by Leah Atwood
Who could resist those puppy dog eyes? “A short one.”
Josh fell asleep by the end of the story. She kissed his cheek and tucked the covers around him once more. “Good night.”
She went downstairs and curled up in the recliner with a book she’d started to read after coming home from the salon fiasco. For every page she read, she checked her phone for a message from Shep, hoping for an update. She hadn’t heard from him since shortly before five when he’d called to tell her he’d be late. He hadn’t specified a time.
At ten o’clock she called his cell. No answer and straight to voicemail.
Where is he? If he’d been in an accident, surely she’d have heard by now. Flashbacks of Mark tormented her.
“Shep is fine. His phone probably died and he can’t call.” Saying the words out loud made their impact on her stronger as if verbalizing them made them true.
There had to be a similar explanation if not that one. Despite the fact he’d not been acting himself, she unequivocally knew Shep wouldn’t purposely make her worry. Considering her background—both of her parents and then Mark’s death in a car accident—that would be cruel, and Shep didn’t have a mean bone in his body. Stubborn, yes. Unkind, no.
At ten thirty, she heard a key in the door. After jumping up, she tripped over the blanket she’d knocked off her lap, but regained her balance and ran to the door.
Shep opened the door, rubbing his eyes as he walked through. “Hi. I didn’t know if you’d still be up.”
“I was worried about you. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep until you were home.”
Remorse flickered in his eyes. “I’m sorry for making you worry. My phone died and there was an accident that caused a long backup. I pulled off twice to call you, but the stations were closed and there weren’t any pay phones.”
A speck of hope ignited. The special consideration he’d tried to show touched her. “You’re home now. That’s what matters.”
He shrugged his coat off his shoulders and hung it in the closet. “Do you have a few minutes? I wanted to get your thoughts on an opportunity.”
“Sure. Did you eat yet? I can heat the leftovers for you.”
“I’m good, but thanks.” He took her hand, led her to the living room.
Her stomach fluttered. The simple contact was more than they’d had in days. Still, they sat on opposite sides of the couch. “What’s going on?”
“I spent the day in Hillside with Lawton. He offered me the contract for the apartments, but there’s a catch.” He sat sideways and propped an arm on the top of the couch. “He wants me to start right away. The other company he’d wanted to co-manage the project backed out, so I’d have to hire a small team to assist the men I already have.”
“What does all that mean?”
“I’ll spend a week in Hillside organizing the project, and then, by my estimates, it will take a month to complete.”
She didn’t respond on instinct, but thought through her reply first. “Will you stay there for the entire length of the project?”
“Just next week, if that. Once everything is in place, I won’t be working sunup to sundown and will be home every night, just a few hours later than normal.”
What did she say? She hated the idea of him being gone so much, and not only for her. Did they need the money? Did her quitting strain their finances, and he just didn’t want to say? “What are the advantages of taking this job over staying here? I thought your local business was good.”
Shep sighed. “It is, but Lawton’s paying out four times what I typically make in a single month, and that’s after I compensate for all expenses.”
A low whoosh came out. That was a lot of money to turn down for her own selfish reasons. “If you think it’s best for our family, then you have my support.” Her fingers drummed against the couch’s fabric. “You’ll leave Monday?”
Momentarily averting his gaze, Shep squirmed before making eye contact again. “Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” Her eyes widened. “What about Josh? Valentine’s Day?”
“It’s not ideal, but think of the outcome.”
“I have a question, and I want an honest answer, please.” She squeezed her eyes, afraid to ask for fear of the answer. “Are you doing this to put space between us?”
He scooted across the couch, held her hands. “I know things between us have been strained, but when I come home next weekend, we’ll talk. Really talk and work it out. We’ll arrange for a babysitter and have a belated Valentine’s Day.”
What about now? Why can’t we talk now? Have we learned nothing if not that tomorrow has no guarantee? “As I said, it’s your decision. Do what you think is best.”
“I’m trying, Lyndsey.” A plea tinged his words.
“What time are you leaving?”
“No later than ten. I have a twelve o’clock appointment.”
“Spend some time with Josh in the morning please. He’ll miss you.” She bit a nail, trying to keep her words short lest her real opinion show and start an argument.
“I’ll take him to preschool for you. That will give me extra time for him.” His thumb worked circles on the back of her hand.
Her resistance faded, finally believing that his acceptance of this contract wasn’t an excuse to get away from her. Next week they would talk and all would be good again.
A short while later, in bed with her head on the pillow, she realized she’d never told Shep about her doctor’s visit. She’d save it for next week, when he returned and she’d have answers.
Chapter Sixteen
Shep made a sweeping glance around the room. “I spy something green with long sleeves.”
“I see it.” Josh climbed the step stool and grabbed the shirt from the closet and brought it to him.
Taking it from him, Shep scanned the room again while folding the shirt. “This one’s harder. I spy something gray with three buttons.”
Josh looked all over the room and scrunched his nose. “Can I have a hint?”
“I spy it through the dresser drawer.”
“That’s a trick, Daddy.” Opening the drawer, Josh peered inside then dug through the clothes. He lifted a henley. “Is this it?”
“Yes. Good job.”
The game continued until he’d packed most his clothes for the trip. He could have completed the task on his own in fifteen minutes, but he’d created his version of I Spy on impulse to spend more time with Josh, who hadn’t taken the news of his leaving very well.
“Time to get your shoes on,” he told Josh.
“Do you have to go away?” No tears this time, only a frown.
Nonetheless, Shep’s chest constricted. “It’s only for a week. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“What if you don’t come back like my other daddy?”
Oh man. He pulled his son into a hug. “Only God knows the future, but I’ll do everything in my power to come back to you.” Donning a smile, he tapped Josh’s chin. “Not even a T. rex could keep me away.”
Josh giggled. “T. rexes aren’t real, silly.”
“Then I don’t have to worry about one chasing me.” He winked and jerked his chin toward the door. “Go on, get your shoes on.”
Mollified for the time-being, Josh left the room. Shep grabbed the rest of what he needed from the top two dresser drawers and threw in an extra pair of boots.
When he dropped off Josh at preschool, he kept the routine normal like it was any other day. He dropped a check at the office for the week’s tuition and walked Josh to his room. Gave him a pat on his back. “See you later, buddy.”
“Bye, Daddy. Love you.” His bottom lip trembled. He threw his arms around Shep’s leg.
“Love you, too.” He didn’t rush Josh, let him continue the hug as long as he needed.
After a minute, maybe two, Josh pulled away and squared his shoulders. “Don’t worry about Mommy. I’ll take good care of her.”
A closed-mouth smile lifted the corner of Sh
ep’s mouth. “I know you will.”
Heavy clouds hovered over him, pushing down as he walked to his truck. The need to talk to Lyndsey, hear her voice, overwhelmed him. His attempts to act like nothing was wrong hadn’t fooled her. She’d seen through his act the whole week, which made him feel doubly bad. He should have settled things between them last night, instead of leaving them hanging until next week.
First thing after getting in his truck, he reached for his phone in the cup holder. Felt the rubber inserts. He searched inside and below. No phone. He hopped out of the truck and looked under the seats. Did I leave it at home? He scratched his head, couldn’t remember grabbing it off the charger.
Heading home, he pushed the speed limit. The house phone rang while he unlocked the front door. He burst into his home, hoping to catch the call before it went to voicemail. What if the call was from Lyndsey, and she needed him but couldn’t reach his cell because it was still upstairs?
He ran upstairs to the office, where the primary receiver was. Too late for the call, the voicemail picked up, allowing Shep immediate access to the message.
“Good morning Mrs. Patterson. This is Dr. Smith calling regarding the results of your tests. Please call the office back at your earliest convenience at 555-4302. I’ll be here until five today.”
The call knocked his breath from him. His limbs turned to noodles, and he sank into his office chair. He couldn’t catch his breath. Dr. Smith had been Miranda’s oncologist. The results would be positive. The doctor only made personal calls when there were results to share. Otherwise, someone else from the office would call. No, No, No. I can’t do this again. I can’t watch another person I love fight cancer.
The years had taught him nothing, apparently. He didn’t even know Lyndsey had gone to the doctor, and he should have known. But no, he’d been too stubborn, too hung up on his own hurt pride. Lyndsey had tried to explain and apologize, but he’d not let it go, refused to believe her.
How could he have been so dumb?
That changed now. First, he’d apologize profusely for being a jerk this week, and pray she’d forgive him. Then he would stand by Lyndsey’s side, no matter what diagnosis she was given. He’d support her, give her strength, be the husband she needed and deserved.
The money earned from Lawton’s contract seemed worthless in light of the doctor’s call. It was nothing compared to spending time with his family. Picking up the phone, he dialed Lawton’s number. No answer, so he left a voicemail.
“Hi Lawton, it’s Shep. I’m sorry to leave a message like this, but I have to decline the contract. I appreciate your offer, but an issue arose that requires my full presence here. I’ll call you later with more information.”
He clamped his eyes shut tightly. Drew in a deep breath. Repeated the process five times.
When he opened his eyes, his gaze fell on the hourglass. He’d placed it by his pen holder as his reminder. Moving slowly, he reached out and traced the inscription. Count it all joy.
God was in control. Not him or the doctors. No matter the outcome, He had a plan.
Shep closed his hands and bowed his head. “I don’t understand, Lord. I don’t know why you’d give me Lyndsey only to have her face a fate like Miranda’s, but I choose faith and joy.”
His fear didn’t dissipate completely, but the sharp edge of it disappeared. His breathing evened out to a steady pace, and the strength returned to his limbs.
What if Dr. Smith also called Lyndsey’s cell phone? She’d find out at work, all alone.
“I’m going to her.”
He’d never visited her at work. Did Mr. Aguilar mind visitors? Surely if her boss had a problem with it, he’d relax once he learned the circumstances. Lyndsey only had a few days of work left, but he didn’t want to cause problems.
“It’s worth the risk.”
He grabbed his cell from the bedroom and left the house for a second time that day, praying the entire way to Lyndsey’s workplace. A car backed out of a front space and Shep pulled in its spot. He took another deep breath before he went inside.
The building’s interior was outdated, surprising Shep. He’d pictured it as a modern facility, but its wood-paneled walls were neither here nor there.
“Can you point me to Lyndsey Patterson’s office, please?” His hands fidgeted at the front desk.
“Is she expecting you?” The imposing woman behind the desk scowled.
“No.”
“I’ll need her permission before sending you to her office.” She tapped a pencil once and raised her bushy gray brows. “Who may I tell her is here?”
“Her husband.” He’d deal with the surly lady as long as the result led to Lyndsey.
Dark green eyes narrowed on him. She lifted the phone receiver and dialed a three digit number. “Mrs. Patterson, there’s a man in the lobby to see you. He says he’s your husband.” She paused without moving her gaze. “Very well. I’ll send him back. Thank you.” Hanging up the phone with one hand, she pointed to the right hallway with the other. “Your wife’s office is four doors down on the left of this corridor.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
Deep breaths, stay strong for her. Deep breaths, stay strong her for her.
Lyndsey met him in the hallway and ushered him into her office. “This is a surprise.”
The door hadn’t closed before he swept her into a strong embrace. “I’m sorry.”
He couldn’t let go, wanted to hold her forever. Hints of lilac infused into her hair teased his senses. Inhaling, he committed the scent to memory. He pulled back his head, just enough to study her face. Every line, every freckle, his finger traced.
“Forgive me, Lyndsey.”
“We were both wrong.” Tears gave her eyes a glassy appearance.
“I love you, more than my own life.” He moistened his lips. “Whatever the future brings, I’ll be here beside you. If it’s cancer, we’ll beat it together.”
Lyndsey jerked backward, a confused look on her face. “What do you mean ‘if it’s cancer’?”
“You don’t have to hide it anymore.” He ran the tips of his fingers up and down her arms. “I wasn’t snooping, but I heard the message from Dr. Smith. I should have been at the tests with you.”
Her mouth formed an O. “Shep, honey, I didn’t go to that Dr. Smith.”
His turn to make an O. That would explain why he’d vaguely noticed her voice sounded different, but had been too worried to expand the thought. “But the blood work… What Dr. Smith did you see? Are you sick?”
“I haven’t gotten the results yet.” She gave him a smile, the kind when someone tries to hide their news but they can’t contain their happiness. “But I went to Dr. Smith, the obstetrician.”
“The obstetr…” His jaw dropped. He pointed to her. “You’re pregnant?”
“A home test showed positive, but the doctor wanted to confirm the pregnancy with a blood test.”
“What did she say?” Still trying to wrap his mind around the news, he couldn’t think clearly. He’d been so worried, when all along the news from the doctor quite possibly would change their lives in a blessed way.
Lyndsey projected a soft laugh. “I don’t know. Until you told me, I didn’t know the results were in.”
“Are you going to call her now?” He chewed on his lip, anxious to know.
“Not yet. I don’t want to find out here.” She looked at her watch. “Will you join me for a lunch date? Wait a second, aren’t you supposed to be on your way to Hillside?”
“I’m not going. Before I left the house to come here, I called Lawton and declined the contract.”
“But why? I thought you wanted to take the job.” Her eyes caught his with keen interest.
“I belong at home with you and Josh. If we needed the money, and that was our only option, it would be different, but I don’t want to leave the two of you.” He embraced her again. “It took a scare to bring me to my senses, but I want to cherish every moment I can with you. N
o out of town jobs, no bullheaded pride to get in the way.”
“Something tells me our stubbornness will continue to get us in trouble.” Her impish grin sparkled.
“You’re probably right, but we’ll work through it better than we have done this time.” They stood opposite each other for several moments, smiling and giddy, together as one again. “About that lunch date.”
“I’ll grab my purse.”
They left the building and walked quickly to his truck.
He buckled his seat belt and cranked the engine. “Where to?”
“Home.”
The perfect place to find out if they would bring a new life into the world. Silence reigned on the way home—a comfortable quiet that spoke of contentment, trust, and being in love.
On a romantic whim, Shep scooped Lyndsey from the truck and carried her over the threshold of their front door. He’d not done it the day they’d married, but today marked a new beginning of their marriage.
Lyndsey had already withdrawn her phone from her purse before he set her down. “I can’t wait any longer. I need to know.”
They removed their coats and draped them over the bannister, not bothering to hang them in their anticipation. Sitting on the couch, Shep held her hand while she made the call.
Her voice remained neutral as she spoke with the doctor, her words generic. His heart hopped, trying to guess the conversation.
After what seemed like an hour—in reality was only two minutes—Lyndsey ended the call.
“Well…” He waited with bated breath.
She flung her arms around his neck. “We’re having a baby.”
Epilogue
Valentine’s Day- One Year Later
Lyndsey checked the biscuits in the oven one final time and took them out. The roast had finished cooking thirty minutes ago, and she’d changed the slow cooker to the warming setting. Dinner tonight was an old fashioned meat and potatoes meal—not the most romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, but it’s what Shep had requested when their original plans changed.
Their planned date for tonight was rescheduled for next Saturday since Bella Joy, now four months old, had an ear infection. Leaving her daughter with Shep’s parents for a few hours would be difficult—she’d not left her before, except for a couple of short trips to the store, during which Shep cared for her.
