Marriage Material

by Riley, Alexa

  I have no one to turn to, no one to ask for advice. This is what happens when you isolate yourself from the world and focus only on your career. That’s why I’ve decided to finally sell the company and move away from the city. The first time I carried Charlotte to the grocery store, we passed a drug dealer. I kept thinking about how innocent she is and how she can’t be raised around that. I never paid any attention to it before, but now that I have a baby, I’m hyper-aware of my surroundings. I have a baby. Will that thought ever become real?

  My phone rings and it’s my realtor. I told her that I wanted an old farmhouse in the country with a lot of land. A nice quiet place with a big yard and a nice community. It’s amazing what having deep pockets can get you and how fast it can all happen. She tells me the contract is final and the movers will be here in the morning. When I hang up I go over to the makeshift crib I put together for Charlotte and watch her sleep.

  “I might not be good at a lot of this baby stuff, but I’m doing my best,” I tell her as I pat her back.

  She makes a cooing sound of contentment and I wonder how I have become so completely head over heels so quickly. I knew the moment I saw her that I was done for. I haven’t even stepped foot in my office since. It’s like I’ve been waiting my whole life for her to find me. And now that she has, we’re going on an adventure.

  Chapter 3

  Robin

  “Ma, like this?” I ask, pinching the side of the pie crust.

  “That’s perfect, honey,” she tells me as she goes back to chopping vegetables.

  There’s been an impromptu family dinner set for tonight. Normally they are every Sunday, but Kent called saying he had news he wanted to share. Of course Ma said we’d do it over dinner because everything is done around food. How she’s so skinny is beyond me. It’s a good thing she had so many boys, so someone is putting away all the food she makes.

  I smile over at her as she hums and chops. She’s happiest when she’s cooking. She’s the reason why I want kids so badly. She’s always doting on us and running around taking care of everyone. Even my dad is the same way. My brothers drive me crazy, but watching us as a whole is something else and it’s what I want for myself.

  “Can you get that?” Ma asks when there’s a knock at the front door. I know it’s not anyone we know because they would have just come right in.

  “Sure,” I say and go open the door. I freeze when I see Franky standing there smiling.

  “Hey, Robin. I was hoping it would be you that answered.”

  I step outside and close the door behind me in case my dad comes downstairs. I don’t need him seeing Franky. He can be as bad as my brothers when it comes to dating.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask in a whisper. He looks at me like I'm crazy and holds up a box.

  “Oh.” I realize he’s just delivering a package. Duh. “Thanks,” I say, and as I go to take it from him the box slips out of my fingers and hits the ground. I hear something break inside and he groans.

  “That was fragile.”

  I look down at the box and see the large red sticker on it that proclaims handle with care. Great. I lean down to pick it up at the same time Franky does and we hit heads. I yelp in pain when the top of my head hits his chin, making him stumble back.

  “Crap. I’m so sorry!” I squeak as he grabs his chin.

  “It’s fine,” he says, but his face doesn't look fine. His brown eyes spark with irritation as he clenches his jaw. He takes a deep breath then runs a hand through his dirty-blond hair.

  “I’m really sorry,” I say again, feeling bad.

  “It’s cool. Are we still on for tonight?”

  I nod, hoping this smooths things over. I planned to call and see about moving it because of the family dinner, but after whacking him with my head I think I should go. I’ll duck out early and maybe no one will notice.

  “Can I meet you there?”

  “I guess, sure.” He doesn't look like he’s into the idea, but if he knew about my brothers then he’d be more than okay with it. It’s better this way for everyone.

  “Just text me where to meet you and I’ll be there.” I open the door. I want to get back inside so he can leave before someone sees us out here talking. I don’t care if he has a legitimate reason to be here, I just don’t want to get hassled. “Bye,” I say as I shut the door, and I hear him say “bye” from the other side.

  I let out a breath and thank God that’s over. I take the box into the kitchen and set it down on the counter.

  “Delivery?” Ma asks, looking over her shoulder.

  ‘Yeah.” I point to the box before washing my hands.

  She looks at it and then at the front door. “Was it him?” she whispers, and I nod.

  “We have a date tonight,” I tell her.

  “Okay. I’ll make a reason you have to leave or something. I’ve got you,” she reassures me and winks. I don’t think it will be so easy, but who knows. “But before that can I get you to run out to the store for me?” She hands me a small list of things she needs.

  “Yes, ma’am,” I say and grab my purse.

  The drive to the small town general store is only a few short minutes. If you want a big grocery store, you have to make the thirty-minute drive towards one of the larger cities surrounding us, but we make do with what we’ve got here. When I get there I park my car and get out, but I pause when I see a dark-haired man I don’t recognize. He’s carrying a small baby in a car seat.

  I follow in after him and grab a basket. I keep a little distance, but not too far as I try to get a better look. I can only see his back, but out of the corner of my eye I watch as he leans down and kisses the baby’s chubby cheeks. He’s so massive from behind, so it’s ridiculous to see him be so sweet. This giant man has this little tiny baby bundled up in a pink blanket and I don’t know if my ovaries can handle all that sweetness. Whoever his wife is is one lucky lady. He’s not only precious with his baby girl, but this guy has sex written all over him. He’s got dark hair and from what I can see, some nice dark stubble. His shoulders are broad and his T-shirt clings to his muscled back and trim waist. When my eyes get to his ass I can’t help but stare at how snug his jeans are and how they mold to his thick thighs. Damn, this guy looks like a linebacker.

  He turns, and I want to crawl in a hole and die because I was clearly checking him out. But when our eyes meet he stills for a moment and stares right back at me. He’s even hotter from the front, and I can feel myself wanting to drool. He’s got full lips, and the V on his shirt shows off some of his chest. There’s a little bit of hair there, and for half a second I wonder what it would be like to cuddle against it.

  I shake myself out of my fantasy and decide to pretend like nothing happened. I turn around and go the other way, praying I don’t see him again. I go to another aisle to escape for a moment and wonder who the hell this new mystery man is. Then I remember the Jenkins’ house sold a couple of weeks ago, so maybe that’s the family that moved in there. It makes sense because that’s a beautiful home made for a really big family. Maybe he has more kids at home, or perhaps he and his wife are planning for more.

  Jealousy hits me hard at the thought. I’m not sure if it’s him I’m jealous of or the life I imagine he has. It’s probably both, and I hate myself for it, so I shake my head to clear out my negative thoughts.

  I go back to getting the things on my list, but every time I turn down an aisle disappointment hits me when I don’t see him. I’m almost finished with my shopping when I turn down the last one and see him standing in front of the baby section. He’s studying a shelf of ointments and creams and looks confused.

  The baby starts crying and he puts the creams back to pick her up from the car seat and hold her. He tries to pat her back to get her to calm down, but it’s not working.

  “I know, I know, I’m going to get something.”

  He pats her while he tries to find what he’s looking for, and I can tell he’s getting worked up. I walk ov
er to them, and he turns to look down at me when I get close. God, he’s even taller than I thought.

  “Let me hold her,” I say, putting my hands out.

  He studies me for a moment before placing her in my arms. I pull her close to my body and sway back and forth, and instantly she stops crying. I smile down at the little girl and her big green eyes stare back at me. Her little chubby hand reaches up and grabs a lock of my hair and I coo at her.

  “How did you do that?” he asks, and I look up at him. That’s when I notice his green eyes match his daughter’s.

  “Babies like the swaying motion. Do you have a swing at home? They can be a life saver.”

  “I’ll have to get one.” He smiles at me.

  Jesus, he’s hot. The little bit of facial hair on him is so freaking sexy. He’s got that sexy muscle between his neck and his shoulder that does dirty things to the lower half of my body. Even his Adam’s apple is sexy, but his size is what’s got my attention most of all.

  “I’d order it online. It’s probably easier than taking this little one into the city,” I rush to say because I realize I’m just staring at him.

  “Do you have a suggestion on any of these?” he asks, pointing to the shelf. “She has a little rash.”

  I glance over and grab one. “Personally I prefer this one. It’s a little more expensive, but it works like a charm in a day or two,” I say and hand it to him.

  “You have kids?” he asks but doesn’t look up as he takes the box from me. Why do I get the feeling he’s being shy?

  “No, I wish.” I bite the inside of my cheek. That’s just what a guy wants to hear—a girl desperate for a baby. I might not have any experience with men, but I’m pretty sure that’s how it works.

  “I’m Robin,” I say as I look down at the baby. “Who is this little sugar cube?”

  “That’s Charlotte, and I’m Anderson.” He smiles, and I catch the edge of a dimple. Dear god, this man was made to melt panties. “How do you know all this stuff if you don’t have kids?”

  “I’m a nanny,” I tell him as I put his sleeping daughter back in her car seat.

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, well, right now I’m between jobs, so I’m doing random babysitting and—”

  “You’re hired,” he blurts out, cutting me off. He catches me completely off-guard and I stand there wide eyed for a moment.

  “Hired, like, as in your nanny?” I ask, wondering if I heard him right.

  “Yes, I’m in desperate need of some help. I have no idea what I’m doing and I question every decision I make.” I want to melt at how his eyebrows pull together in concern over how he’s taking care of his daughter.

  “Do you live around here?” I ask, knowing I can’t move too far from town but really need a job.

  “Yes, I just bought a house down the road.”

  “So you’re in the Jenkins’ house,” I guess, and he nods. “Maybe you should talk to your wife before you just hire me,” I suggest, hoping I’m not talking myself out of a job.

  “There’s no wife. It’s just me and Charlotte, and as you can see, I need the help.” He looks down at his little girl. “She’d agree with you, but you’ve worked some kind of baby magic.”

  That makes me laugh, and for some reason I’m completely at ease with this total stranger. “Okay,” I agree before I can even think about asking any more questions.

  “Okay, really?” His head snaps up to look at me as if he doesn't believe me.

  “Yeah, really. She’s adorable, but you do look like you could use some help, and maybe a little sleep,” I tease him with a smile.

  “I’m not sure how nannies work, but you move in, right? I have lots of space, so you can have your pick of the bedrooms,” he offers.

  “You want me as a live-in nanny?” I’ve never done that before, but this might be how I get out of my parents’ house and my brothers won’t be able to stop me.

  “I know that might be extra, but I’ll pay it, just name your price.”

  “You’re in luck, because I’m available.” I want to hug him, but I don’t want him to know just how desperate I am for a job and a place to live.

  I watch as his body relaxes. “Thank god. When can you start?”

  “How soon do you need me?”

  “Yesterday.” He lets out a small laugh, and it’s so sexy. A man should not have this much power over my lady business.

  “How about tomorrow? I have some stuff going on tonight.” I love how he needs me a little too much.

  “Do you have a date?” he asks, and it’s then I realize that I’ll be living in a house with this man. Just the two of us, three if we count the baby. My brothers will lose their minds, but maybe I can be all moved in before they even know about it.

  “I have a family dinner tonight. My brother has some news he wants to share.” I dodge his question for some reason because I don’t want to tell him about the date and I don’t want to lie. I do have a family dinner, I just also have a date afterwards.

  “That will work.” He reaches into his back pocket, pulls out a card and hands it to me. “My cell is on there. Just ignore the other business stuff on that, I don’t work there anymore.”

  After I take the card he reaches up and brushes his thumb across my cheek. My breath catches at the touch and I lean into it.

  He takes his hand away and he looks down at his feet. “You had something there,” he tells me, and I see the trace of flour on his thumb.

  “Oh, yeah, thanks,” I say nervously. “I’ll be by tomorrow,” I rush to say. I’ve got to get out of here before I make a complete idiot of myself. He’s making me feel hot on every inch of my body.

  “You don’t know where I live,” he tells me as I turn around to go check out.

  “You said you bought the Jenkins’ place. I know where it is,” I say over my shoulder.

  I stop at the end of the aisle to get myself together. What the hell was that?

  My phone vibrates, breaking me from my fog. I look at it and see a text from my mother asking where I am. Crap. I rush to check out and hurry to the parking lot. This is all so crazy. I can’t believe he hired me right on the spot and asked me to move in. Maybe he’ll change his mind once he realizes that he invited a total stranger to help care for his baby. But he seemed desperate and maybe it was just luck that I was in the right place at the right time.

  When I pull up at home I see everyone is already there. I hop out of my car and push open the front door. My youngest brother walks over and takes the bags from me.

  “Did you get me some Reese's Cups?” he asks.

  “You know I did,” I tell him, following him into the kitchen.

  “What happened to my imported beer?” I hear the sound of broken glass clinking as Kent pokes around a box I recognize as the one I dropped earlier. I have to fight a laugh because I don’t feel the least bit guilty about breaking his package. Sucker had it coming.

  His wife Julie comes up behind him. “It’s fine. You can order more.” He turns around and kisses her, and it’s a little more heated than normal.

  “Get a room,” my dad mumbles as he walks into the kitchen. Everyone is here and my mother looks ready to burst.

  “So,” Ma says, clapping her hands together. “What do you want to tell us?”

  Kent and Julie both smile. He wraps his arm around her, pulling her snug to him. “Julie’s pregnant,” he says proudly.

  “I knew it!” Ma screams, rushing over to them. We all cheer and give them hugs.

  My eyes water a little because I’m so happy for them. The longing I’ve been having lately hits me all over again. An image of Anderson floats into my mind, and I try to push that thought away. It doesn’t work, though, because all through dinner as everyone talks about the first grandchild coming into the family, my mind is on him. It’s like he has some spell over me that I can’t break. Maybe I should call him and ask him about tomorrow? I’m clearly just making up excuses to talk to him, but is that a ba
d thing?

  “Robin, are you going to take this food I made over to Betty?” My ma asks, jerking me from my thoughts. She holds up a few Tupperware containers with a look on her face like she’s asked me to do this already. I have no idea what she’s talking about, but I stand up and nod.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Good, she hasn't been feeling well and I want to make sure she’s eating.” I follow my mother back into the kitchen. She grabs a bag to put the Tupperware in, then hands it to me. When I hold the bag out in front of me, it feels like there’s nothing inside.

  “They’re empty,” I tell her in confusion.

  “Well, duh. I told you I’d sneak you out of here,” she reminds me.

  I completely forgot about my date with Franky. Suddenly I really don’t want to go, but Ma looks super smug that she pulled one over on the men.

  “Yeah, of course.” I take the bag from her and she hands me my purse.

  “Slip out the back so you don’t get twenty questions.”

  I do as she says, and when I leave the house I check my phone to see a text from Franky. He sent me the address of the restaurant, so I make a left and drive straight there. When I pull into the restaurant parking lot I have a pep talk with myself before I go in. I don’t know why, but suddenly this feels like a chore. After a second of hesitation I make myself get out of the car and I spot Franky waiting for me near the entrance.

  “Hey,” I call out, giving a small wave as I make my way to him.

  “Hey yourself.” He leans down like he’s going to kiss me, and I turn my head at the last second. His mouth brushes my cheek and it’s super awkward.

  “I’ve never eaten here,” I rush to say, trying to pretend that wasn’t really uncomfortable.

  What is wrong with me? I’ve been excited to go on a date and to see what it’s like, but now that I’m here, all I want to do is to go home and start packing.

  “It’s good.” He guides me inside and gets us a table.

  The whole meal feels wrong and I have to stop myself from fidgeting. When the check comes, relief hits me because it’s over. Thank god. Franky’s nice enough, but something about him is off. He also enjoyed talking about insects a little too much. He has some weird fascination with them and is thinking about going back to school to study them. I don’t hate many things, but bugs are a no-go for me. It also didn't help that he made a rude comment about the kids at the table next to us being loud. I thought they were adorable with their chubby cheeks covered in mashed potatoes, but he seemed to think it was annoying.