by Leanne Tyler
“I’m not an invalid. I can walk,” she protested, looking up at him. He kissed her on the top of the head before they began to walk down the hall.
Sue smiled. She always found Keely and Darren’s relationship very sweet. And she loved watching them together at Wright and Associates. If you didn’t know they were married you’d think they were very fond of one another because they did not put their relationship on display by kissing or hugging in the open.
Alex turned to her. “Shall we hang around and wait a little while since we’re here?”
“We might as well.”
He offered her his hand and she took it, liking his firm, confident grip as they walked down the hall.
“Do me a favor.”
“What’s that?” she asked.
“Don’t mention my panic attack to anyone. Not even Kimberly, Phil or Brandon.”
She giggled and leaned her head against his arm. “I won’t.”
When they reached the waiting area for family members, there were already two people there. The last person she expected to see was Lucinda sitting there with Lillian Wright, but there the woman was and she was beaming from ear to ear as they approached. The gris-gris warmed against Sue’s chest and she released Alex’s hand to reach up and touch it. He glanced her way with his brows raised.
“Alex. How is my boy?” Lucinda asked, getting to her feet. She moved with a flourish, her bangle bracelets jingling.
Lillian stood as well, hugging her son and then Keely.
Alex reluctantly turned away from her to answer Lucinda. “I’m good. And you?”
“Fine and I’m getting better every minute now that I’m in the same room with you and Keely again.” The woman turned to his sister and gave her a hug. “My, you gave me a scare this morning, but I see everything is fine as rain now.”
“Oh yes, please tell me you are fine,” Lillian agreed.
“For the time being,” Keely assured.
“Only if she stays off her feet.” Darren urged her toward the row of cushioned seats.
“Yes. Yes. She must get off her feet. Having one daughter in labor at a time is more than I can handle.” Lillian followed them. “They won’t let me in there with Jama. Can you believe that?”
“It’s what she wanted, Mom,” Darren said. “She explained that to you already.”
“I thought she was teasing me.”
“No, Mom. She’s nervous about the delivery and she felt it would be easier if it was just her and Kyle with the nurses and doctor.”
“What’s there to be nervous about? I did it three times. And who better to know how to give birth to twins than someone who has done it before?”
Sue saw Darren roll his eyes and she bit back a smile. Lucinda must have seen the gesture too because she winked at her.
“How are things with you, Sue?”
“Everything is going great.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Lucinda sat down and patted the vacant seat beside her. “Alex, come sit and tell me about your current project. Are you researching anything interesting?”
He did as Lucinda asked. “Actually you might find this interesting…”
Sue’s cellphone buzzed and she fished it out of her purse to answer it, stepping away from the group. “Hello?”
“Hey, sis. You got a minute?”
“Not really. I’m at the hospital and can’t talk right now.”
“Hospital? Are you all right?”
“Yeah, Alex and I were going out, but he got a text…anyway he thought it was about his sister, but when we got here it was about my boss Jama. She’s having the twins so I’m here with him and the family. I don’t think I’m supposed to have my cellphone on, so I need to keep it short.”
“No problem. It can wait. I wanted to add one tiny thing to the list I gave you.”
“Really?” Sue bit her lip to keep from saying what she really thought about that list. It was the reason she wasn’t ready when Alex came to pick her up and the reason he’d kissed her, which she couldn’t be upset about. However, when she’d agreed to help Kimberly out she hadn’t expected the list to be so long. “What is it?”
“When you check with the caterer can you be sure to remind her about the mints. She said she’d do a special design of our initials for them, but I needed to remind her about it closer to time.”
“Okay.” She rummaged in her purse for a pen and paper to jot it down so she wouldn’t forget.
“Thanks and have fun. I didn’t realize you were seeing Alex again tonight.”
“He called after I got home from the fitting.”
“Things sure are moving in the right direction for you.”
“I guess. Listen I really need to get off the phone before a nurse catches me.”
“Sure. Sure. We can talk about this later. Bye.”
Sue ended the call and turned the cellphone off before putting it back in her purse. When she turned around she bumped into Alex.
He reached out and took hold of her arms to steady her. His strong hold on her sent a little spark running down her spine, and a warmth filled her belly as she recalled their earlier kiss. Oh man, but she really was treading on dangerous ground with him.
“Anything wrong?” His brow arched and her pulse raced. She swallowed hard.
“No. Kimberly had something to add to that list of things for me to do.”
“Ah…listen there really isn’t a reason for us to stick around here unless you just want to. It could be hours before the twins are born. We probably could still go get dinner and maybe come back later if you just wanted.”
She nodded.
“Okay. Let’s go tell Keely we’re leaving so she doesn’t worry.”
He offered her his hand and she took it feeling a warm buzz spread up her arm. She loved touching him and the way it made her feel. The gris-gris warmed too and she couldn’t help smiling, imagining that was its way of telling her he was her soul mate.
“Keels, we’ll going to head out.”
“Do you have to?” Lucinda asked, frowning. “I was hoping to chat with you some more. “It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other.”
“We kinda had plans.” He looked at Sue and she could tell he felt torn by what he wanted and pleasing Lucinda. So she made the decision for him.
“But we can stay a few more minutes.”
“Perfect.” Lucinda’s frown turned into a smile and she beamed. “I could really use a cup of coffee. Alex, would you mind getting me some?”
“That sounds good.” Lillian nodded. “Darren?”
“I’ll get you a cup, mom.” He stood. “Come on Alex, let’s go to the cafeteria. Anyone else want anything?”
“I’m fine,” Sue assured them.
“Keely?”
“I’m good too. Thanks, honey.”
“Okay, we’ll be back.”
Sue sat down between Keely and Lucinda on the cushioned bench. “So any idea how long it’ll be before the babies arrive?”
“Kyle came out and said that Jama had stopped dilating which could prolong the process,” Keely explained.
“She’ll be fine. I said a blessing at the doorway and I tucked a little something in Kyle’s pocket to ward off evil when I hugged him.” Lucinda’s voice held much confidence and Sue wished she had an ounce of it when it came to the future.
“We should just relax and let Sue tell us about how things are progressing with her and Alex.”
“Huh?” She glanced at the woman, not liking being put on the spot, especially to talk about something personal in front of Keely’s mother-in-law.
“Don’t huh me,” Lucinda wagged a finger in front of her. “It looked to me like things are going nicely.”
“Lucinda,” Keely warned shifting on the cushion. “Leave them alone.”
“There really isn’t anything to tell…yet.” Sue got up and walked over to the magazine rack to put a safe distance between them. The gris-gris warmed and she was afraid it might start g
lowing giving away her feelings.
“But you being here together, tonight, it isn’t the first time you’ve been out, is it?”
She shook her head and glanced back at the women. “No.”
“Oh, she’s blushing.” Lillian pointed at her and smiled. “I think you may be on to something, Lucinda.”
“Of course I am. She’s wearing my gris-gris.”
Sue reached up and touched the charm and silently prayed it would not steer her wrong where Alex was concerned. She selected a magazine and went back to sit down, choosing a chair adjacent to the women. “We’re getting to know one another.”
“A good step,” Lillian agreed. “You don’t have to rush into anything, no matter what magic Lucinda tries to throw at you.”
“Pish Posh.” Lucinda waved a hand in the air and her bangle bracelets jingled. She turned to face Keely. “Are you okay, dear? You’ve been shifting like you’re uncomfortable.”
“I am. I think I need to get up and walk, but I also have to stay off my feet.”
Lucinda stood and helped her to stand as well. “Let’s walk down to the nurses’ station and back.”
“Okay.”
When they were a short distance away, Lillian walked toward the closed door to Jama’s room. Sue put down the magazine and turned watching her. She seemed so disheartened to not be in there with her daughter.
Soon, the woman came back and sat down again. “This waiting game is hard on an old woman.”
“I don’t think you’re old, Mrs. Wright.”
“Thank you dear, but I feel old and alone. My kids are all grown and I’m about to be a grandmother. What else should I feel about myself?”
“That you’re starting a new segment of your life.”
She smiled. “You’re a very sweet girl. I see why Keely talks so favorably about you. And that Alex. He’s such a cutie. I can tell you like him.”
Sue’s cheeks warmed and she couldn’t help smiling. “I do.”
“Then I hope only the best for you both.”
The door to Jama’s room opened and Kyle appeared. “Lillian, Jama is asking for you.”
The woman sucked in her breath. “Oh goodness. Please excuse me, dear.”
Sue watched as she hurried away and the door closed again. When she was alone she glanced down the hall to see if she could see Keely or Lucinda coming back, but they were nowhere in sight. She picked up the magazine and flipped through looking for something to occupy her time. Finally she heard their voices once more, and when she looked up, Keely had a container of juice sipping on it.
“That looks good.”
“It is. They keep it in a little freezer at the nurses’ station and the juice gets icy. I don’t know if that makes it taste better or what, but I think I could drink lots of these if I were here for a while.”
“That’s because it’s good for you,” Lucinda said, placing a pillow behind Keely’s back once she sat. “Where’s Lillian?”
“Jama asked for her.”
“Oh good. It shouldn’t be long now.”
“Lucinda, what did you do?” Keely asked, leveling a look on her.
The Cajun woman shrugged. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Keely looked at Sue and they both nodded, silently agreeing that she’d used her charms somehow.
The door opened and Lillian emerged beaming. “She’s doing fine. The nurse said she’s started dilating again and it shouldn’t be long now because she is fully effaced. Jama’s in great spirits. She looks so beautiful. Motherhood will agree with her nicely even though she has been so worried about it.”
It wasn’t long before Darren and Alex returned with the coffee. Lillian informed them about Jama’s progress. Lucinda insisted that Alex sit beside her and talk while she drank it. Darren settled beside Keely and began fussing over her, insisting she put her feet up in one of the adjacent chairs that he pulled over to the bench.
Sighing, Sue flipped through the pages of the magazine again, not really reading the articles or looking at the pictures, but pretended to so she appeared uninterested in what Alex and Lucinda were saying. The harder she tried to listen though the softer Lucinda seemed to speak as if she knew what was going on. In frustration, Sue finally glanced at them and Alex had leaned closer to his godmother so even his voice was hard to hear.
She finally got up and returned the magazine to the rack before going to the ladies room staying in there longer than necessary because the waiting was getting to her. When she came out, everyone was hugging one another.
“What’s happened?” she asked.
“They’re here. My beautiful grandbabies are here.” Lillian dabbed at the corner of her eye with a tissue. “I have a grandson and a granddaughter. James and Klarissa Landers.”
“Congratulations.”
“See it all worked out just fine,” Lucinda said.
Alex stood and came over to her. “Kyle’s going to come out with his digital camera and show everyone pictures of them shortly. I assume you’ll want to stay for that?”
“Yes. I’d love to see them if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all.” He grinned and shook his head. “It’s been so long since I’ve felt a part of a family like this. I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Sue felt a tightening in her chest while moisture formed at her eyes and she impulsively hugged him. “Oh, Alex. I’m sorry you were so alone when you were in Alaska. I couldn’t imagine being that far away from my family all because of a job. I’m glad you’re here now.”
“Thank you. I’m glad we got to share this together.” He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back, running his strong hands up and down her back. She closed her eyes, breathing in his cologne and relaxed against him for a moment before she realized what she was doing. Coming back to her senses, she stepped back and broke their hug, feeling a little unsettled. Why did she have to feel so strongly about him when they hardly knew each other?
Thankfully Kyle appeared as promised and they all passed the camera around getting a peek at the twins as they were bathed, checked over by the doctor, and swaddled for the first time. There was even a picture of Jama holding both of them.
“Congratulations,” Alex told Kyle as he shook his hand.
Kyle looked surprised. “Thank you, Alex. I didn’t realize you were here. What —”
“Darren texted and I thought it was about my sister until we got here.”
“Yeah I got that text too, which I thought was odd that he was telling me my wife was in labor.” Kyle shook his head. “Well, whatever brought you here it’s good to see you without my favorite patient in tow. I assume he is doing well?”
“Duke is fine healthwise. Thanks for asking.”
“Good.” Kyle glanced at Sue. “It’s nice to see you again. I’m sure Jama will be pleased to know you were here awaiting the birth.”
“Please tell her the babies are gorgeous. I know you both couldn’t be happier.”
“We are. Thank you both for coming. I need to get back to her.” Kyle hurried back to the room.
“I guess we should go now,” Sue said.
“Yeah.” Alex looked at his watch. “We shouldn’t have trouble getting into a restaurant now. If you still want to go eat?”
“How about we go back to my apartment. I have some fresh chicken I can grill and make a salad. The vegetables are already cut up so it won’t take long to do it on my counter top grill. I’ll even let you raid my DVD collection and find something to watch if you are up for a movie?”
He grinned. “That sounds perfect.”
“Okay.”
They said their goodbyes and started to leave when Darren’s mom stopped them. “Thank you for coming,” Lillian stood and hugged Alex. “You should come with Keely and Darren to my house next Sunday for a home cooked meal. Bring Sue with you. There’s always room for one more at my table.”
“Thank you for the invitation. We’d like that.”
“Yes. Thank you,
Mrs. Wright,” Sue added.
“You’re welcome, dear. It was good to see you again.”
By the time they left the sun had set and the moon was high in the sky. A cool breeze blew reminding them it was fall of the year. Sue was glad she had worn a sweater as they hurried to her car for another evening at home with Alex.
Chapter Eight
Monday morning came too early in Sue’s opinion. She’d spent most of Sunday working on Kimberly’s to do list and trying to make a decision about Alex. As a result, she’d been restless when she went to bed and tossed and turned most of the night. When she woke, her mind immediately replayed how they’d spent the remainder of their date after they returned from the hospital. She’d fixed the grilled chicken and salad while Alex had searched through her DVD collection. But instead of eating dinner and watching a movie, they’d spent it in conversation and then he’d coaxed her into dancing with him because he’d uncovered her CD collection. The dancing had been nice, but then he’d kissed her and they’d ended up on the couch kissing until she’d been breathless. When he finally left, she had to take a cold shower. She had to stop seeing him.
She was on her second cup of coffee when Keely arrived at work with a package of baby pictures. They went into Keely’s office and spread the photos out on the table ooing and aaaing over Jama’s sweet babies.
“They are absolutely adorable,” Sue remarked and took a sip of her coffee.
“Yes they are. And being pregnant this only makes me want my own little one here that much sooner.” Keely rubbed her tummy in a circular motion with both hands and looked down at it. “I was holding Klarissa yesterday and peanut here started kicking. I think someone was a little jealous.”
Sue smiled. “It won’t be much longer. How have your ankles been since Saturday?”
“No more swelling. Thank goodness, but I’m going to watch my sodium intake this week and see if that should help as well as making sure I eat more protein.”
Sue stacked the pictures and put them back in the package. “Is there anything you need from me this morning?”
“Not right away. Darren and I are going to check with Pamela about what accounts we can cover since Jama had planned to go over that with us today. The babies just had a time clock of their own.” She smiled and walked to her desk. “I talked to Alex last night. He sounds so happy.”
