“They didn’t leave me a key. I didn’t even think to ask when he sent me to fetch ye.”
“Maybe waiting at the hospital would be better.”
“Hospital it is.”
They moved toward the sides of the car. He paused and watched as she tried to open the driver’s side, then she stopped and looked over the hood of the car blinking in surprise. She looked adorable.
“I’ll not be letting ye drive just yet,” Duncan said with a smile. She blushed and moved around to the other side, where he stood waiting with the door open for her.
“Sorry, forgot what side the wheel was on.” She climbed into the seat and he closed the door before he moved over to the driver’s side. He’d never been to the States either, and wondered how odd it would be to drive on the wrong side of the car. Might take some getting used to, but it would probably be pretty much the same.
As he pulled out of the parking lot at the airport, he glanced at her. “Have ye eaten anything?”
“Not really. Grabbed a cookie from a vending machine at the airport between flights.”
“Mind if we stop and grab a bite to eat?” Duncan asked. “I know of a nice little shop where we can get something to start your holiday in Scotland right.”
“That sounds wonderful, actually.”
“Perfect,” Duncan said and worked his way through the streets of Edinburgh to the cafe he had in mind. He didn’t know why, but he wanted to impress this girl with the things Scotland had to offer. He didn’t know how long he would see her for. If today was the only time they spent together, he wanted it to be memorable.
Within minutes, they were sitting down at a small corner table looking over the menu.
“What do you suggest I try for my first official taste of true Scotland?”
“It’s a good thing it’s still morning, or I might have suggested haggis.”
“Whatever,” Ami said, smiling. “Jess says it’s not that bad if you get the right people making it.”
“Oh, really,” Duncan chuckled. “She could barely keep it down the first time she tried it.”
Ami giggled. The sound made Duncan smile wider. “That sounds more like Jess than what she’s been telling me. Most of the time growing up, she was so picky about everything. She couldn’t stand having anything on her plate touch, and the thought of putting ketchup or mayonnaise on a sandwich made her gag. So dry sandwiches were how she did everything. So boring.”
“We’ll have to see what you think of haggis one of these days, then. And please let me be there when ye try it. I’ve got to see.”
“I’m good with that. You aren’t half bad to hang out with.”
“Why, thank ye,” Duncan said. Ami looked over the menu again and he scanned it, trying to decide what to suggest. “Ye like eggs?”
“Sure,” Ami said.
“Then try the eggs Benedict. And ye should get a scone with some clotted cream.”
She brought the menu up a little and squinted at the page. “Sounds good.”
They ordered and she rested her chin on her hand with the elbow on the table.
“So tell me about yerself,” Duncan asked.
“What would you like to know?” Ami asked, sitting up and placing her hands together on her lap.
“What do ye do for a living?”
“I’m a school teacher. First grade.”
“Oh, with the wee ones. Ye must have mountains of patience.”
“For the most part it’s okay. You just have to set up your rules from the beginning and stay consistent. Then after that, they’re mostly angels.”
“Sounds a lot different than when I was in primary school.”
“Things change all the time, but if you’re good to the kids, they’re good right back.”
“Golden rule, huh.”
“Yeah, I guess it is,” Ami said.
Just then, the server placed their orders in front of them and Duncan winked at the girl. “Thanks, love.” The server patted his shoulder and headed back toward the kitchens.
Ami looked at the girl and then down at her food, but didn’t look at Duncan for a minute. After tasting her food she glanced at him.
“What do ye think?”
“It’s good. Thanks.”
They chatted for a few minutes, but he was sure her mood had changed. Either she really didn’t like the food and didn’t want to say anything about it since he had raved about the place, or she was just extra tired.
When he paid the bill, he shook his head when she offered to pay for her food. “It’s on me, love. Besides, I told Chris I’d take care of ye. Can’t take you to meet yer new niece or nephew on an empty stomach.”
“Thanks, Duncan,” Ami said. “I appreciate it.”
“Shall we head out then, see how things are with Jessie and the wee one?”
“I hope she’s doing okay. I wish I could be there with her, but she’s pretty private. Wouldn’t like anyone but Chris and the hospital staff there. Of course, I don’t blame her. Who in their right mind would want a bunch of onlookers at a time like that, right?”
He shuddered at the thought. For him personally, he wouldn’t even really want to be there if it were his own child. Not something he would want to see for himself.
“Sorry, guess I’m babbling. I’m just nervous for her.”
“I’m sure she’ll be fine.”
“Hope so.” They left the table and headed back to the car. He watched with a smile when she started for the right side of the car again before moving over to the passenger side. She smiled sheepishly at him on her way to the door. He opened it for her since it was still locked when she tried. He took her elbow to help her in, unable to resist the chance to touch her.
The drive to the hospital was over in just a few minutes and as they got out of the car, his phone buzzed. He checked the text just as her phone went off.
“It’s Chris,” Ami said.
“Just got a text from him,” he replied as she answered the phone.
“Hi Chris, do you have a baby yet?” She paused a second. “Am I an aunt or an uncle?” she asked. Duncan looked over at her like she was crazy. She grinned when she met his eye. “I’m an uncle,” she said, winking at him.
“A boy?” Duncan asked, trying to clarify things. He was sure aunt and uncle meant the same thing in America as it did here, but with the way she was talking he doubted for a moment.
“Yeah, we just got here,” Ami said into the phone. “What room? Okay, we’ll just come up to that floor and ask the receptionist. Thanks. Give Jess a hug, and the little man too. I’m so excited for you. Okay. See you soon.”
Ami tucked her phone away. “Wow, that was quick. And perfect timing on your part, Duncan. They’re on the third floor. Let’s go.”
Duncan felt a little silly going with her. He knew Chris pretty well. The two of them had spent plenty of time together. He really didn’t think he was on close enough terms with Jessie to go barging into the room right after she’d given birth, but he felt pulled by the vibrancy of the girl he was with. He told himself he wanted to make sure she got there fine. Besides, Chris would probably still need his help getting Ami to his place while he stayed at the hospital with Jessie and the new bairn.
“Right behind ye, love.”
Ami glanced at him, and he wondered if he shouldn’t have called her that. It was just habit. He called most women that, even the server who’d helped them at the cafe.
Ami worked her way through the building like she knew what she was doing and he followed along as if he were the stranger here. She made her way to the third floor and found a nurse at a desk.
“I’m here to see my sister who just had a baby. Jessie Wilks. Chris said he didn’t know what room you’d be moving them to.”
“Let me check that for ye, miss,” the woman said. “Looks like they’ll be in the delivery room for a little bit, so ye can just go there.” She pointed down the hall and told them which room. Ami was on her way before she even got th
e words ‘thank you’ out of her mouth.
He followed along a little slower, still not sure if he wanted to go in right away. Ami didn’t notice. He watched as she disappeared into a room about half way down the hall. Through the other rooms’ partially opened doors, he could hear a few sounds he hadn’t expected to hear, but it made sense given that he was in the labor and delivery area.
Feeling completely out of his comfort zone, he worked his way to the door she’d gone into and waited on the outside.
CHAPTER THREE
Ami smiled wide when she caught sight of Jessie leaning back against the white pillows on the bed with her eyes closed. A bundled baby was wrapped up in her arms and held close to her chest.
“Ami, I’m so glad you made it safely,” Chris said. Ami turned to meet Chris and gave him a fast hug. “Where’s Duncan?” he asked.
She turned around, surprised that Duncan wasn’t right behind her. “I don’t know.” She caught sight of him standing outside the door and pointed to him. Chris let go of her and went to meet his friend while she moved closer to her sister.
“How are you feeling?” Ami asked.
“Good,” Jess replied. “Want to see?” She pulled the corner of the blanket back. “He just fell asleep while trying to eat. Poor little guy must be exhausted.”
“Looks like his mommy is exhausted too.”
“A little bit. But, oh, he’s so worth it.”
“Can I hold him?” Ami asked. She sat on the edge of the bed.
“Of course.” Jessie passed the baby into her arms and Ami felt like melting in the joy of holding something so new and perfect.
“Oh, he’s a little angel, isn’t he?”
Jessie just smiled wide and leaned back against the pillow again. In moments, her eyes were closed and Ami happily snuggled the little man in her arms. She slid off the edge of the bed and worked her way over to a little chair in the corner. When Chris came in and saw them, she whispered. “I’ll be happy to keep him while you go find something to eat. I can’t imagine you’ve had time for breakfast yet.”
“But what about Jess?” Chris asked.
“I think she’ll be happy to nap while you go take care of you. Besides, I’m sure they’ll bring her in some food soon. I have it on good authority this guy here knows some good places to eat.” She met Duncan’s eyes and smiled.
“I know he does. He’s shown me a lot of those places already. I think I’ll just run to the cafeteria here. Don’t want to be gone too long from Jess. You sure you’re good with the baby?”
“Perfect. I’m gonna give him all the love and attention he can handle right now. Besides, if I’ll be spending a few months with him, I’d better get to know him a little, don’t you think?”
“Thanks, Ami, you’re the best.” Chris glanced once more at his wife. “If she wakes up, tell her I’ll be right back.”
Ami nodded and shooed him out. Duncan left with him. She leaned back, sighing in pleasure at the surprising comfort of the chair and the sweet little bundle in her arms. She positioned herself so the baby was tucked safely allowing herself to lean her head against the back so if she ended up falling asleep she would run no risk of dropping him.
She dozed for about thirty minutes until a nurse came to check on the new mother, waking Jess in the process. When the nurse left, Ami grinned at Jess. “You’re a mom. I can’t believe it.”
“I know. Crazy, huh.”
“Have you picked out a name yet?” Ami asked.
“We have two we’re still debating between. Now that I see him, I’m thinking Ethan fits him better than Ian.”
Ami looked down in her nephews face and studied him a moment. “Yeah, I think you might be right. And he’s so adorable. I can see a lot of Chris in him.”
“Lucky baby to have his father’s looks, huh.”
“I think I can see a little of mom’s side of the family, too, like that bridge of the nose.” Ami studied the baby a moment longer. “Oh, Jess, I’m so happy for you. I can’t believe you couldn’t wait just a few more hours to go into labor, though. I really wanted to see you all big and pregnant.”
“I still look pregnant,” Jess said, patting her belly.
“Not the same.”
Jess chuckled. “I am sorry we left you stranded at the airport. I hope you weren’t too panicked. Did Duncan find you all right?”
“Yeah, he found me asleep on one of the chairs. I think I was a little weird at first, when I woke up and tried to figure out what he was talking about. Not to mention I couldn’t understand his accent at first.”
“Yeah, it takes a bit to get used to, but before long, you’ll end up picking up some of the phrases and they’ll laugh at you for your silly attempt at sounding like ‘em.”
“I doubt I’ll be here long enough to pick up an accent, but who knows? Two months might be long enough to pick up a few ayes and ochs and such.”
“I’m glad you’re here, Ami.” Jess smiled tiredly at her. “Chris can have a week or so off, but since mom couldn’t come and help me figure out this whole new mother thing, I’m glad my sister could be here for me.”
“Mom will still be happy to give you all the tips and tricks you need. Just over the phone.” Ethan started to fuss a little, his tiny body pushing vigorously against the blanket. Ami stared at the baby. “What does he want?”
Jess shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe he’s hungry again.”
Ami brought Ethan over to his mother and passed him into her open arms. She adjusted the top of her hospital gown, shifted the baby into the right position, and tried to get him to latch on. “It’s not as easy as I thought.”
“Yeah, I’ll bet.” Ami moved back over to the couch to give her a little more privacy and waited until the baby seemed to be situated. When Jess looked up, she looked even more tired than before her little nap.
“I don’t know how long I’ll be here. You’re welcome to stay here with us for a while, or Chris can run you home to the house and you can get yourself set up there. I’ve got a room ready for you. It’s the one without the crib in it.”
“Thanks.” Ami covered a yawn. “I think I would like to head to your house. Besides, you need to get as much rest as you can here. When Chris gets back from having some food, I’ll see if Duncan will take me to your place.”
She didn’t want to admit that she was looking forward to spending a little more time with Duncan. She hoped there would be more opportunities as well. He seemed friendly enough and cute as all get out.
“Yeah, Duncan would be happy to take you to our place. He’s really accommodating when there’s a beautiful lass involved.”
“Psh, you said lass.” Ami snorted at Jessie’s use of the word. “Is he a flirt?” she asked, wanting to know a little more about the guy that intrigued her so much.
“Not sure,” Jess said. “He was pretty serious with a girl not long ago, but they broke up. I don’t know the reason. He and Chris are pretty good friends, but I don’t hang out with them much. It’s kinda weird when you’re from somewhere else, and the pregnant wife of a co-worker.”
Ami nodded. She’d just have to find out on her own. And if the ride home today was the last time she saw him, it would be all right. Not like she believed in love at first sight or anything. He was just interesting and cute. She didn’t need any kind of romance while she was on vacation. In fact, that should be the last thing on her mind. She would be returning to Arizona before August to get ready for school. Anything here would be a short little fling, and she had never been the type to get involved in something like that.
No, Ami would keep herself focused on loving this new little baby and seeing all the sights she could possibly squeeze in between the times she was helping Jessie. She had a few things she really wanted to see. Old castles, the Loch Ness, and the Highlands were some of them. She didn’t know if she’d dare drive herself, but she was sure she could get Jessie or Chris to take her places, or even hire a cab.
W
ithin minutes, Chris and Duncan returned. Chris moved over to his wife, kissing her on the forehead and then asking for the baby. Ami watched the sweet emotions cross his face as he took his son in his arms with a smile. Someday, she’d have that. She didn’t know when, but someday she would.
***
After visiting with Jessie for a few minutes, Duncan turned to Ami. “You good here? Or would ye like me to drive ye to their place?”
“You’ve still got my bags in your trunk, so if you don’t mind taking me, I’d really appreciate it.”
“You sure, Duncan?” Chris asked. “I can take her home.”
Ami shook her head. “No, Chris, you should stay with Jess. You guys brought some overnight bags, right?”
Jess nodded and Chris pointed to the corner of the room.
“So you stay here. Duncan can take me to your place.”
“Thanks, Duncan,” Chris said. Jessie nodded as well. Chris pulled out his key ring while cradling the baby with one arm. He unhooked one and tossed the key to Ami, who caught it easily.
“Not to worry. I’m happy to help.”
Ami moved over to her sister, gave her a hug from the side and then moved over to Chris and hugged him as well before kissing the baby on the forehead. The way she stared at the little baby and the smile on her face as she walked away from the infant pulled on Duncan’s heart strings a little. Very odd, that. He had never really been around newborns before, but seeing it in real life made him wonder if he’d ever be a father.
Not something he had really thought much about, even while dating Mairi. Whenever it did happen, he wanted to make sure he had the same love for his wife as he could see Chris felt for Jessie.
“You ready?” Ami asked, bringing Duncan out of his thoughts.
“Absolutely,” Duncan said. “I’ll see ye in a few weeks, I guess, Chris.”
Chris nodded. “Thanks again for helping us with Ami. You’re a life saver.”
“Glad I could help,” Duncan said. “Besides, gives me a little something to do with myself on a Saturday.”
As they walked down the hallway, Ami glanced at him. “Did you have any real plans for the day?”
Never Trust the Rain (Destined for Love: Europe) Page 2
