Dressed, with her wet hair gathered into a ponytail, Marti went to the kitchen to make herself a hot tea. At the moment, the sweet steamy liquid was all she could stomach. It wasn’t long before Brantley came down.
“How’d you sleep?” he asked pleasantly.
“Fine,” she murmured over the rim of her mug.
Studying her for a moment, he hesitated before starting a pot of coffee. “Well, I’m going to head to the library and enjoy my makeshift office this morning. I’ll be home later this afternoon. It’s a lot of work opening a new practice in a small town.”
Thankful he hadn’t commented on her attitude or Joey’s absence, Marti thawed some. “Sounds like a good plan. Hope you have a nice day.” Her words sounded lame, even to her. Still it was the best she could manage for now.
“What do you have planned for today?” He smiled as he pulled out a couple of slices of bread and stuck them in the toaster.
Shrugging, she murmured, “No big plans. A friend is meeting me here. We’ll just hang out, grab lunch, that kind of thing.” Marti was being intentionally vague. The last thing she wanted to discuss was why she was going to the doctor today. It really wasn’t any of his concern anyway.
Just when she was afraid it was going to be good and uncomfortable, there was a knock on the front door. Glancing at the clock, she considered it was awfully late for the guys not to have started working upstairs yet. Maybe that was them now, unable to get in without Joey. Walking to the door, she opened it. To her surprise, Reagan was already here.
“Hey...you’re here.” Marti’s voice was flat. She felt badly about it, but the fear of Brantley figuring out what was going on with her was positively eating at her. It was really hard to be intensely private in a small town.
Shrugging, Reagan began to explain as she pushed her way past Marti and into the house with Jack on her hip. “Well, he’s had me up since about four this morning, so I ran out of things to do.” She looked around the house. “Nice place. I mean, it’s like something out of a magazine. The whole town is!” She set Jack down on the carpet. “Do you mind if I put on some kid shows for him?” Reagan asked while reaching for the remote.
Shaking her head, Marti smiled. “No, that’ll be fine.”
Suddenly Brantley was in the doorway, leaning casually against it as he came to check out the chaos in the living room. It was obvious he was waiting for Marti to make an introduction. Finally he cleared his throat and spurred her to action.
“Oh, sorry,” Marti grumbled. “This is Reagan, the friend I mentioned earlier, and her son, Jack.”
“Hello!” Brantley was entirely too energetic for her liking this morning. Of course, it wasn’t so long ago she would have been accused of the same offense.
“Hey,” Reagan greeted him. It was, after all, the customary greeting of the south. Though technically only one syllable, when Reagan spoke it was a good three syllables at least.
“So you two girls are going to lunch and hanging out today?” Brantley seemed to be struggling to make conversation. Still, his choice of topics was a touchy one for Marti.
Looking at Reagan wide-eyed, she tried to warn her friend. “Yup, I just needed a little girl time, and Marti was happy to oblige,” she told him. Then she shot Marti a look, which told her the secret was safe.
“Well, unfortunately I have to get to work, otherwise I’d love to spend the day with you two.” He gave her a warm, friendly look.
“Yeah, that could be nice,” she responded non-committedly.
Taking a mug of coffee with him, Brantley headed out the front door. With him gone, once again Marti was breathing more easily.
“Is that the daddy?” Reagan asked once he had driven away.
“Um, no.” Marti made a face. “He’s not my type. He strikes me as rather needy. He just lives here for now. I rent out rooms to help pay the bills and support my new couponing habit,” she joked.
“Ah, so do I get a tour?” She picked Jack up off the floor. “I am dying to see the rest of your house.”
“Well, it’s not all done yet, but it’s safe to look at. Follow me.”
Showing Reagan the rest of the house took less than twenty minutes. With so much spare time, they wandered outside for a tour of the yard. “So, this is my first garden,” Marti proudly shared.
“This is huge! I’ve never seen such a big yard. What a great place to raise a family.” Reagan looked around appreciatively. “What are you going to do with all this space?”
Eyes sparkling, Marti about danced in excitement. “I want chickens. Maybe a couple of goats.”
Shaking her head, Reagan argued, “Goats are a pain.”
“Ever had a goat?” Marti challenged, hands on her hips.
“No, but I have Craigslist,” her friend retorted. “If I find people giving them away on a daily basis, then you probably don’t need to have them.”
“All I heard was I can get them for free,” Marti laughed.
“You’re impossible.” Glancing at her phone, Reagan urged, “Let’s go. We don’t want to be late. I know where we’re going so I’ll drive.”
Nodding at the sense of her suggestion, Marti agreed. “I’m glad you’re going with me. This is scaring the hell out of me.”
“Listen, if you’re really good, you can have a treat when you’re done,” Reagan teased.
With a sigh, Marti wrapped her arms around her body. “I’ll be good.” Then she went into the house, grabbed her purse and locked up on the way out.
For a first appointment, it went well. As anticipated, there wasn’t much to be done yet. Their pregnancy test confirmed what she already knew. Much time was spent sharing her medical history with the nurse and going back over it with the doctor. The internal exam she was given assured the doctor it wasn’t a tubal pregnancy. An ultrasound was scheduled for four weeks out. Then it was the basic blood work, followed by the basic STD tests. Free to go, she walked back out to the waiting room where Reagan and Jack were playing.
As they walked out, Reagan finally broke the silence. “So were you a good girl?” Jack clapped a few times on her hip. Apparently being good deserved applause.
“Yeah, I was,” Marti assured her. The adrenaline spent on the visit now had her completely dragging. “I swear I don’t care about a treat. Maybe you should just drop me off and I’ll go take a nap.” Her hand shot up to cover a yawn. “See?”
Throwing an arm around Marti’s shoulder, Reagan soothed her. “Eat, then take a nap.” They arrived at her car. As she unlocked it, Reagan asked one final question, “Where can we get lunch in New Hope?”
Concerned this was a terrible idea, Marti offered an alternative suggestion. “What if we eat here in Fort Mill?”
“Are you ashamed of me?” Her voice from inside the car sounded incredulous while she strapped Jack into his car seat.
Raising her eyes to the heavens, Marti let out an exasperated sigh. “Of course not! I’m not telling anyone. I haven’t really talked to the father yet. I don’t want anyone to know. Laurel, at the cafe, has a way of...knowing.” She frowned, hoping she explained it well enough.
“So we’re going to the cafe. Got it.” Climbing into the driver’s seat, Reagan shut the door, and started the engine.
Nearing town, Marti directed her to the town square. The closer they came to the cafe, the higher her level of apprehension. She didn’t want to run into Joey out in public. She didn’t want to slip up when talking to Laurel, and then the whole town would know. Still, there was a glimmer of hope she could hold it together long enough to get a cupcake.
Then they rounded the corner near the town square and she saw him...and the rest of his crew. Apparently they were busy decorating the town today. It seemed like a good excuse to not be working on her house. He probably decided to do this because of their fight. Her blood was boiling as she wondered if her house would ever be done. Marti all but stomped into the cafe to place her order.
“Whoa,” Laurel began when she saw her. �
�Yesterday, you looked like someone who’d lost her best friend, which is crazy because I’m still here.” She winked at Marti. “Today, if looks could kill, someone would most certainly be dead.” She was quiet half a second before she leaned over the counter conspiratorially. “So what’d he do?”
Marti had no hope of keeping a straight face after that. “Laurel, you’re magic.” Leaning on the counter to meet her, Marti threw her arms around Laurel’s neck and gave her friend a quick squeeze. “Thank you. I’m all better now.” Pulling back, she smiled before adding, “One last thing. Can I have a cupcake?”
Shaking her head, Laurel wiped her hands on a towel. “You know the drill. What are you having for lunch?”
Rage must make her hungry because Marti was finally famished. “Surprise me. You haven’t steered me wrong yet.” Then she shrugged and backed up to introduce Reagan and Jack. “This is Reagan and her son, Jack. They’re dining with me today. She already loves this town, so don’t go crazy trying to impress her, my house is full.”
“What?” Laurel cried. “You think I’m gonna serve her a crust of bread and a glass of water?” She frowned at Marti before turning her attention to Reagan. “What can I getcha, honey?”
“I’m not sure, but Jack and I always share. Do you have any mac and cheese?” Reagan asked hopefully.
“Do I have mac and cheese?” Laurel beamed. “Go have a seat. I know just what you need.” Then she disappeared into the depths of the kitchen.
It was early in the day and Marti was happy to see her table empty. “Let’s sit here,” she suggested.
They grabbed a high chair for Jack and settled into their seats. “Is it always like this here?” Reagan asked. “Don’t get me wrong, I love it!”
“Yeah, I was afraid of that,” Marti joked. Leaning back in her seat, she stared out the window. The square really was shaping up. She had no idea what the decorations were for, but they were lovely, big sparkly snowflakes. White lights were strewn across the square, the entire length of it. It looked like there were now booths being erected all around the perimeter. “I fell in love with this place the first time I set eyes on it.”
Near the gazebo, she found Joey. He was standing on a ladder, looking incredibly strong and manly. Marti couldn’t take her eyes off of him. At the moment, he wasn’t wearing a coat, but had on several layers. She couldn’t help but worry about him. Truth be told, she’d had feelings for him almost as long as she’d been in town.
Reagan seemed to respect her need for quiet. It was a nice change from her time with Brantley. Moments later, Laurel showed up at their table and delivered their meals and dessert. “What’s all this?” Marti asked, beaming.
“Oh, you know, a light lunch. And those cupcakes you wanted. I pulled out the February flavors. That one is Chocolate Cherry Cordial. The other one is just ordinary Red Velvet, but it looks pretty.”
“Thank you. It’s perfect, as always,” Marti murmured.
Laurel started to back away, but before she did, Reagan stopped her. “Wait! What’s going on in the square?” she asked excitedly.
“Oh, Winter Festival. It starts Friday night and runs through the weekend. You should go. Lots of fun and games. Awesome food.” She smiled. Then she reached out and poked Marti. “And you really should go. It’ll be fun.”
“You’re right. I’ll go,” Marti conceded. “I was so mad at Joey for not working on my house today. I guess he already had this gig booked.” She felt silly for getting upset so easily and assuming the worst of him.
“Please, he’s had this gig for years. He decorates for all the holidays and festivals. He should have told you.” Laurel frowned out the window at him. “I’ll talk to him.”
“It’s okay. We’ll catch up later. Let me deal with him.” Marti winked.
“Would you mind if I joined you?” Reagan asked.
“In dealing with Joey?” Marti asked, confused.
Shaking her head, Reagan explained. “No, I’d love to go to the festival. Maybe we can go together.”
“Oh, that. Sure!” Reaching out she picked up her fork and prepared to dive into the mac and cheese.
“And maybe you could see if Brantley wants to go?” Reagan could barely meet Marti’s eyes after asking that question.
Frozen in place, Marti considered the ramifications of her questions. It could go her way. They could be good for each other, or it could just cause more drama. Knowing her friend was waiting on a response, Marti finally responded. “I’ll ask.”
They hadn’t spoken since the night he slept in the truck. Joey had come home after working late to finish setting up for the Winter Festival. By the time he arrived, Marti had gone to bed. He had peeked in on her and tiptoed through while taking a quick shower before sleeping on her couch. She hadn’t so much as twitched while he watched her. Once again, he peeked at the pregnancy test while he brushed his teeth. It was a gentle reminder she was pregnant with his child. If that wasn’t enough, seeing her prenatal vitamins with iron and the folic acid on the vanity assured him this was really happening.
Somehow, he had to get through to her. Joey couldn’t imagine a life without Marti and his baby in it. Troubled as he was, he slept fitfully, haunted by nightmares of crying babies just out of reach and Marti building a life with Brantley while he watched from outside. It was too much. No wonder he was up before the sun the next morning.
To his surprise, Marti and Brantley soon joined him. They were already dressed and looked ready to leave. “What’s on your agenda this fine Saturday morning?” he asked no one in particular.
Naturally, it was Brantley who answered. “Marti and I are going to the Winter Festival. She asked me last night.” He smiled widely, clearly looking forward to the experience.
This information hit him like a punch in the gut. Though Joey couldn’t be sure, he thought he might have even winced. His nightmares from the night before were already coming true. Marti was making plans with Brantley right under his nose while freezing him out. Turning his attention to her, he waited to see what she had to see on the subject.
Looking stricken, Marti could barely meet his eyes. “It was Reagan’s idea,” she explained weakly.
“Right.” Brantley seemed to be considering something. He was looking off into the distance. Mind apparently made up, he looked at Joey. “Why don’t you come with us?”
His words were all the invitation Joey needed. Brightening some, he nodded. “Yeah. I’d love to. It’ll be a great way to spend a day.” Glancing at the clock on the stove he commented, “It’s a little early to be heading out, don’t you think? The festival doesn’t even start today until nine in the morning.”
“Reagan’s meeting us here and we’re all going to Keely’s for breakfast first,” she mumbled. Marti fumbled with finding a mug in the cupboard and adding water to the teapot. From the look on her face, she wanted to be anywhere but here.
“Of course. So, I guess I’ll just run and get ready so we can all leave together. That minivan sure is coming in handy,” he remarked, forcing a smile while he watched Marti. He was worried about her. He was worried about his place in her life. Hell, what worried him most of all was his place in her heart. Sliding off the stool, he walked back into the living room to get his clothes for the day. While he was out of sight, he wasn’t out of earshot. He could hear Brantley talking to Marti.
“Should I not have invited him?” he asked her.
Joey stood and stiffened up while he waited for her response.
“No, it’s fine.”
“Well, it just seemed silly since he lives with us. Plus we’ll have Reagan and little Jack. Having another guy just made sense,” Brantley explained.
Instantly, Joey was fuming. Since when were Brantley and Marti a ‘we?’ He clenched and unclenched his fists a few times while he tried to calm down. When that didn’t work, he headed into the bedroom, shutting the door loud enough for them to know he may have heard. Let them sweat. He needed to cool d
own before he went out there and pounded Brantley’s face in. The guy was too pretty. He’d probably never had to defend himself in his whole life.
Less than ten minutes later, after a lengthy pep talk, Joey was finally dressed and ready to emerge from Marti’s room. Maybe while they were at Keely’s he’d ask her about vacancies for after the festival ended. If Marti and Brantley were together, he couldn’t be there to watch it. Even as he considered it, he could feel the beginnings of a panic attack. It was a struggle, but if it killed him, he’d keep it at bay. Taking a few deep breaths, he walked to the door, opened it, and walked out into the living room to put his old clothes away.
To his surprise, there was a little boy sitting on a blanket in the center of the room and some kid show was on the television. “Hey, little man.” Joey greeted the kid as he walked to the closet to throw clothes in his hamper. While the door was open, he felt a tug on his leg.
Tempest Torn Page 13
