Expecting the Best (Harlequin Superromance)

by Lynnette Kent

  “I can imagine.” Allyson left the living room for the kitchen, where Zach was making a pumpkin pie. “Dexter, I have some news for you. I’ve gotten married again.”

  “That’s good to hear, Shelley. I’m glad. Who’s your new husband?”

  “I hope you’re sitting down. I married Zach.”

  “Zach…Harmon?”

  “That’s right.”

  Dex didn’t take long to reach the correct conclusion. “He’s the father of your baby?”

  “He is.”

  “Well.” She heard his deep breath. “Congratulations to you both. I hope things work out.”

  “Thank you. We’re doing our best.”

  “Claire will probably want to hear this news from Zach. I’ll call her downstairs if you can get him on the line.”

  “Of course.” Shelley carried the phone into the kitchen. The worst was over—for her. She had a feeling that her husband would not get off so easily.

  ZACH’S MOUTH was a little dry as he took the phone and walked back into the living room. “Claire?”

  “Hello, Officer Harmon. How are you?” She still sounded tired.

  “Great.” He probably sounded nervous. “How’s that boy of yours?”

  “Growing every day. I’m glad I took some time off, though. Babies seem to need full-time attention from somebody.”

  He chuckled. “So I’ve heard.”

  “I gather from my husband’s face that there’s something afoot. Want to fill me in?”

  “Um, sure.” He should have handled this differently, he realized. They’d been good friends for a long time. But now Shelley seemed to be all he could think about. “I’m a married man, Counselor.”

  “Really?” Her cool lawyer’s mind could be heard in the single word. “I thought you had other plans. Who’s the lucky woman?”

  “Shelley.”

  The shocked silence said everything. Claire cleared her throat. “You’re joking, right?”

  “No. I should probably be apologizing, but I’m not joking.”

  “When did this happen?”

  “A month ago, more or less.” Zach eased his tense neck and shoulders. He couldn’t quite remember life before Shelley. Having her in his house just seemed right.

  “I didn’t realize the two of you were…” Her voice died away. After a pause, she said, “You’re the father?”

  “Got it in one.”

  “Zach.” She sounded concerned.

  “Don’t worry, Claire—it’s not the way you think.” I’m in love with her. That’s the real problem here. “This is gonna work out just fine. We’re looking forward to the baby, doing Lamaze and everything. Bought all those tiny clothes and a crib and stuff. You and I can exchange pictures.”

  “But—” He heard her deep breath. “Just for the baby, Zach?”

  He couldn’t lie to his best friend. “Not anymore. Maybe at the beginning…or maybe not. I always had a soft spot for temperamental ladies.”

  “Then I wish you both the very best. When’s the baby due?”

  “Around December fifth.”

  “Tell Shelley I recommend epidural anesthesia. Makes the whole process bearable.”

  “I’ll do that. Thanks for not going into cardiac arrest at the news.”

  “I can tell by your voice that you’ve got high hopes, Zach. Good luck working everything out.”

  “Appreciate it.”

  “Is there anything else I should know about?”

  “Well, I spent some time in the hospital a few weeks ago. But everything worked out okay.” Shelley had come back to him, which was the main thing.

  He gave Claire the rest of the details. She sighed. “There’s always a surprise with you, Officer Harmon. Shelley has my sincere sympathy. Can I talk to Allyson?”

  “Sure. Hey, Ally Cat!”

  Thanksgiving Day passed without much more trauma. They visited the Harmons for an early dinner. Carol joined the crowd, though she said absolutely nothing and kept her eyes on the plate she barely touched. They all talked around her, fairly easily, Zach thought. His mother gave Shelley a hug as they were leaving.

  “You should expect this baby soon,” she warned. “You look ready.”

  Shelley laughed. “I feel ready. Every day seems like nine months now.”

  Her newest grandmother gave Allyson her own hug. “Come back to see us, miss. There’s always someone here to play with.”

  “That’s neat. I will. And Zach says I get to play baseball next summer.”

  “Good.” Mary Harmon chuckled. “We’ll come and cheer for you.”

  Dinner at Dorothy Owens’ house rivaled the Harmons’ for noise level. At least no sulking teenagers dampened their spirits. Zach met his in-laws—Shelley’s uncles, their families, and her grandparents, up from Phoenix for the occasion. But Shelley and Allyson were the center of attention.

  Shelley’s mother cornered Zach as he helped clear the table. “So, you’ve married my daughter.”

  “I have.”

  “She looks a little stressed.”

  With a nod, he headed for the kitchen. “She’s about to have a baby.”

  Dorothy followed. “Are you getting along?”

  “Mostly.” Shelley’s mom cared about her daughter—she deserved some answers. “We’re working things out.”

  She faced him across the open dishwasher. “Is this a long-term arrangement? Shelley doesn’t seem to know.”

  He set down the dishes, put his hands on her shoulders and looked directly into her eyes. “Believe me, Dorothy. I’m hoping to make this a life-long affair.”

  She took his meaning, gave him a wide smile and a pat on the cheek. “Well, then, be a little more careful on the job, why don’t you? Wouldn’t want that affair ended too soon!”

  AFTER THEY SHOPPED all day Friday and Saturday under cloudy skies, they awoke on the Sunday after Thanksgiving to find it sunny and cold. Zach and Allyson got up early and baked cinnamon rolls for breakfast. When Shelley wasn’t out of her room by nine, he knocked softly on her door.

  “Shelley? You okay?”

  She opened the door, sweetly rumpled but with shadows under her eyes. “I’m okay. Just really, really tired.”

  “Wrap up in your robe and relax on the couch. Allyson and I have a fire burning and cider warmed up.”

  Her eyebrows drew together. “You shouldn’t be carrying wood.”

  “I’ve declared myself completely healed. No arguments. Come join us.”

  She did as he asked, and watched while he and Allyson played Scrabble. When he glanced up, late in the game, Shelley had fallen asleep again, her cheek pillowed on one hand, her other arm cradling the baby.

  Allyson looked, too. “Mommy’s, tired these days.”

  “Must be hard to be so small and have to carry a baby around inside you.”

  “Claire got tired, too. Just before Jackson was born.”

  The comment shot through Zach like a bolt of lightning. He knew the due date was close. The baby would be here. And then the three of them would be a family.

  That prospect didn’t worry him anymore. As long as Shelley stayed around, he figured he could handle everything else.

  Because he wasn’t supposed to drive until he’d seen the doctor again, Shelley insisted on dressing to take Allyson to the airport. They all laughed and teased during the ride, but as the time for departure approached, mother and daughter found less and less to say.

  At the door to the plane, Shelley got down awkwardly onto her knees in front of her daughter. “Thanks for being such a big girl.” She stroked Allyson’s curly black hair. “You’ve made me so happy this weekend. I love you so much.”

  Suddenly, the girl’s arms clutched around Shelley’s neck. “I don’t want to leave you, Mommy. Can’t I stay?”

  Zach saw tears spill over Shelley’s cheeks. “Not this time, baby. But you’ll come down again the week after Christmas, like always.” She sniffed and cleared her throat. “We’ll have somebody new f
or you to take care of and I’ll be feeling better and we’ll have a great time. That’s only a few weeks away, you know? And I’ll talk to your dad about next year, getting together more often. This has been kind of a strange few months, hasn’t it?”

  Allyson nodded, tears hanging on her lashes. Shelley kissed her hard, then started to get up. And couldn’t.

  Zach put a hand under her elbow. “Let me.” She stood heavily, awkwardly. He wondered for a minute if she was going to keel over.

  Instead, she smiled and tapped Allyson’s nose. “Now you remember to do all your math problems this time—not just the ones on the front of the sheet. Right?”

  “Right.”

  “And help Claire with the baby so you’ll have lots of practice when you come back down.” Her voice started to break.

  “I will.”

  Before they could say anything else, the flight attendant stepped forward. “Ready, Miss Hightower? We’ve got your seat waiting.”

  Allyson seemed about to balk. Then she sighed. “Okay.”

  Beside Zach, Shelley tensed, and he wondered if she would call the girl back. But as Allyson walked backward down the ramp, waving, Shelley waved in return, smiling and staying on her feet.

  As soon as Allyson disappeared around the curve, her mother turned into Zach’s arms and began to cry.

  He got her out of the crowd and to a reasonably private corner of the waiting area. And then just held on. All the pain of the last eight years seemed to flow out with her tears.

  When she was a little quieter, shaking a little less, he pushed her back just enough to see her face and stroke the wet hair out of her eyes. “Better?”

  She shook her head. “It just hit me. The next time I see her, everything will be different. A baby makes such a change and we did this all wrong and she probably doesn’t feel like I love her anymore…”

  “Now stop right there. That’s the last thing Allyson thinks.” He wiped tears off her cheeks with his thumbs. “She knows you’re her mom and always will be. She’s happy about the baby. She knows you want to see more of her. Don’t beat yourself up.”

  Shelley stood for a long minute looking toward the floor, which neither of them could see because of the baby. Then she sighed. “I guess. I just feel so helpless—” She broke off with a gasp.

  Zach went on alert. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m having a contraction.” She put her hand over her stomach and leaned her head against his chest

  “As in, starting labor?” He tightened his grip.

  “I—I don’t know. Could be those Braxton Hicks things they talk about—you know, false labour.”

  Here we go. Zach swallowed hard. “Let me know when it ends.”

  A forever later, she lifted her head. “Better.” But her face was paler than he liked.

  He put an arm around her waist. “Let’s get to the car so you can sit down.”

  In the parking lot, she’d recovered enough strength to defy him yet again. “You are not supposed to drive. I’m fine.”

  Zach cast a glance heavenward, asking for help. “Of the two of us, I think the one with a few healing scars is a better choice for driver than the one who might have another contraction any minute now.”

  Shelley clenched her fists. “The first contractions come hours apart. I can get us home.”

  “Give up, lady.” He held out his hand. “This is one time you don’t have control. I’ll take the keys.”

  She looked at him with temper and laughter and— was he wrong about this?—a spark of passion in her eyes. Finally, she held out the keys. “You win.”

  “Thank God.” With an arm around her waist, he walked her to the passenger side of the Mercedes. “Just sit down and be helpless for a few minutes. You might like it.”

  “And turtles might fly.” But she sank into the seat and put her head back, her eyes closed. Zach drove carefully, avoiding every bump, quick turn, sudden stop.

  So when she gasped as they waited at a red light, he was startled. “What? What?”

  And then he realized she was having a contraction. She had her hands on her stomach. He drove on, one eye on traffic, one on Shelley. She didn’t relax for a long, long time.

  In the driveway, he breathed a sigh of relief. “Made it.” But when he opened Shelley’s door, she was in the middle of another contraction. This time she put out her hand, reaching for his.

  “No, don’t tighten up,” he said automatically. How many times had they practiced? “Loosen your fingers. Breathe in slow. Breathe out, six beats. Relax, Shelley. Just relax.”

  That got her through. He knelt by the car until she opened her eyes. “That was…intense.” she said.

  “Maybe we should call the doctor?”

  “I don’t think so—she said five minutes apart.”

  “Do you think you can walk in? Do you want me to carry you?”

  Shelley lifted an eyebrow. “Do I want the guy who three weeks ago was shot in the chest carrying me? Not likely. I’ll walk.”

  She moved to swing her legs out, then stopped suddenly. Zach waited.

  “On second thought,” she said breathlessly, “you’d better get that suitcase I packed. Looks like we’re going to the hospital.”

  He stood up so fast his head spun. As he vaulted to the porch, she called out. “Zach?”

  “I’m hurrying!”

  “No… Well, that, too. But bring some towels when you come out. Lots of them.” He heard her chuckle and moan at the same time. “I think my water just broke.”

  THE PRELIMINARY EXAM took forever and they wouldn’t let Zach come in. Shelley stared at the ceiling and tried to stay calm. She was ready. She could do this.

  No, she couldn’t. Not without Zach.

  An impersonal nurse face came to the bedside. “We’ve called your doctor, Mrs. Hightower. She’ll be here shortly.”

  “Harmon.”

  The nurse looked up. “I’m sorry?”

  “My last name is Harmon. And I’d like to see my husband.”

  “In a few minutes, when we get you into the birthing center.”

  “I don’t want to wait a few minutes.”

  “You’ll be fine.” The nurse patted her shoulder and went away. Shelley contemplated getting up on her own and walking out to find Zach. But another contraction hit and she had all she could think about for a minute or so.

  In the midst of the next contraction, the nurse came back and tried to change Shelley’s clothes. “Let’s just get these pants off…”

  “Will you wait until this is finished?” Shelley muttered through clenched teeth. Zach would be able to talk for her. Zach would help her relax. “Zach…”

  “Right here, lady.” His firm, warm hand took hers. “You aren’t breathing, are you? Gotta breathe, Shelley. Six beats in, six out. Relax.”

  At the end, she sighed. “When did breathing become an Olympic sport?”

  He chuckled. “About the time you started carrying around your weight in baby.”

  “Now can we change those clothes?” The nurse sounded impatient at having her schedule disrupted.

  “I’ll help her.” Zach’s tone soothed Shelley like velvet over shattered glass. “Give me the gown and I’ll make sure she’s ready.” She watched him show off his sexy grin, watched the nurse melt.

  “You manipulator,” she accused when the nurse had left. “You probably used that same spell on me.”

  “Kinda like the one you used on me.” He put his hands to the hem of her sweater. “Let’s take this off.”

  With gentle efficiency, he got rid of all of her clothes. Shelley blushed, wishing she’d cooperated with the nurse so Zach wouldn’t see her this way.

  But when he’d tied the gown in back and helped her lie down again, he put a hand on the roundness of her belly. “You’re beautiful, you know.”

  “I—” She shook her head.

  “Yes, you are.”

  She wanted to pursue the topic, but her back tightened, and then h
er stomach. “Here we go again!”

  “Deep cleansing breath.” She followed his voice. “Now breathe in through your nose slowly. That’s right. One, two, three, four, five, six. And out. One, two, three…”

  The anesthesiologist came by and talked about drugs. “An epidural will eliminate most pain but not your ability to push.”

  Shelley shook her head. “I don’t think so. I did that the last time. This time, I want to know… everything.”

  Zach squeezed her hand. “Claire said to tell you that’s the way to go.”

  “He’s right, Mrs. Harmon.” The doctor looked tired. “After a certain point, we won’t be able to offer this.”

  She managed a smile, though there was another contraction coming on. “Then I’ll just have to live with my decision, won’t I? Zach…”

  “Right here, Shelley. Breathe.”

  THE OBSTETRICIAN ASKED Zach to step outside during her examination. She joined him shortly. “Things are going well. She’s tiny, but she’s dilating nicely.”

  “How much longer will this go on?”

  “I’d say three hours. Maybe four.”

  “You’re kidding. How can she hold up that long? I’m about to collapse.”

  The thin, dark-haired woman patted his arm. “That’s what women do, Mr. Harmon. That’s the way they’re made.”

  Inside Shelley’s room, he found a fretful, thirsty woman. “I really need something to drink, Zach.”

  “You really can’t have anything. Suck on the ice chips in this cloth.”

  She did. “Not enough.”

  “Think about something else. Does this baby have a name?”

  “I—” She took a deep breath.

  “Good job. You’re automatically relaxing. Let’s work with this one now.”

  The contractions were getting longer, more powerful. He could see them start on the monitor across the bed, used the graph to help Shelley through them. His chest was hurting some, since he hadn’t moved around this much in a while. But Shelley was doing the work. She possessed a strength he could only envy.

  “Eight centimeters,” the doctor announced about two hours later. “You’re getting there, Shelley.”

  “And it’s the last time, too.” She tossed her head against the pillow. “Sex isn’t worth this. Men aren’t worth this. I’m going into a convent.”