Nobody's Baby

by Carol Burnside

  “Since you showed up at my home unannounced, I figured you wouldn’t mind.” If anything, his scowl intensified. “Sorry if I woke you. It never occurred ... well, it doesn’t matter now. How are you feeling?”

  “Fat.” Kate plopped onto the couch and waved an ungracious hand toward the armchair. “If you’ve come to tell me you’ve changed your mind about taking responsibility for this baby, don’t.”

  A vein in his neck pulsed. “That won’t happen, and if I’ve given you the impression it might, I apologize. I still think James was crazy for doing it, but he entrusted his son to my care. I’ll deal with that when the time comes.”

  That? Good grief, with his eyes all steely like that, he was worse than she was when it came to personifying her cargo. But his attitude was none of her concern. Kate shook off the remaining cobwebs of sleep. “It won’t be so bad. Babies have a way of worming their way into your heart before you know it.”

  “If you say so. The problem is, I have zero experience with infants and haven’t the foggiest notion how to care for one. Women seem to have a sixth sense about these things. Me? Not so much.”

  Kate fought the same urge she’d had the first time she’d seen Rio, of wanting to offer comfort or worse, help. He seemed genuinely worried about caring for a baby. How ironic that the first man to pique her interest in ages was the last man she should be attracted to. “Take a parenting class or hire a nanny. Either one can teach you the basics of feeding, bathing and diapering. It’s not difficult to master.”

  “You sound as if you know from experience.”

  “Babysat two younger brothers. I could do all those things by the time I was ten.”

  He lifted his chin in a slow nod, his gaze remaining on her long enough to make Kate wonder if she had sleep marks on her cheek or bed head. She fluffed her hair and smoothed her maternity tee, but only succeeded in drawing his gaze to her protruding stomach. When she pulled a throw pillow in front of her, his gaze shifted to take in his surroundings.

  “Nice place.”

  Kate didn’t quite hide her laugh. “You don’t have to be polite. It’s a furnished, mid-century rental that needs work.”

  “Yeah, but it’s well-built and a sight better than a tent in the African bush.”

  His comment took Kate by surprise. She remembered Squires mentioning Africa but had assumed Rio traveled a lot when he wasn’t living as James had, in wealth and privilege. It had never occurred to her that he might not live like a Hawthorne. “Is that where you’ll raise your nephew?”

  “No. I’m finished with the photo safaris. I have business ventures that will keep me here in Colorado.” He leaned toward two framed photographs on an end table. “Are these your brothers?”

  “Yes. Those are their high school senior pictures.” Kate shouldn’t feel anything one way or the other about his plans to stay in Colorado either, but couldn’t help being relieved that the child she carried wouldn’t be on another continent. She felt way too much in connection with this man and the situation they both found themselves in.

  No matter how many times she reminded herself that she was carrying a fetus or called it cargo, she was aware that a tiny, living being grew inside her, totally dependent on her for its survival. It was a daily struggle to remain detached. Talking with Allie and James about their son had helped her remain objective. Seeing their eager anticipation had helped. But Rio wasn’t thrilled with his new role. His emotional distance from the baby worried her and brought out her protective instincts.

  While he studied the photographs, she took advantage of the moment to observe him. His lips were fuller than a man’s had any right to be and were impossibly kissable, especially with that little dip in his chin. The combination softened the hard planes of his face, a face that would be right at home on a wild animal safari.

  How could she be attracted to such a man? That he was ruggedly appealing and looked like a safe port in a storm shouldn’t matter. His duty-bound attitude worried her. Experience had taught her some people never found their nurturing side. What if Rio never found his?

  Chapter Three

  “I don’t see a lot of family resemblance.” Rio glanced at her, then back to the pictures of her brothers. One, who looked older, had dark hair like Kate, but light blue eyes. The other had much lighter hair and eyes of an indistinguishable color. They were neither chocolate like hers, nor pale. “Except the eyes. Different colors, but same shape.”

  She raised her chin. “We’re a blended family. Different fathers.”

  He glanced around as if looking for more family photos. “Ah ... what do your parents think of you being a surrogate?”

  He was stalling. She was sure of it.

  “They don’t. My dad died years ago, and my mother and I rarely speak.” Kate had no intention of talking about her mother and her tendency to call for a “loan” whenever her latest fling left her high and dry. “Was there something you needed to speak to me about, Rio?”

  “With the media storm this situation stirred up, Mother is worried about your health. She thinks you should come live at Hawthorne House until the paparazzi moves on to the next big story.”

  Live in the same house with Rio and possibly get emotionally attached to more of the Hawthorne family? No, thanks. She’d had enough heartache as it was. “Tell her I appreciate the concern, but I’m fine here.”

  He frowned. “But your health is already affected. You’d be better insulated from the reporters and less stressed over there.”

  Less stressed, she wasn’t so sure about. Here, Zach could easily reach her if he tried. Granted, that might be a pipe dream, but it could happen. “Toby’s doing a great job of keeping them at arm’s length, and I’m taking care of myself. If I get plenty of rest and continue exercising, I’ll be fine.”

  “Are you sure it’s safe to exercise?”

  “I used to run five miles a day before I got pregnant. A short walk is nothing.” No way was she admitting to him that by the third mile her cargo felt more like an elephant these days and her lower back ached like the dickens.

  “Why are you being so stubborn about this? We’re only trying to help.”

  “Rio, I understand you feel it’s your duty to protect the baby, but some things are beyond your control. I’m doing everything in my power to make sure he comes into this world healthy. Once he’s here, you can take over.” A uterine contraction hit her and she winced, breathing through it.

  “What’s wrong? Is the baby coming?”

  Kate laughed. “No. Believe me, that was nothing. When labor happens, I’ll let you know.”

  Her smile wilted and she wrapped her arms around her stomach. Oh, damn. She’d been so concerned about what would happen after the birth, she hadn’t thought about how the birth plan itself had changed.

  “Another pain?” Rio asked, watching her with wary eyes. And yet, there was concern in them too.

  She had a sneaking suspicion that if she ever quit sniping at him she’d discover he was a pretty nice guy. Kate shook her head. “Allie was supposed to be my labor coach, then James was to come in for the actual delivery so they could share the moment of becoming a family together. But now ... now I guess I’m on my own.”

  “Oh. Well, what about Mom? Maybe she could be your coach.”

  “I don’t know. Maybe. I’ll think about it.” She’d been comfortable with the idea of Allie being there to welcome her child into the world. Maggie was nice, but still a stranger even if she was the baby’s grammy.

  He moved to the edge of his chair, legs in a splayed vee and leaned forward. “First, I wanted to apologize if I’ve ...” He stopped the formal apology, dipped his chin and shook his head.

  When he returned his gaze to hers, it was decidedly warmer and the corners of his mouth lifted. “I’ve been told on more than one occasion that I have a bossy streak wide enough to drive an elephant through. While my former job required I maintain control of my crew and tourists at all times, that isn’t the case here.
It’s possible I may have been overzealous about fulfilling my responsibility to the baby.”

  Kate opened her mouth to agree but caught herself just in time. “I can hardly fault you for protecting your family, can I? The truth is, I’ve been in charge of things in my life for a long time. I’m not used to having anyone else to rely on and ... there may have been some overreaction and ungraciousness on my part as well.”

  He nodded and dropped his gaze.

  “I get the feeling there’s a ‘but’ to your apology.”

  “The invitation stands. I wish you’d reconsider coming to stay at the house. Mom would love to fuss over the woman giving birth to her only grandchild. Wouldn’t it be nice to not worry about cleaning or cooking?”

  “I’m okay with the way things are.” Yes, it would be great to have staff to handle those tasks, but she’d lived just fine without help thus far. No need to change things because pregnancy made her feel lazy. Kate covered a yawn with her hand, and he stood.

  “That’s my cue. I’ll let you get back to that nap.”

  “Thanks.” She rose to her feet a little too fast. A wave of dizziness swept over her, and she grabbed for the couch arm, trying to blink away swimming black dots.

  “Whoa. Easy there.” Rio’s hands gripped her shoulders, steadying her. “Does this happen often?”

  “Not often,” Kate answered, then remembered the same thing happening several times in the last few days. She’d have to be more careful not to make sudden movements.

  “Is it safe for me to let go now?”

  She caught herself staring at his lips, just inches from her because he’d leaned in to peer into her eyes. Not often at a loss for words, she couldn’t think of a thing to say. She’d seen his mouth move, but the words hadn’t registered. A definite sign she was losing it. Dragging her gaze to his jump-started her brain. “What did you say?”

  His gaze sharpened. “Should I let go now?”

  “Oh. Yes, of course. The dizziness only lasts for a second or two.” In those few moments of being so close, she’d discovered his light irises had a darker ring around them and more depths than she’d first thought.

  The instant he withdrew his hand and its warmth, a chill shot through her and her cargo jerked as if startled. She rubbed the mound and Rio took a step toward the door as if trying to get as far away from her as possible.

  “All right, then.” He nodded in her direction. “We’ll stop by about ten on Saturday to pick you up for the service.”

  “I’ll be ready.”

  * * * * *

  Saturday couldn’t have been more beautiful. It was one of those postcard-perfect days with high cottony clouds floating in a blue sky over snow-kissed Rockies. The sun was killer bright, only its warmth didn’t quite do the job. Overnight, temperatures had dropped and a strong wind added to the chill, making autumn feel decidedly more like winter.

  “Rio, stop scowling. You’re going to scare the baby right out of Kate if you go to her door looking like that,” his mother said from across the limo. Her face was drawn and pale, her hair looking more gray than blonde today. For the first time Rio could remember, she looked her age. Seeing her now, he could almost forgive her for guilting him into taking responsibility for James and Allie’s baby.

  “I just don’t understand why they had to go on this particular trip,” he groused. “Why now when their responsibilities were greater than ever before? What were they think—”

  His mini-tirade was halted by his mother’s hand covering his forearm. “I know. Right now I’m wishing I could be anywhere else in the world, with things back like they were a few days ago. I ache for them, for us, and I’m angry that they’re gone too, but there are no answers for your questions, dear. ”

  Their driver pulled up in front of Kate’s duplex amid the same gaggle of reporters, or at least it looked like the same people. They’d all begun to blur together and seemed more rabid, now that the story had been picked up by the wire services. He schooled his features into the mask he’d used as a child when his old man would come home in a foul mood, though the reporters didn’t pose the same kind of threat. Time to get Kate for the memorial service.

  Rio strode through the throng as if they didn’t exist, eyes focused on Toby’s twin at Kate’s front door. She must have been watching for him, because she stepped out before he could ring the bell.

  He’d only seen her in slacks or jeans before, but today she wore a swingy sweater dress and coat in a soft gray with dark hose and heels. The woman had seriously great legs. Must be all that running she’d done prior to the pregnancy. Just looking at her mellowed his frustration.

  “Ready?” he asked.

  She shot him a stricken look, faint circles beneath her eyes making her look more fragile today. “As ready as one can be for this kind of thing.”

  “I know what you mean, but you don’t have to do this. No one will think badly of you if you change your mind.”

  She glanced toward the street and what awaited them there. “I’m not sure that’s accurate, but others opinions don’t concern me. I need to do this.”

  “Then brace yourself. The vultures are circling. Cody and I will flank you.”

  She donned dark glasses. “Toby told me they were twins, but how do you tell which is which?”

  He leaned in closer. “Cody has a small scar above his eye.”

  Cody quirked the brow Rio referred to, but remained as silent and mysterious as his brother.

  “Yes, I see it now. Well, gentlemen, shall we?” Even with their best efforts to shield Kate, there was some crowding. Rio pulled her in with an arm around her shoulders. Overnight, the press had grown six hands each. Microphones and cameras were shoved in their faces, more questions posed, and some jostling ensued, though it would have been much worse without Cody’s presence. Finally, they were in the car and moving away from the curb, with Cody in the front passenger side.

  The gauntlet had renewed Rio’s bad mood. It didn’t help that all this could’ve been avoided. He blew out a breath. “If you’d stay with us, you wouldn’t have to deal with that every time you go out. We’d be in the car before it moved through the gates and —”

  “Rio, hush,” his mom interrupted, leaning forward. “Kate, are you okay?”

  He’d been looking out the window but now turned to scrutinize Kate.

  Her fingers trembled as she tucked her hair behind one ear, her cheeks pale. She held one hand splayed over her stomach, a protective gesture if Rio had ever seen one. Her smile in response to the question was tight. “We’re fine.”

  Yeah, and if anyone bought that, he had some beachfront property in Botswana for sale. Shame prickled his conscience and his lips tightened. What was he doing giving her the what-for like that, adding to her stress?

  He glanced at her ankles and wrists and fingers. No discernable swelling this morning, but he’d have to do better, watch her closer. Her baby bump seemed bigger today with the soft knit hugging it. Every day brought him closer to being in charge of the tiny human she carried, and it scared the crap out of him.

  He was used to being responsible for his safari guests in wild areas with real danger lurking about. Some of them had more money than brains and required a lot of supervision, but none of them ever made his stomach churn like Kate and her baby bump. Those folks were temporary and soon another group took their place. No such luck with this situation.

  Raising a child was an enormous, long-term undertaking. He had to figure out some way of accomplishing that without awakening the Bad Hank tendencies that lurked in his blood. Kate was another matter. Like his safari charges, she was a temporary responsibility. Until she delivered James’ son and Bear’s grandson, making sure she remained safe had to be his primary objective.

  They arrived at the church without incident, though the reporters followed. On Rio’s orders, extra staff from the Bridgerton Agency were present to make sure the press kept a respectable distance. Even so, the click and whirr of cameras
could be heard as they moved from the limo to the warm interior of the massive church.

  The pews were packed. Rio recognized a congressman, a sports star, several members of James’ firm, Squires and his law partner Forbes and at least one TV celebrity among the attendees. Several of Bear Hawthorne’s old cronies were also in the crowd, along with Rio’s Aunt Millicent on his mom’s side, and her husband Shawn. Two well-dressed young women sitting nearby looked familiar. Sorority sisters of Allie’s who’d served as her bridesmaids if he remembered correctly.

  At his mother’s urging, Rio left the eulogy portion of the service open to anyone who wished to say something. He spoke first, needing to dispense with his part in the service, and was surprised at the number of people who followed. Some brought tears to the audience, and the ache in his chest sharpened, but most told lighthearted stories, eliciting chuckles from the crowd more than once. All in all, it was a decent sendoff. He should be so lucky when his time came.

  Damn. This was really goodbye. It had seemed like a bad dream before, but he wouldn’t wake up from this one. His eyes prickled and he took a deep breath, one of many since he’d entered the church. How could it seem real that he’d never see his brother again, never debate the season’s best quarterback while watching the Superbowl or sit across from him at a big Thanksgiving meal? Never ... Rio fought back the tide threatening to swamp him and squeezed his eyes closed for a moment. Soft weeping came from his mom on the left. From his right, a warm hand touched his forearm and squeezed.

  Kate. Somehow, her simple gesture steadied him through a receiving line of sorts and the sentiments of well-meaning folk intent on expressing their sympathy. Finally, they reached the hired car again, and he remembered seeing her waiting in the back of the vestibule, slipping away when the line’s end was in sight. “Where’s Kate?”

  His mother’s head jerked around at the alarm in his voice, her gaze searching the vicinity. “I don’t see her or her bodyguard. Where could she be?”