Must Love Babies

by Lynnette Austin

  “Right now, the place is pretty much a shell—but a nice sturdy shell. Space for a media room and a pool table. Extra bedrooms, in case Mom and Dad want to come for a bit.”

  “But you won’t let me stay,” Gaven muttered.

  “They’d be temporary. You’d sit your hide down permanently.”

  Gaven turned to Brant. “Looks like it’ll be you and me then, pal.”

  He was tempted to say yes. The fixer, right? “Sorry, baby brother. Gonna have to find your own place.”

  “What?”

  “Call Quinlyn, see what she can round up for you—temporary for now or something permanent. That’s up to you. Tucker’s right. It’s time we stop living in each other’s pockets.”

  “What the heck does that mean?”

  “It means it’s time this band of brothers has separate, as well as entwined, lives.”

  Gaven frowned. “Don’t I get a vote?”

  “No,” Tucker and Brant said in unison.

  “I’m getting a glass of water. For me. You two can get your own.” Gaven sulked out of the room.

  The second he left, Brant narrowed his eyes. “Everything else aside, I have to agree with Gaven about the property you’re looking at. That place is pretty big for one person.”

  “I’m not looking at it, BT. I bought it. And I’m not having this discussion again. We both know I’m better off alone. Some people are born one half of a couple. Not me. I’ll do some gal a favor by not getting involved with her. You want to marry somebody off, look to Gaven for that.”

  Their younger brother stuck his head around the corner. “Marriage? Me? I tried it, remember?”

  “Yeah,” Tucker said. “For eight months.”

  “Eight and a half. Not for me.”

  The two turned as one toward Brant.

  “Don’t even go there,” Brant said. “Hope you’ve got some raggedy jeans in the trunk of that car, Mr. New Homeowner.” He handed Tucker a sledgehammer. “We’ve got another wall to take down.”

  *

  With Cricket’s wedding looming, the next couple of days flew. By the time Friday night rolled around and rehearsal had been dealt with, Molly was bushed…and confused. Although she’d talked to him and he’d sent her a beautiful bouquet for Valentine’s Day, she hadn’t seen Brant since they shared breakfast on her deck.

  That was okay, she assured herself. Actually, it was better than okay. She’d asked for space, and he was giving it to her. Add in that he was caring for Jax, keeping tabs on Lainey, and working madly on the new building, and the man was slammed.

  The rehearsal party moved to Sam’s house. With a nip in the air and a roaring bonfire, the outdoor, casual venue made perfect sense. Molly, being an only child of divorced parents, was shocked when Cricket’s and Sam’s big families poured in. Happy chaos ruled the night.

  They roasted hot dogs, made s’mores, and laughed. As promised, the champagne flowed. Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” streamed from Sam’s stereo. Grabbing Cricket’s niece, Molly joined the dancers on the lawn. The stars shone brightly, and the fire crackled and snapped. It was by far the best rehearsal dinner Molly had ever attended.

  The only thing missing? Brant.

  *

  The bonfire, as great as it had been, left her smelling smoky. Bubbles, after one sniff at the top of the stairs, deserted her with her tail in the air. Molly needed a shower and shampoo.

  The water felt heavenly, and she stayed under it far longer than she’d meant. With her head back and leaning against the tile, she let the spray wash away the long day. Afterward, wearing her two-sizes-too-big Atlanta Braves T-shirt, she fell into bed with Bubbles curled up beside her.

  As she reached to turn off the bedside lamp, the phone rang.

  She didn’t need to check caller ID. It would be Brant. She swore the man had psychic powers. Last night, just like tonight, she’d no sooner slipped into bed than her phone rang. He’d wanted to check on her, to wish her good night.

  It rang a second time. Should she answer it? Rolling her eyes, she called herself all kinds of a fool. Of course she would.

  “Hello, Brant.”

  “Hey, beautiful, how did rehearsal go?”

  And she was lost. That deep, sexy voice seduced her as he asked about her day and shared the highlights of his.

  “I miss you, Molly.”

  “I miss you, too.” After a heartbeat, she asked, “Where have you been?”

  “Working like a dog.”

  “Where are you now?” She held her breath and wondered if he was standing outside, waiting for her light to go out. If only he were that close.

  “Standing on my porch, staring at the stars. Where are you?” he asked.

  “In bed with Bubbles.”

  He chuckled. “Good night, sweetheart. Sleep well.” On an oath, she clicked off, wishing she had a landline so she could slam the receiver. The man was infuriating. After a call like that, she wouldn’t sleep, well or otherwise, and he knew it. She hadn’t lied, though. She missed him. Without thinking about it, she traded her pillow for his and caught just the faintest scent of him.

  Tomorrow she’d strip the bed and shut off her phone…and get some sleep.

  *

  Cricket’s wedding day broke gloriously sunny.

  When the stunning bride walked down the aisle in her soft-ivory gown, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The corset top with its off-white beading showed off Cricket’s incredible figure, while the tiered tulle skirt increased her wide-eyed fairy look. For her “something blue” she’d chosen a gorgeous pair of pale-blue heels. The girl had taste.

  During the recessional, though, it was the sexy-as-all-get-out man in the fourth row Molly couldn’t keep her eyes off. Brant hadn’t been sure he’d make it, but there he sat. Instead of his jeans and T-shirt or his tux, he wore dark trousers and a crisp white shirt.

  She met his gaze, and he winked; she missed a step and nearly stumbled.

  During the reception, Molly wandered from guest to guest, noting all the little details that made this wedding so special. A crystal chandelier decorated with gardenias and greenery hung above the table that held the five-tiered cake. All in all, the wedding fit the bride and groom to a T. Maybe best of all, they’d hired two food trucks to provide their guests’ meal. From the bonfire to the food to the dance with Brant beneath the magnolia trees, the wedding hit all the right notes.

  Then Brant gave her a whopper of a kiss and donned his chauffeur’s cap to drive the happy couple to the airport in a gleaming Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud.

  Chapter 19

  Sunday morning, Jax woke early.

  Brant groaned and rolled over.

  “I’ve got him,” Tucker called out. “You’re going to have a big day. Catch another half hour.”

  “Thanks.” Brant pulled the covers over his head and burrowed beneath them. He wished today were over…and knew that made him less of a man. Of a person.

  Today, he and Jax were heading to Savannah to see Lainey. It would be their first visit since she entered rehab. The day could go really, really well—or really, really badly.

  He tossed and turned for a few more minutes before giving it up. Once he was awake, he rarely went back to sleep, and today was no exception. That didn’t mean he intended to deny Tucker his time with the little guy, though. With an evil grin, he headed to the shower while his brother fed Jax.

  *

  Showered, shaved, and dressed, Brant stepped into an amazingly calm scene. Jax, still in his footie pajamas, scooted around the living room on all fours, chasing a ball Gaven rolled away from him.

  “There’re some scrambled eggs if you want them,” Tucker said.

  “I do. Thanks.” He looked around. “Where’d my brothers go?”

  “Funny.” Tucker grabbed him in a headlock and gave him a noogie. “Go eat before they get cold.”

  “I made a fresh pot of coffee,” Gaven called over his shoulder.

  “Don’t suppose you’d
like to give the kid his bath?”

  “We’re off to the royal swimming pool as we speak,” Gaven answered, slinging Jax under his arm.

  “Okay,” Brant said. “Wait a minute.”

  Gaven stopped as Jax jabbered away and drooled down his leg. “Hey, kid, this is my last clean pair.”

  Jax waved his hands.

  “What’s wrong?” Tucker asked.

  “Something’s up.”

  “What?”

  “Something’s up.” Brant’s eyes narrowed.

  “Gav and I had a long talk yesterday. You’re pulling a lot of extra weight. We both know that. We know, too, that today’s gonna be one hell of a day. Visiting Lainey’s not gonna be easy. Since the doc suggested we start slow, one of us at a time, you drew the short straw.”

  “It’s only fair Tuck and I do more to help. So we’re helping.” Gaven flew Jax around the small room, making buzzing sounds.

  “You might want to slow down,” Brant warned, “or you’re likely to be wearing the kid’s last meal.”

  Gaven grimaced. “Right. Off to the baths with you, Caesar.”

  Brant watched him fly the baby toward the bathroom. “Think Gav will ever grow up?”

  Tucker thought about that for a couple of seconds, then shook his head. “Nah.”

  “Agreed.” Brant poured himself a mug of coffee, then filled a plate with the light, fluffy eggs. “I didn’t know you could cook.”

  “I do a mean scrambled egg and an even better grilled cheese sandwich. After that? It’s all amateur hour.”

  It felt good to eat in peace. He ignored the splashing, the vision of a water-covered floor, and the occasional groan or mutter from his younger brother. Half an hour later, Jax was returned to him bathed and dressed.

  “He’s barefoot.”

  “Yeah.” Gaven dug socks from his back pocket. “Darned if I could manage these.”

  “Why?”

  “The kid’s sneaky.”

  Jax laughed.

  “Yeah, see?” Gaven pointed at him. “Even now he laughs.”

  “Give them to me.” Brant pulled the socks from Gav. Sitting down on the sofa, he placed Jax in his lap. “Uncle Gaven can’t put your socks on. Should we show him how it’s done?”

  Jax leaned back to stare into Brant’s face, and Brant fell in love all over again. The chubby little baby hand came to rest on Brant’s cheek, and he turned his face into it and kissed it. Then he put the first sock on the baby…or tried to. Every time he got near Jax’s foot, the baby curled his toes.

  “What’s this?” Brant tipped his head up to look at Gaven. “You teach him a new game?”

  “Heck no.”

  After a good five minutes of struggling, Brant had both socks on. “Voilà.” He spread his hands. “And that’s how it’s done.”

  “Oh yeah?” Tucker nodded at the baby, who was now chewing on the sock clutched in his fist and wiggling his bare toes.

  Brant’s shoulders sagged. Resigned, he turned to wage the battle again.

  Looked like it was going to be one of those days after all.

  *

  The visitor’s area fairly vibrated with positivity—simulated positivity, the smiles the same as the one worn by a doctor who welcomes you into his office right before he delivers crushing news. Then he spotted Lainey. The smile on her face wasn’t feigned when she caught sight of him and Jax. It lit up the room.

  “Jax!” Crossing to them, she took the happy baby into her arms and smothered him in kisses before leaning in to drop one on Brant’s cheek. “Thanks. I know you hate this, but it means so much to me.”

  “I don’t hate it,” he lied.

  “Yes, you do.” She grinned, the old Lainey peeking through. “But you came because you love me.”

  “I do, and that’s the God’s honest truth.” He hugged her and Jax tightly. “So.” Brant tipped his head toward Jax. “How’s he look? I’m doin’ okay?”

  “Oh my gosh, he’s getting so big. You’re doing a wonderful job, big brother.” She all but buried her face in her son, kissing and touching and talking baby talk to him. “Where’d you get this little sailor suit, hmm? Look at my big boy. You’re so beautiful, and Mommy’s missed you so much!”

  “If you can bear to let go of him for a sec, put him down and watch him go.”

  Reluctantly, she set him on the floor. He dropped to all fours and then, with a mile-wide grin for his mother, took off across the room, heading to a bright-red chair.

  “He’s hell on wheels, Sis. Nothing safe anymore.”

  Blinking back tears, she put her fingers to her lips. “I’ve missed him so much. I really screwed up.”

  “But you’re doing the right thing now.”

  “I am.”

  Strength threaded through her words.

  “There’s a courtyard in back of the building,” Lainey said. “I think it should be warm enough today. Why don’t we go out there?” She glanced around the room, indicating all of the others with their visitors. “We’ll have more privacy.”

  He followed her outside into air untainted by that distinctive institutional smell and instantly felt better. Lainey was right. The temperature was mild, the sun shining.

  “The dogwood’s all budded out. It’ll be beautiful in another week or so.” Lainey pointed to a bed of annuals interspersed with white camellias. “We planted those this week. I loved digging in the soil, watching the color bring the area to life. I think when I get out of here, I’ll apply at the garden center down the road from Mom and Dad’s.”

  Brant marveled at the change in his sister. At her plans for the future. At her happiness. And best of all, the difference felt real. Deep. He allowed himself to hope.

  “That sounds wonderful, Lain, and it’ll give you a chance to get out with people and spend time outside. Both will be good for you.”

  “It will. I’ll have to put Jax in day care, though.”

  “I don’t think you need to worry about that. Jax is thriving at Lucinda’s center.” He shared some of the stunts the baby had pulled in the past couple of weeks and the sock fiasco that morning. “Your kid’s keeping me on my toes, Sis.”

  “I don’t doubt that for a second. Speaking of Jax, I heard from his father.”

  Brant held his breath, then listened as she filled him in.

  “I thought you should know, but now I don’t want to talk about him anymore. How’s the shop going?”

  He allowed her the change of subject, deciding he’d mull over her news on the way home. “Better than any of us could have imagined. I can’t wait for you to see it.” He pulled up a few photos on his phone.

  They talked about the changes they were making to the building, about the friends he’d made in Misty Bottoms, and how the town felt like home already. “I like it there.”

  “Speaking of liking”—Lainey grinned mischievously—“how’s Molly doing?”

  “She’s good. She sends her love.”

  “Am I the only one she’s giving love to?”

  “That would come under TMI, little Miss Nosy.”

  She smiled smugly. “You just told me everything I need to know. Didn’t he, baby?” She kissed Jax’s round cheeks and smiled again when he giggled. “Soon, sweetheart, we can be together again. I can tuck you in at night and be with you in the morning. Mommy’s working hard—yes, she is. And I’m getting better every day.”

  She raised eyes that swam with unshed tears. “As hard as this is, I’m glad I’m here. I need to be here, to go through this. Thank you for taking care of my baby so I could. I know it hasn’t been easy.”

  “We’re doing okay, Lain.” He slung an arm over her shoulder.

  Her face turned to granite. “I’ll make you a promise right here and now. I won’t ever need to do this again.” She gave Jax a smooch on the top of his head. “This little boy means too much to me. I won’t let weakness take me away from him ever again.”

  She took Jax’s hand in hers. “I’m making that promise to
you, too, son of mine. I’ll be the best mother ever, and I’ll be a much better person when I come to pick you up.”

  “It’s hard, isn’t it, Lainey?”

  “Truth? I’ve never hurt so much in my life. Emotionally and mentally. The counselors don’t stop till they hit the sorest spot in your psyche. Then they make you work to heal it.”

  Brant nodded. He was thrilled that she was doing well. It was what he’d prayed for. Yet with her talk of release, his own heart hurt. She’d soon take her son back—and that was as it should be.

  Conflicting emotions raced through him. It wouldn’t be long till he’d have his life back…and watch a huge piece of his heart drive away. Not long ago, he hadn’t been able to figure out what to do with Jax, and now he’d be darned if he could imagine life without him.

  *

  Brant left the rehab center feeling like he’d been run through a meat grinder. He looked at Jax, freshly diapered and fed by his mother, then made the mistake of glancing at his own reflection in the mirror. Haggard. Helpless. Humbled.

  Lainey was holding up her end and working hard to get better, but the cost was high. Beneath the smile, the bubbly behavior, and positive attitude, her eyes held weariness and hurt. The counselors were digging deep. They had to. Without facing her demons, his little sis would never get better, and nobody could do it for her. This was something she had to do alone.

  And now? He’d face his own demon. Or was it Molly’s? Should she be here instead of him? Whatever. He’d do some of the groundwork, and the rest would be up to her and her dad. And her mom.

  Not for the first time, he wondered what he’d been thinking when he arranged to meet Preston Stiles for lunch. Too late to back out now. In for a dime, in for a dollar.

  He hefted the baby carrier out of the back seat. “Jax, buddy, I’m gonna need your help.”

  “Ga-ga-ga-ga-ga.”

  “Yep, that’s exactly what I’m talking about. Stiles is gonna be a tough audience.”

  The men had agreed to meet at Clary’s, so at least he wouldn’t leave hungry.