Falling For The Mom-To-Be (Maple Springs #1)

by Jenna Mindel

  “Your little boy,” Matthew said.

  “And Jack’s.” She looked up at him. “This little guy will be a third.”

  Matthew chuckled. “Carrying on the Marshall tradition?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “He might even become a freighter captain like his dad and granddad before him.” Matthew grinned.

  Annie smiled back. “If he wants to be.”

  Matthew wrapped an arm around Annie’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “Congratulations. If you’ve got time before class, I think we should celebrate with lunch.”

  A shadow crossed over Annie’s features. “Can we make it quick? I need to get to the studio soon.”

  “There’s a deli right across the street.” Matthew pointed. “They have awesome pies and brownies, too.”

  “Good, because I’m hungry.”

  A healthy baby was reason enough to celebrate, but the look in Annie’s eyes, the relief he saw there as well as excitement and anticipation, were icing on the cake. They dashed across the busy street and Matthew kept his arm around Annie. Drawing her close to his side, he kissed her temple.

  Once across the street, she stopped walking and placed her hand on his chest. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  Her eyes looked bluer than the sky overhead. “For helping me through this.”

  Words seemed inadequate, so he leaned down and kissed her. When Matthew heard a gasp, he pulled back to see what the fuss was about.

  Marie Marshall had come out of the deli with a boxed pie in her hands that teetered precariously.

  He stepped forward to help, but the woman righted the box and backed away.

  Then she turned on Annie. “How dare you!”

  “Marie...” Annie’s face blazed and her hands went to her middle, as if protecting Jack’s boy from the shrill indignation in his grandmother’s voice.

  “Jack’s not even cold in the ground and you’re parading around like a...like a...” Marie’s voice carried and folks passing by stared.

  Matthew reached his hand out to her. “Why don’t we go inside where we can talk?”

  “I will not sit at the same table with you!” Marie hissed. She narrowed her gaze and nearly bore holes into Annie’s midsection when she went pale.

  “Matthew, go in and order for me. I’ll be a moment.”

  Annie looked ready to do battle.

  He didn’t leave. “I don’t think I should.”

  “No. It’s okay.” Annie gave him a nod and then reached into her purse and pulled out the ultrasound images. “Marie, you had better sit down. There’s something I have to tell you.”

  Jack’s mom sort of crumpled onto one of two benches stationed in front of the deli.

  Annie sat next to her, but she glanced at him and nodded again for him to go inside.

  Matthew headed toward the entrance. He’d give the two women privacy, but the deli had a wall of windows with spectacular views of the bay and them. He’d keep watch. And run back outside if needed.

  From inside, he couldn’t make out what Annie said, but she gave Jack’s mom the ultrasound images. Marie sat ramrod-straight and Matthew knew that rigid posture didn’t bode well for Annie. Not well at all.

  * * *

  Annie held her tongue while Marie looked over each image of the baby. She wanted to give her time to process and accept the news. And hopefully forgive her for keeping it from her.

  “So, you’re finally having a baby. Is it his?” Marie gestured toward the deli.

  It would have hurt less if she’d been whipped. “This baby is Jack’s son. Your grandson.”

  Marie’s eyes grew cold. “Are you lying to cover up your sin?”

  “No! Marie, why would you think that?”

  “It’s what anyone would think. It’s what everyone will think if you keep carrying on with that man.”

  Annie’s defenses rose. “That man has a name. Matthew. And he’s been a dear friend of Jack’s and mine for years. Our shared grief brought us closer, and yes, it’s more than friendship now. Why is that so terrible?”

  Marie shook her head as if she were a lost cause and stupid besides. “Because you dishonor Jack by taking up with another so soon after his death. It’s not right, Annie. Search your soul, and you’ll know it’s true.”

  Annie took the paper images from Marie’s hands. “I’m sorry you feel that way.”

  Marie stood and looked down at her.

  It was the same disapproving glare she’d given her when Jack first brought her home to meet his parents. Annie had never done anything right in her mother-in-law’s eyes. Why did she expect understanding now? But was congratulations too much to ask? A little joy even?

  “Why did you keep this from me if the baby is Jack’s?” Real pain shone from Marie’s eyes. And disappointment.

  Annie swallowed hard. “I’m considered high-risk. I was afraid I might not carry past the first few months. I couldn’t bear to share the news only to then lose this baby. I couldn’t tell you until I was sure this little guy would be okay.”

  Marie’s eyes filled with tears. “A boy? When?”

  “Mid November.” Annie held her breath and waited. Hoping...

  Marie finally nodded, and then lifted her chin. “Think about what I said. Think about Jack and the respect you owe his memory.”

  Annie slumped as she watched her walk away. The sun shimmered off the lake, but the beauty that lay before her didn’t matter. She had hoped for a chance to finally bond with such precious news, but Marie had spurned her instead. The worst part of it was Annie’s chastened heart burned.

  Marie might be right.

  Annie buried her face in her hands and wept.

  * * *

  Matthew handed her a bundle of napkins. He carried a brown paper bag in the other hand. “I got everything to go. Why don’t we eat down by the lake?”

  Annie blew her nose. “I’m not sure I can right now.”

  “Try,” he said softly and offered his hand. “Come on.”

  She took it and stood but felt like her body might shake apart.

  Matthew wrapped his arm around her. “Tell me what happened with Marie.”

  “It’s nothing.” That was so not true. Marie had lanced her heart with her words. “Just the usual disapproval.”

  “Seems like more than that. Do you want me to talk to her?”

  “No!” She let loose a bitter laugh. The last thing she wanted Matthew to hear was Marie’s accusations.

  They walked across the street and down a paved path to a park overlooking the bay. A few cars were parked and several people had walked, jogged or biked past them on the path that followed around the bay back to Maple Springs.

  A family had already set up for a picnic under the pavilion. Two small children weaved through empty picnic tables as their dad tried to corral them into order. The mom seemed oblivious and unpacked a cooler.

  Matthew led them farther away to a solitary picnic table shaded by a huge maple tree.

  Annie followed, numb.

  He emptied the brown bag and handed her a foil bundle. “I ordered you a veggie sandwich.”

  “Thanks.” She watched him unwrap his sandwich, marveling at the stack of deli meat stuffed between the bread. He then laid out two different slices of pie, a brownie and a chocolate chip cookie on the picnic table. Right between them.

  “What’s with all the sweets?”

  “I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I got a little of everything. Whatever we don’t eat, I’ll take home for Luke. The kid eats everything in sight.”

  Annie’s stomach rumbled. She hadn’t had much of a breakfast, and she really needed something to get her through hours of dance class. She checked her watch. They were cu
tting it close.

  “Everyone grieves differently, right?” Matthew asked after they’d recited the Zelinsky family prayer.

  “I suppose.” She waited for him to finish chewing. “Why? What’s your point?”

  “My point is that Marie grieves. You’re the one who took Jack away from her and now he’s gone for good. So she’s lashing out.”

  Annie tamped down her anger. “We were married for fifteen years. She should have learned to share.”

  Matthew dipped his head. “True. But she’s not exactly a warm, fuzzy person and Jack was her only kid. Her boy. Jack wouldn’t want a shrine, but Marie expects you to give him one.”

  He didn’t know the unforgiveable things Marie had said. “Why are you defending her, Matthew?”

  “I’m not. My guess is that she’s acting out of hurt and you shouldn’t take what she says to heart.”

  Annie snorted. Dear, kind Matthew would look at things that way. In fact, he sounded a lot like Jack. How many times had her husband coached her through wanting to tear her hair out over some insensitive dig Marie had made?

  Finally, she sighed. “I’ll try.”

  She’d give Marie some slack and go over on Sunday as she’d planned. Maybe then, after some time to think, they could sit down and talk rationally. Maybe then, there’d be some joy over the news of a baby. A baby she vowed to share.

  Chapter Eleven

  The next day, Annie gripped the seat belt while Matthew drove to his parents’ house northeast of town. They drove inland past farmland, open fields and rolling hills. Away from the tourists and summer residents of Maple Bay. Away from any whispers.

  Not far enough to escape Marie’s words. Similar words had been echoed by a couple of clients picking up their kids from ballet class the day before. One woman asked when she was due and then beat around the bush for the date of Jack’s death as if trying to figure it out. Marie had been right and it had plagued her all night long.

  Annie shifted in the seat. Soon, she’d meet Matthew’s family. Would they wonder whose child she carried?

  Matthew rubbed her knee. “You okay? You’re awfully quiet.”

  “A little nervous to meet your whole family.”

  Matthew chuckled. “Not everyone will be there. Not Zac or Cat, but enough of us, I suppose. Don’t worry. They’re nice people.”

  “I can’t imagine them being anything but.” Annie twined her fingers with Matthew’s and held on.

  Of course his family would be nice. Matthew’s suggestion of his mom as a possible resource was a good one and the reason she’d agreed to come today. Another person to ask questions in case Marie refused to talk to her. Annie’s sister was far away in Arizona, and although Ginger was nearby, she had little experience with babies.

  They pulled into the driveway that led to a huge log-style home, and Annie remembered picking up Jack here once. Then, the small inland lake had been covered in snow like an open field. Today, the water glimmered in the sunshine. Inviting and peaceful.

  She could use some peace right about now.

  “There aren’t many neighboring homes.” Annie looked around. The next house over was a good mile away.

  “Growing up, I hated how isolated it was out here. I’d catch a ride into town every chance I could. Or ride my bike if nothing else worked out.”

  “Must have been a long bike ride.”

  “Oh, it was.” Matthew shut off the engine then pointed. “There’s the sugar shack where our maple syrup is made.”

  A small barn, sided the same as the house, stood several hundred feet away. “You think I could get a tour?”

  “My dad would love that. He’s proud of his syrup operation.”

  “With good reason.” Annie got out and stretched.

  Maybe coming here would be okay. Maybe she was making too much of what Marie had said. But then, maybe not.

  “I’m so glad you’re here.” The tall, older woman had to be Matthew’s mom. She hustled toward them and her frosted-blond bob swished forward with each step.

  “Mom, this is Annie Marshall.”

  “Of course it is. I remember you well, dear.” She smiled.

  Annie smiled back and extended her hand. “Hi, Mrs. Zelinsky.”

  “Oh, no, you must call me Helen.” Then she enveloped her into a warm hug and whispered, “I’m so sorry about Jack.”

  Annie wrestled with the urge to hang on tight. There was something warm and accepting about Matthew’s mom. Something strong, too. “Thank you.”

  Helen pulled back but kept her arm around Annie’s shoulders. “Darren just started the grill, so it’ll be a little while before we eat. Can I get you some lemonade or herbal iced tea?”

  “Tea, please.”

  “She wants a tour of the sugar shack.” Matthew walked behind them.

  “Andy will be ecstatic.” Helen opened the screen door with a soft creak. “He also loves that desk you gave him. Thank you for that.”

  “I was glad to see it go. Heavy thing. I could never move it around myself.”

  Helen laughed. “Then you’ll understand why it’s where it is. Come in and relax and then Andy will show you the shack.”

  Matthew’s father came out of the kitchen and introduced himself. Tall and distinguished-looking with broad shoulders and keen blue eyes, Andy Zelinsky had a stern jaw and air of authority. His sons resembled him.

  “You’d like to see the syrup operation?’

  “I would.” Annie glanced at Matthew. Would he go, too?

  Matthew gave her an encouraging smile.

  “Let’s go.” Andy nodded toward the door.

  “Give her a minute to drink her iced tea,” Helen scolded.

  “She can bring it with her.”

  “Andy...”

  Annie raised her hand. “I’ll take that iced tea to go if that’s okay?”

  Helen handed over an insulated tumbler filled to the top. “I’ll put Matthew to work in here.”

  “Great.” Matthew groaned. “I think I’d rather hit the tour.”

  Helen gave her son a pointed look. “Your sisters aren’t here yet and neither is Luke or Cam. Darren’s got grill duty.”

  Matthew surrendered. “Okay, okay. What can I do?”

  Annie sipped the tea quickly to keep it from spilling over. It was obvious that Helen wanted to talk to her son. Maybe even about her. That thought made Annie’s stomach pitch. One thing she’d noticed about Matthew’s mom was that she had shrewd eyes. Helen Zelinsky saw too much.

  She turned to Matthew’s dad. “Ready when you are.”

  Andy smiled. The same easy smile as his son. He gave his wife a nod. “We won’t be long.”

  Annie followed him out across an expanse of freshly cut green lawn warmed by the sun. Her flip-flops slapped against the soles of her feet. Really quiet way out here, and so different from the gentle hum in town.

  She spotted flower beds that bordered parts of the yard before turning into a forest of maple trees dotted with evergreens. “Beautiful property you have.”

  “We think so, too.”

  It wasn’t a long walk before they came to the windowed barn.

  “It’s a small operation, but we like it that way. My daughter Monica wants me to market online with a catalogue and shipping, but Helen and I enjoy the craft fair circuit. We’re content with that. For now.” Andy opened a garage-like door with a rattle and snap.

  Annie gaped when she stepped inside. Beautiful rough sewn wood and shining stainless steel greeted her. A stack of metal buckets and boxes of plastic jugs lined one wall. Clean and tidy. “Wow.”

  Andy patted the top of the desk she’d given him. “This is perfect for keeping track of batches. I plan to store journals of each year’s yield in these drawers. Nice and sturd
y. It’ll hold up.”

  Annie smiled. “I think Jack would be proud. It’s no heirloom, just something he picked up at a garage sale. So don’t worry if it gets ruined.”

  Matthew’s father looked thoughtful. “Helen and I are very sorry for your loss. A loss to all of us. Jack was a good man. And Matthew took his death hard.”

  But he’d been a pillar of strength for her ever since he came home. They’d talked only once while he was out on the lakes after Jack’s funeral. One evening while in port, Matthew had called her. They hadn’t said much, but something about being on the line with him, even silent, had helped.

  “Thank you,” Annie whispered. “It hasn’t been easy.”

  Matthew’s parents were not awkward about Jack’s death. They expressed sympathy with open sincerity and waited for her to change the subject instead of rushing ahead before she might add something uncomfortable. Share some painful memory.

  “It never is.” Andy got a faraway look in his eyes.

  Matthew’s father had retired from a long career in the military. She couldn’t remember which branch, but he’d no doubt experienced loss, as well.

  “Your son’s friendship has helped me through this. He gets it better than most.” Annie went out on a limb and added, “You look like you know what I mean.”

  Andy nodded. His expression bespoke understanding. “Lost a good man under my command. My closest friend.”

  “I’m sorry. But that doesn’t really cover it, does it?”

  “No. But thank you just the same.” Andy’s gaze never wavered. His past grief was plain to see.

  The pain never went away. It dulled over time but remained. She’d lost her parents and buried herself in dance, but that didn’t mean it hadn’t affected her. The pain of losing Jack would remain, too.

  “You’ve been good for Matthew.” In Andy’s eyes she read hope.

  She tipped her head. “How?”

  “By focusing on you, he stopped asking why.”

  Feeling her throat tighten, she whispered, “Those whys can be killers.”

  “And drag a person into a black hole without care.”

  So far, Annie had stayed out of that hole. And maybe plodding through was part of her problem. People had expected more despair from her. But what good would any of that do? Jack wasn’t coming home. Life went on, right along with the pain.