Accidental Family

by Kristin Gabriel

  A platter slipped out of Alan’s fingers and landed in the soapy water with a splash. Another flush crept up his cheeks as he turned to retrieve it. “Sorry about that.”

  “No problem,” she said with a smile as she wiped the soapsuds off the front of her sweater.

  He cleared his throat, then handed her the wet platter. “Speaking of the Orr Clinic, you never mentioned why you decided to go all the way to Canada for the procedure.”

  She slowly wiped the dish towel over the surface of the platter. “My doctor recommended it.”

  Alan searched the soapy water for more dishes, but came up empty. “He must feel awful about it now.”

  “You have no idea,” Rowena murmured, reaching across him to pull the rubber stopper out of the sink. Her arm brushed his broad chest, but he didn’t shy away from the contact. Instead, he turned toward her again, and their gazes locked, the only sound in the kitchen that of water swirling down the drain.

  “Thank you for helping with the dishes,” she said at last.

  He took a step closer to her, his eyes never leaving her face. “You’re welcome.”

  She drew in a breath, wondering if he was going to kiss her. She watched his hand come up and lightly cup her chin. Her mind told her to back away, but her feet stayed firmly planted on the floor.

  Then his thumb gently swiped across the tip of her nose. He held his thumb up for her to see the soapsuds clinging to it. “You missed some.”

  A shaky smile rose to her lips, and her heart beat unnecessarily fast. “Thanks.”

  The kitchen clock chimed, breaking the invisible tether between them. Had he really been about to kiss her? Or was that just wishful thinking?

  “It’s getting late,” he said, returning to the sink and wringing out the wet dishcloth. “I think I’d better go.”

  “I’ll walk you out.”

  They both lingered at the front door, but there didn’t seem to be anything else to say. “Well, good night, Rowena. And thank you again for dinner.”

  “Thank you for coming,” she replied as he walked out the door. “And watch out for that slippery spot.”

  He waved, then headed for his car, one foot sliding on the sidewalk before he regained his balance. She waited until he drove away from the curb before she closed the front door.

  Their first evening together had gone better than she’d expected. Alan could be warm and witty. The stories he’d told about his childhood and his distant father had touched her. And made her understand a little bit better why this baby was so important to him.

  But how long could their truce last? For the most part, they’d steered clear of any in-depth discussion about the baby. That couldn’t last forever. Even the subject of a name had caused a moment of tension between them.

  She shivered, more from apprehension about the coming days than the cold. Just like that icy patch on the sidewalk, there were hidden risks in becoming too close to him.

  Risks she just wasn’t willing to take.

  * * *

  ALAN TURNED OVER in bed, tugging the quilt around his shoulders. Had he been completely nuts to agree to this truce with Rowena? After he’d overheard Maureen’s telephone conversation about a potential stalker, his main goal had been to protect her. But who was going to protect her from him?

  He’d almost kissed her tonight. Closing his eyes, he could envision her pink lips slightly parted, her soft breath caressing his chin. He’d been within inches of paradise. Instead, he’d refrained and landed in purgatory. How could he possibly sleep?

  His knee throbbed from the spill on her sidewalk. He thought about going down to the kitchen for some ice, but he’d need to apply it to more than one part of his anatomy.

  It was hopeless. He couldn’t deny his physical attraction to Rowena any longer. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted any woman. But that didn’t mean he had to act on it. He liked spending time with her. Felt he was making progress with her. But he was still adjusting to the idea of becoming a father. She was the mother of his child, not a potential one-night stand.

  He shifted on the bed, his body not so easily convinced.

  His thoughts drifted to that letter she’d received. How dare anyone try to terrorize her. And would she ever trust him enough to tell him about it? If necessary, he’d track down this Heller himself and make the man understand that Rowena was off-limits. From every man. Including Alan himself.

  But he could still dream about her. That was his last thought as he finally drifted off to sleep.

  CHAPTER TEN

  ROWENA COULDN’T BELIEVE her eyes when she looked out her living room window the next morning. Alan was clearing the inch of snow that had fallen during the night off her sidewalk.

  She grabbed her coat, slipped into her boots and stepped onto the front porch. “What are you doing out here this early?”

  “Clearing the sidewalk so you don’t fall.”

  She smiled. “Seems like you’re the one who’s been hitting the pavement lately.”

  “A few bruises won’t hurt me,” he replied, scooping up another shovelful of snow. “But you’re pregnant, so you need to be extra careful.” He straightened and wagged a finger at her. “I don’t want you out here until this ice is gone.”

  She folded her arms across her chest. “I don’t take orders, Alan. From you or anyone.”

  A muscle flexed in his jaw. “Even if it’s for your own good?”

  “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

  A humorless smile crossed his lips. “I can see that. So let me rephrase what I said before. Please try to stay off the sidewalk until I get it cleared. I’d hate for you to slip and hurt yourself or the baby.”

  “Okay,” she agreed, a little surprised he’d acquiesced so easily. “I will.”

  Maybe he was different from Max, after all. Her old boyfriend had always grown livid when challenged. He’d wanted complete control. Complete domination. Unlike Alan, who simply wanted to take care of her and the baby. Rowena had to admit to herself that after so many years of living on her own, it was nice to have someone looking out for her.

  She watched him attack the stubborn patch of ice with the shovel, trying unsuccessfully to break it apart. “Come on in when you want to take a break. I’ll make us some hot chocolate.”

  Alan looked up to watch her disappear inside the house. Did the woman have any idea how damn beautiful she was without even trying? This morning she wore a light blue sweat suit and no makeup, her long blond hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. But just the sight of her and the warmth of her smile had made him impervious to the cold.

  Twenty minutes later, he walked inside the house, kicking off his wet boots on the mat by the door. He shrugged out of his jacket and hung it on the hall tree. Then he blew on his stiff hands.

  “Perfect timing,” Rowena said, appearing from the kitchen with two steaming mugs in her hands. “I hope you like whipped cream with your hot chocolate.”

  “Is there any other way to drink it?” He took a mug from her, welcoming the warmth against his fingers. Hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day was one of his favorite things. That list of favorites had grown recently. Now it included old episodes of Another Dawn and amethyst eyes.

  She curled up on the sofa. “You look completely frozen.”

  “Close, but not quite,” he replied, joining her there.

  “Thank you for clearing my sidewalk.”

  “My pleasure,” he said, then grinned. “Well, maybe pleasure isn’t the right word. I can think of other things I’d rather do for you.”

  When he saw roses bloom in her cheeks, he realized she’d misunderstood his meaning. But Alan didn’t rush to clarify himself. It made him wonder if he wasn’t the only one feeling this pull between them.

  “Mo
re hot chocolate?” she asked.

  “No, thanks, this is fine.” He hid a yawn behind his hand. “Sorry, I didn’t sleep too well last night.”

  Rowena blew on her drink, not meeting his gaze. “You do look tired.”

  “It’s this peaceful country life,” he said with a smile. “I can usually sleep through anything in the city—sirens, barking dogs, horns honking. But it’s too quiet out here. I’m exhausted.”

  “What about a baby?”

  His brow creased. “What about it?”

  “You just said you’re a heavy sleeper. What will you do if the baby wakes up crying in the middle of the night? Sleep right through it?”

  He looked taken aback for a moment. “I don’t know. I’m sure I’d wake up eventually.”

  “I’ve been doing some reading,” Rowena continued. “Some babies get their days and nights turned around. They sleep all day and stay awake all night. That won’t be too much of a problem for me, because I’m self-employed and can adjust my schedule. But it might be a problem for you.”

  He arched a dark brow. “Are you trying to scare me off?”

  “I’m just illustrating the realities of becoming a single parent. Most newborns need to be fed two to three times a night.”

  “So I’ll set my alarm clock,” he replied.

  She shook her head, wondering how far she should push it. But he needed to know what he faced as a father. “You can’t schedule a feeding like a business meeting. The baby could cry for other reasons besides hunger. Like colic. A wet diaper. An earache. Any one of a hundred things.”

  “I’m sure I’ll manage,” he said with a stubborn set to his jaw.

  “I hope so,” she said softly. “I’ll admit I’m a little nervous about becoming a mother. I used to baby-sit when I was a teenager, so I’m used to children. But being on call twenty-four hours a day is a big responsibility. The baby will be depending on me for everything.”

  “If anyone can do it, you can, Rowena. You’re the most accomplished woman I know. An actress. A barber. A great cook. I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful mother.”

  She blinked at the unexpected compliment. “Thank you.”

  “If you’re free for lunch today, I’d love to take you out. It’s the least I can do after that delicious dinner last night.”

  “I’m sorry, Alan, but I have a Sweetheart Dance committee meeting right after church today and I’m not sure how long it will last.”

  He gave her a crooked smile. “Sweetheart Dance?”

  “It’s an annual Valentine’s Day dance sponsored by the Cooper’s Corner chamber of commerce. All ages are welcome to attend.”

  “And you’re on the committee?”

  “One of six volunteers to organize and decorate,” she replied. “Plus, I donate a free hairstyle and makeup session for the winner of the raffle. Almost everyone in town will be there.”

  “Do you have a date?”

  Wings of panic fluttered in Rowena’s chest. Was he about to ask her out? “No.”

  “Do you want one?”

  A dangerous question. One she couldn’t afford to answer the wrong way. She found Alan attractive. But just because he’d changed his attitude toward her didn’t mean she could trust him.

  She had to put her baby’s best interests first. And no matter how much Alan appealed to her as a man, she still feared that shuttling her baby back and forth between two homes—and two countries—would leave emotional scars that could last a lifetime.

  “I think I’ll just go stag again this year,” she said at last. “I’m usually too busy with committee work to dance, anyway.”

  He nodded, then stood up to take his leave. If he was disappointed by her answer, he didn’t show it. “Thanks again for the hot chocolate, Rowena.”

  “Thank you for clearing the sidewalk.”

  “I’d still like to take you out for lunch,” he said. “If you’re not free today, how about tomorrow?”

  She shook her head. “I’ll be busy all day tomorrow.”

  “But you have to eat sometime,” he persisted. “I can bring lunch to the barbershop if it’s more convenient for you.”

  Rowena set down her cup. “That’s very thoughtful of you, Alan, but tomorrow just won’t work for me.”

  “I thought we had a truce.” He shrugged into his coat and pulled out his gloves. “But now I’m getting the distinct feeling you’re trying to brush me off.”

  “It’s not that,” she said hastily. “I really do have a meeting today. And tomorrow I need to be in Williamstown for a one o’clock appointment.” She hesitated, then told him the truth. “With my doctor.”

  “Really?” His gaze dropped to her stomach, well concealed by her oversize sweatshirt. “Is something wrong?”

  “No. I’m perfectly fine.” She rose to her feet. “This is just a routine prenatal visit. I’m supposed to go once a month.”

  “Why?” he asked, appearing truly curious. “What do they check?”

  “Why don’t you come with me,” she suggested impulsively, “and find out for yourself?”

  * * *

  ON MONDAY AFTERNOON, Rowena sat in Dr. Milburn’s waiting room, hoping she hadn’t made a big mistake. She could have kicked herself yesterday for inviting Alan to come along with her on this appointment. But the more she thought about it, the more she tried to convince herself this was a smart move.

  Especially when she saw Alan seated in the chair beside her, looking distinctly uncomfortable in the crowded waiting room. Two small children shrieked as they chased each other around the chairs, while a baby cried inconsolably in his mother’s arms. Their discussion yesterday morning about the demands of a baby had seemed to catch him off guard. He might even be having second thoughts about pursuing his rights in court.

  Alan leaned over and whispered, “Why is it taking so long?”

  The spicy scent of his aftershave momentarily made her have second thoughts about turning down his invitation to the dance. “Dr. Milburn usually runs a little late. It’s probably difficult for him to schedule appointments around emergencies and deliveries. Babies arrive at all hours of the day and night.”

  “Are you sure they’ll let me go in with you?”

  She nodded. “I’ve seen other men accompany their pregnant wives or girlfriends into the exam room. Although you seem to be the only expectant father here today.”

  “I noticed,” he said wryly, then nodded toward a pregnant woman in the far corner of the room. “I didn’t think a stomach could stretch that much.”

  She smiled. “Maybe she’s having twins.”

  He turned toward her. “What about us? Is that a possibility?”

  She was surprised at the spark of hope in his eyes. Maybe he thought twins would be the perfect solution to their problem. One baby for each of them. “I suppose twins are possible, but not very likely. There’s no history of multiple births in my family. How about yours?”

  He shook his head. “None that I know of. But we can always hope.”

  His tone more than his words made Rowena wonder if she’d made a crucial error in her strategy. Inviting him along today had been an impulse—a chance to prove to him that she was serious about their truce. Only she hadn’t expected him to show so much interest. Or excitement.

  A nurse opened the door into the waiting room. “Rowena Dahl?”

  “That’s us,” Rowena said, rising to her feet. “Are you ready?”

  “Lead the way,” he replied, walking beside her as she followed the nurse.

  “Here’s our first stop.” The nurse led them to a scale. “The least favorite one, according to most of my patients.”

  “I’m sure it will be mine, too, before all of this is through.” Rowena slipped off her shoes and stepped onto the scale.

&
nbsp; “Wait until you start sorting through your closet looking for your lightest maternity clothes.” The nurse chuckled as she adjusted the weight on the slide bar. “Some women shed all their jewelry, even their eyeglasses, before they’ll finally step on the scale.”

  “Actually, I’m hoping I gained weight this month. It’s been fluctuating a little.”

  “So I see,” the nurse said with a slight frown. “You lost a pound.”

  “Is that bad?” Alan asked, concern etched on his face. “How much is she supposed to gain?”

  “A woman who is average weight, like Rowena, should gain about twenty-five to thirty-five pounds throughout the course of a pregnancy.”

  Rowena could see Alan do a quick calculation in his head.

  “So about three and a half pounds per month?”

  The nurse shook her head. “Generally, a pregnant woman will gain less than that in the first trimester and more in the second and third. The baby will gain about a pound a week during the ninth month of pregnancy.”

  Alan scowled. “So why is Rowena losing weight? Are there certain foods she should be eating?”

  “This is Alan Rand,” Rowena interjected, realizing she probably should have made the introductions earlier. “He’s the...father.”

  “So I gathered.” The nurse smiled. “I wish all expectant fathers were this interested in pregnancy. I can give you some informational brochures if you’d like.”

  Alan nodded. “I’d appreciate that.”

  The nurse led them to the exam room, where she took Rowena’s blood pressure, then handed her a blue paper gown. “You can change into this. Take everything off but your panties. The doctor will be here shortly.”

  They both watched her leave, then turned to each other.

  Alan cleared his throat, his gaze falling to the paper gown in her hand. “Would you like me to wait outside?”

  “No, you can stay here while I just step into the dressing room,” she replied, indicating the curtain behind her. If she let him out of her sight he might start interrogating any nurses he came across in the hallway.