week or so you'd be planning your escape, booking a flight to Tahiti."
"Been there. It's overrated. Besides, I don't intend to stay here all day. I have a friend here in town I intend to look up. He's got his own studio and has asked me to work with him before. I have a hunch he can put me in the way of as much work as I can handle. Plus, I can set up some of my photo lab equipment here and continue with my own stuff. I've got several weeks of work ahead of me, developing the film I've taken recently."
"You've always hated studio work and you know it--taking pictures of babies and graduates and brides-to-be, not to mention all the actors' portfolios."
"It's not so bad, really. Besides, I'm going to want to get some practice taking baby pictures. After all, I'm going to have a new model coming along."
Tess made a muffled sound, but didn't look up. "What?" he asked.
She shook her head. He leaned down, trying to see her face. "You're not crying, are you?" He'd been trying so hard to keep it light, but he knew tears would do him in.
She kept her head down. "My eyes seem to have developed an automatic watering system lately. Maybe it has something to do with hormonal changes or something."
After a long silence, he murmured, '"Please don't cry."
She raised her head, fixing him with a damp glare. "I'll cry if I want to, darn it. You're going to have to get used to the idea that I can turn into a watering
bucket at the snap of your fingers. Remember, I'm still adjusting to all of this. You seem to be taking it in stride better than I am." She watched him fill two plates with steamed vegetables, then place the salad bowl on the bar between them.
They ate in silence, each caught up in his and her own thoughts. After a while, Tess said, "Since you cooked tonight, I'll do it tomorrow, okay?"
"Whatever works for you is fine with me," he replied as casually as possible, relieved that she appeared to be accepting his presence there.
She smiled at him. "Are you always going to be this agreeable? You're treating me as though I have some life-threatening disease, Jamison. Lighten up."
"Now there's a switch." He leaned over and kissed her on the nose. "I enjoy pampering you, honey. Guess you'll just have to get used to it."
They were companionably cleaning the kitchen when Craig said, "Oh, by the way, the folks want to know when they can come to visit us. I've never seen them so excited. Who would have guessed how much they've been pining to become grandparents? More said she'd tried to put it out of her mind and thought she was reconciled to not having any. I swear she's close to doing back flips."
She covered her cheeks with her hands. "I was hoping you hadn't told them just yet."
"I really don't think we could have kept it a secret for long, do you? They wanted to know why I'd decided to move in with you, so I told them I was trying hard to convince you to marry me. My moving in was the first step."
She buried her face in her hands. "Oh, Craig, you didn't. Wasn't it enough to tell them you were going to stay in the States for a while without mentioning me?"
"I could have, I suppose. But the truth was much easier to explain."
"They think I'm awful, don't they?" she asked in obvious dread.
"On the contrary, they couldn't believe I'd take advantage of you in such a way."
"Oh, Craig, you didn't tell them how it came about, did you?"
"Of course I did. It was the truth. I did take advantage of your vulnerability that night. It was that more than anything that kept haunting me all the while I was gone. I finally had to come back, to see if I could make amends."
"You didn't take advantage of me, can't you understand that?" She tossed down the rag that she'd been using to wipe the counter, folding her arms and glaring at him. Now this was more like the Tess he knew, not that bright and friendly fake who had first greeted him.
Here was the person he'd always enjoyed teasing. "Oh, I realized it, finally. Once I really gave it some thought, I figured out what had happened. Sometime during the course of that evening, you decided to lure me into your web of seduction. Being the true innocent I am, I didn't understand what was happening. It's my guess you doped up that last drink you offered me so that I would be totally under your spell with no mind of my own... no will of my own. All you ha d to do was beckon and I was yours ... just your typical, ordinary love-slave there to do your bidding." He lifted his eyebrows. "Wasn't that what happened?"
She was laughing by the time he finished. "You are crazy, did you know that? Absolutely crazy."
He slipped his arms around her and held her. This was exactly where she needed to be. Why hadn't he known that years ago? "I don't have a problem with that. Do you?"
She shook her head, bemused. He couldn't resist kissing her. He immediately felt her resistance. As casually as possible, he stepped back, silently reassuring her that he was not going to pressure her in any way.
"What did your folks say when you told them you intended to move in with me?" She refilled their glasses, handing him one while she led the way into the den.
She sat down in one of the chairs, so he relaxed on the sofa. "They're hoping that eventually you'll take pity on me as well as give my innocent babe my name." He eyed her over the top of his glass before he said, "I told them not to hold their breath, that you were hoping for someone better than me in your life."
"That's not true and you know it, Craig! I'm trying not to make any hasty decisions that would have long-range consequences on everyone concerned. Surely you can understand that, can't you?"
"Just so that you understand that while you're weighing all your options, and analyzing the consequences of each and every decision, I'm going to be right here. Make no mistake about it, darling'. Until that little one is here, you aren't getting rid of me. I intend to dog your every step, make certain you take care of yourself, as well as anything else I can do to make your life easier. That's one decision I intend to make."
"Do you really think this is necessary?" Tess asked two days later, looking around the mammoth display of bedroom furniture and mattresses in all shapes and sizes.
"Yes, actually, I do. I tried your suggestion, remember? I've slept on that couch. If you hoped that would get rid of me, it didn't work. So... we'll get a king-size bed and both of us will be comfortable. We'll each have plenty of room to sprawl if we feel the urge, and if you get scared in the middle of the night and need a strong arm to hold and protect you, well, hey, I'll be right there beside you, an eager volunteero"
"That's all well and good, but since you only intend to stay until the baby arrives, it seems silly to waste money on new furniture that I'm not going to need, especially with all the other expenses of having a baby."
"Would you care to run that by me one more time?" Craig asked, leaning his shoulder against a bureau and crossing his ankles.
"What part don't you understand?"
"The part that I intend to stay only until the baby arrives."
"Isn't that what you said?"
"No, but it's obviously what you heard."
"Now I am confused."
"Is that part of your hormone thing?" he asked with considerable interest.
"Of course not, you idiot. I was just--" "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Remember who's listening?"
"Oh, good grief! You can be so-o-o irritating at times."
"I'm reading the most fascinating book about the life of the unborn child. It's amazing what they've learned about the little tykes."
She stared at him in astonishment. "You're reading a book about prenatal development?"
"Among other things. There's also one on how the mother's diet affects the infant, although you haven't said whether or not you intend to nurse him... or her. However, your diet affects him now, so you can
't be too careful. Then there's the book on what one can expect from infants from birth to their first year, then--"
She threw up her hands and walked away, saying, "I give up."
"Good." He straightened and strode to where one of the salesmen hovered. "We'd like this set to be delivered as soon as possible." Craig pulled out his checkbook. "You'll take a check, I presume."
"On a local bank?"
"Certainly, sir." The salesman walked over to the counter and began to figure the tax and total. "Craig!" Tess snapped at his elbow.
He looked at her and smiled. "Yes, dear?" He hoped that sounded solicitous and husbandly enough. "I don't think we should do this."
"What you said was that you didn't feel we should spend the money. I understand. You've carefully budgeted and this wasn't part of it. However, I haven't been given the opportunity to budget so this is my contribution to the household. Fair enough?" She shook her head.
With his most forlorn look, he said, "You're going to consign me to that couch?" He rubbed his lower back. "There's no sense in both of us suffering from back pains, is there? Especially when mine can he alleviated. And just think. As long as I'm lying there beside you, I can give you back rubs to help ease
any discomfort you might have. Now if that isn't working everything out efficiently, I don't know what is."
She turned away before she said something she'd later regret. Besides, the salesman was approaching them once again.
' They were driving back to the condo before Craig said, "You're being awfully quiet. Arc you okay?" "Not really." "What's wrong."
"Tm feeling pressured, pushed and manipulated, and I really don't like the feeling."
You had to ask, he thought to himself. "Yeah. I can see where you could be feeling some of that--maybe the pressured and pushed part. I'm having a little trouble with the manipulated part, though."
"You wanted the bed. You got the bed. You even made it sound like it was the only reasonable thing for us to do."
"It wasn't?"
"We're not playing house, Craig. We're not back in elementary school. This isn't about where to build the clubhouse and how big it needs to be, and what kind of restrictions for new members we'll make up." "I know that."
"Then why are you treating this like a game?" "In what way am I treating it like a game?"
"Maybe game's the wrong word, okay? You're treating it like one of your adventures. None of this is real to you. We find out I'm pregnant, so you decide to become the hero and rescue me. Craig, I don't need rescuing, can you understand that?"
"Because you're tough, right? You don't need anybody... you've never needed anybody. Who do I think I am, anyway?" he replied, pulling into the garage. He got out of the car and walked around to her door. She was already pushing it open. He held out his hand and she looked at it for a long moment before slowly reaching out and grasping it.
With a steady pressure he eased her from the car until she was standing a few inches away from him. "Was that so difficult to do?"
She could feel the trembling that had started-deep within her in the store increase. He hadn't let go of her hand. Instead he continued to hold it while he draped his other arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer so that her nose was pressed into the curve between his shoulder and neck.
"You really don't have to convince me you can do this on your own. I know you can, but thank God you don't have to. Please let me be a part of this, okay? I'm not trying to rush you into some kind of relationship with me you don't want. So maybe the bed wasn't the greatest idea, but I'm not trying to take advantage of you, or Planning to make any moves on you." He leaned back to see her face, saying, "Not unless I'm encouraged to do so, of course."
She wouldn't look at him, nor did she answer.
He dropped his arms from around her and walked over to the door into the house. After holding it for her, he followed her inside.
"Look, I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but once you start putting on weight you might have a little more difficulty getting around. What if you slipped and fell some night getting to the bathroom and I wasn't upstairs to know that you'd fallen?"
"Believe me, you'd hear it. You'd probably think the ceiling was falling through--probably mistake it for another earthquake," she replied in a shaky voice.
He smiled, following her into the den and watching her needlessly straighten the magazines on the coffee table. "See there? You didn't lose your sense of humor... just misplaced it for a little while. It's going to be all right. All of this." He took her hand and coaxed her to sit down on the sofa beside him. He stroked her cheek. "Remember me? I'm your best friend, not some stranger trying to muscle in on your nice, orderly life. What I think you may be missing here is that I need to be a part of this."
She closed her eyes for a moment, as though gathering inner strength. "We're not a hundred percent certain I'm even pregnant, Craig. I just feel we're rushing things a little, don't you?"
"You know the truth, though, don't you? Just as I do. That's what called me back home. That's why you reluctantly agreed to let me move in with you. We both know what the doctor is going to say next week."
She leaned back against the sofa and sighed. "It all a little overwhelming at the moment, I guess."
"I've got an idea. Why don't we watch some o] movies tonight. You have a great collection. We sha: a lot of favorites, you know. As for feeling manipulated, if you don't want me sleeping upstairs with yo I won't." He patted the sofa. "It will take some ge ting used to, but I can deal with this. You'll need tl larger bed in a few months, anyway."
"It isn't about the bed, Craig. It's about being part of the decision-making process. You're used t being on your own, so you've never felt the need t consult anyone else. You weigh your options an make a decision. I understand that because I've live the same way, You would not like it if I was makin decisions that you had to live with without my cot suiting you, would you?"
"No. You're right. I wouldn't be comfortable i that sort of situation. I suppose, in my own de fens I'm carrying on this way because I'm afraid that if leave it up to you, you won't allow me any part your life, or the baby's. You don't want to man me... you are merely tolerating my living with you. feel as though I have to fight to maintain any cont ac with my own child. I guess I'm not handling it ver well ." '
"Obviously neither am I or you wouldn't be feeling so threatened by all of this. At least we're admitting we both have fears going into this. I think that's a good sign."
"I never thought of it in those terms."
"Of course not. No self-respecting male is ever going to admit to being afraid of anything!" She patted his cheek consolingly and they both laughed. When she sobered, Tess added, "You and I both know that we can't share the same bed without adding tension to our relationship. I'm not certain I'm ready to add anything more in my life to deal with at the moment."
He held his hand in the oath-making position. "I do solemnly swear to keep my distance when we are in bed together. I will not venture past my half of the mattress unless I'm specifically invited. If I break any of these promises, you can send me back to this sofa for the duration." He tilted his head inquiringly. "Fair enough?"
She studied him carefully before holding out her hand. "It's a deal." They solemnly shook on their new agreement.
Chapter Five
It was during her fourth month cheCkup that they found out the rest of the story.
"Twins?" she repeated, staring at the doctor.
"That's right. There's two of them. No doubt about it."
Tess left the doctor's office dazed by his news. She was more shocked than when he'd confirmed her pregnancy two months ago. After all, she'd had a little time to get used to the idea before she'd seen him. But twins? This was news she'd never expected to receive. What in the world was she going to do?
Craig was out on a shoot today. She hurried home hoping to have some time to herself before she had to face him. She already knew that he would w
ant to know everything she'd found out from the doctor, just as he had after each visit. He threatened to go with her if she didn't make a full report.
It was amazing how her life had changed in two short months. In some ways it seemed as though she'd been pregnant forever, and in others, that Craig had moved in only a week or so ago.
True to his promise, he hadn't badgered her about marrying him. He'd also made certain that he didn't
take advantage of the fact that they were now sharing a bed.
She seemed to be more affected than he was. Sharing the bedroom had increased the intimacy between them, even though Craig was considerate about allowing her privacy. He, on the other hand, didn't appear the least self-conscious about her seeing him in all stages of undress. He slept in a pair of jogging shorts, he explained, since he didn't own a pair of pajamas and didn't intend to buy any. That was his only concession to her modesty.
She supposed she was getting more used to sharing her space with him, if that was what he'd hoped to accomplish. There were times when she couldn't figure Craig out. Lately she made less effort to try.
She let herself into the house. The doctor had warned her that her need for sleep would increase. He'd been right. She tired much easier now. She could just imagine what she would be doing in another month or so, carrying twins!
She went upstairs and changed out of her clothes and into her comfortable robe. She'd take a quick nap and then start dinner so that it would be ready when Craig got home. That was the last thought she had before waking up some time later with the most delicious smells wafting Up from the kitchen.
Craig was home.
She sat up on the side of the bed, knowing better than to get up too quickly. Her body had certainly let it be known that she could no longer spring out of bed without falling on her nose.
She also knew to take it slow and easy down the stairs. When she walked into the kitchen Craig stood at the stove with his back to her. He must have heard her because he glanced over his shoulder and smiled at her. "Hi, sleepyhead. How's it going?"
She promptly yawned, then sat down at the bar. "Fine."
Annette Broadrick Page 6
