HAVE BABY, NEED BEAU

by Rita Herron

  Mimi fought the image all the way home. After packing supplies for the session, she decided to practice her belly-dance routine before the support group started, so she slipped on her harem costume, stood in front of the mirror and turned on her CD player.

  Egyptian music drifted through the air, seeping into her body and transforming her into an erotic princess as she wiggled her hips and jangled her tambourine. When the music finally ended, she studied her reflection, wondering what Seth would think of her slinky outfit. She looked like a genie from a bottle, not a wife or mother. Still, she closed her eyes and momentarily envisioned dancing with him. Watching his gaze fasten on her body as she swayed seductively, hearing his breath catch, feeling his body grow hot.

  Suddenly warm herself, she opened her eyes and stared into the mirror. The sexy image faded and she imagined the way she would look in a few months. The harem costume was no longer appealing because her huge belly spilled over the elastic waistband.

  The visions changed and blurred, replaced by a mental picture of her wearing the wedding dress she'd admired in the magazine at Alison's shop. She glanced at the hope chest and had a sudden impulse to pretend Seth really loved her, that he really wanted her for his bride. Grateful she was alone, she pulled out the bouquet of flowers Grammy Rose had given her and held them in front of her. Humming the wedding march under her breath, she pretended she and Seth were getting married in the gazebo on her grandmother's mountain just as Hannah and Jake had.

  Seth looked at her with love in his eyes, and she felt beautiful, coveted, treasured as his wife. Then they would escape for their wedding night. Seth would have a surprise waiting for her, a slinky black see-though negligee that would bring him to his knees with want. Yes, in her dreams, Seth would choose something sexy, something to prove that he saw her as a woman, not just as his baby's mother.

  * * *

  The dessert spread was fabulous—Mimi had included cookies decorated like animals and cupcakes with sprinkles for the children. But tension radiated between Seth and Mimi. Even the session seemed strained tonight, although Seth couldn't put his finger on the problem.

  Maybe the parents and children sensed his parents' presence, their glowering, critical eyes. It was an understatement to say his folks weren't comfortable with the kids who'd attended. In fact, they'd never spent much time with children at all. Including him.

  The realization stirred memories of a lonely childhood, of long days without playmates or laughter in his house. He tried to dismiss the unsettling feeling and seated the kids in a circle with their parents.

  "Georgie, would you like to tell us how you feel about your parents' divorce?"

  Georgie squirmed and spilled fruit punch down his leg. His mother yelped and swiped at the sticky mess with a stack of napkins.

  "Anita, why don't you share while Georgie gets cleaned up?" Seth suggested.

  The towheaded little girl ducked her head and poked her thumb in her mouth, sucking vigorously.

  Parents shifted uncomfortably and whispered to their kids. Two little boys actually tried to hop up and leave. Everyone seemed reluctant to talk tonight.

  Seth's own parents spoke to each other in hushed murmurs. They'd never understood why he'd gone into psychiatry instead of surgery or another specialty because they didn't relate to people. Except where their checkbooks were concerned. They'd probably already written off his program as unworthy of funding.

  Mimi motioned him to the corner. "Mind if I make a suggestion?"

  He certainly had nothing to lose by listening so he said to the group, "Let's take a break, folks. Help yourself to some refreshments, then we'll come back and maybe someone will feel like talking."

  The children and parents rushed to get food and drinks, looking relieved. His folks frowned in disapproval.

  He jammed his hands in his pockets so he wouldn't touch Mimi. "I don't understand. Last week the parents really opened up."

  "You're talking about kids here, Seth. Grown-ups have trouble sharing their private problems with people in a group, but kids are even more uncomfortable."

  He bristled. "And where did you get your child-psychology degree?"

  "I don't have one," she said defensively. "But I … I was in a session similar to this once."

  "You were?"

  "Yes, the counselor at our school organized a divorce group—imagine calling it that and all the other kids knowing. Once a week the principal came on over the intercom and announced for the divorce group to meet in the counselor's office. Everyone would stare at the kids who left the classroom as if they had a big neon sign on their foreheads." She fiddled with a stack of napkins, straightening them.

  "Your dad made you go after your mom left?"

  She nodded.

  He instinctively squeezed her arm, grateful when she didn't pull away. "I'm sorry, Mimi. I didn't realize."

  "It was a long time ago."

  But not so long ago that the pain didn't still affect her, Seth realized.

  "Anyway, it's weird telling strangers how you feel. Kids want to look cool. They think no one else has it the way they do."

  Her analysis made sense. "So what do you suggest?"

  "How about some fun stories first to break the ice?"

  A bead of perspiration trickled down his chin. "I don't know how to tell stories to kids."

  "Just let me handle it."

  "But what if the kids get out of control?"

  Mimi frowned. "Don't worry, they won't. And laughter's good medicine, isn't it?"

  "Well, yeah, I suppose."

  With a confident smile, she ushered the kids into a circle on the floor. Seth watched in amazement as the group quieted and Mimi sprang into action. She told one story after another, all traditional children's favorites, acting out the characters. She changed the tales slightly, too, making the mama bear and papa bear in "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" live in two separate houses. Before he realized how it had happened, the children and parents all joined in, mimicking the movements and animal sounds. Everyone except his own parents, who were obviously too dignified to participate.

  "Dr. Broadhurst, you be the wolf!" Georgie yelled when Mimi began the story of "The Big Bad Wolf."

  Seth's mother watched stoically and his father left the room, their disapproval ringing loud and clear. Come to think of it, his parents had never encouraged him to join in the school programs when he was little. They thought music or any recreational activity a waste of time and intelligence. No wonder he'd become so boring as an adult.

  "Now," Mimi said after everyone had applauded his performance, "let's do some role playing. Since you're all such good actors and actresses, we'll take turns on stage. Who wants to start?"

  The little blond girl raised her hand. "Me, me."

  "Great, sweetie." Mimi waved her up to the space she reserved for the playacting and picked out two more kids. "Dr. Broadhurst will tell you a situation, and you guys get to act it out."

  The children clapped and Seth realized she'd given him an impromptu warm-up session for role playing. She was brilliant.

  The next half hour flew. Each of the children took a turn to participate in a small skit. Seth improvised by making up situations similar to experiences and problems the kids and single parents faced. Parents received an eye-opening experience as they realized firsthand the impact their home lives had on their children. When the evening ended, all the parents thanked him and seemed eager for the next session. His parents left without commenting or even saying goodbye.

  Georgie and the other children hugged Mimi. She'd been clearing the tables, but stopped to give each of them a hug. Seth's heart squeezed at the honest affection in her eyes. He could picture her with their baby, holding, cuddling, rocking the child, telling their child stories at bedtime, mesmerizing him or her with her voice and movements, kissing their little one good-night. Unlike the home he'd grown up in, with his nannies and tutors and servants, her house would be filled with love and warmth, with her anim
als and kindness and her exuberance for life. With love for their baby.

  Only, where would he fit into the picture? Would she let him be in the picture at all?

  Yes, he thought. He'd make sure he was included. He thought of the list he'd made on the computer—he'd insist she go for dinner with him tonight, then give her his surprise present. He could hardly wait to see her face when she opened it.

  * * *

  "Seth, thanks for dinner, but you really didn't have to. This place must be expensive."

  "It's worth it."

  She bit down on her lip, hoping she wasn't under-dressed for the plush surroundings.

  "I tried to give you the space you wanted this week."

  "I know." Mimi toyed with the rim of her coffee cup, wondering if he'd missed her as much as she'd missed him. She also darted a quick look around the restaurant to make sure her family wasn't there to see them together. "And I appreciate it."

  "I wanted to thank you for what you did tonight."

  So business had prompted this dinner. She tried not to let her disappointment show. "I simply got the ball rolling. You can handle it fine next time."

  "Hey, we make a great team. You are coming next week, aren't you?"

  Mimi sipped her decaf coffee. "Yes. Actually I had an idea. I thought you might want to do a session where the children and their parents make the dessert together. What do you think?"

  Seth's eyebrows drew together, his frown deepening the way it always did when he lapsed into thought. For some reason Mimi found the habit endearing. Odd how Seth's little nuances had once been unappealing, but now seemed the opposite. "Sounds interesting."

  "My grandmother used to cook with me all the time. We'd talk for hours while we tried different recipes."

  "Maybe we should try making dinner together some night, and you could show me what you mean."

  His sexy smile teased her nerve endings, but Mimi sensed an underlying seriousness in his suggestion. Maybe he was right, maybe they should be friends, especially if they decided to have shared custody. After all, she didn't want their child to feel uncomfortable when they passed him or her back and forth.

  The mere idea of what she'd just thought sent a sick feeling to her stomach again.

  "Are you okay? You look pale, Mimi."

  "No, I'm fine. I … I was just thinking." She averted her gaze, unable to stand the tension between them, the attraction that seemed to grow every time she saw him. She'd tried to avoid thoughts of Seth's dark eyes skating over her all evening, of the way the candlelight flickered during dinner, creating shadows all around his handsome face, the way the soft music in the background reminded her of the night they'd danced together, the night they'd made love.

  She wanted him again. Probably hormonal, but what the heck. She couldn't deny those feelings any longer.

  He must have sensed her desire, because he ran his thumb over her hand. Gently he lifted it to his mouth, placed his lips on her skin and brought her to a fever pitch of emotions with the tender gesture. His lips traced a path over her palm, then he pressed her hand against his cheek and closed his eyes as if he savored her touch. She licked her lips and saw him open his eyes, heat and fire and hunger shining like a beckoning light. He leaned forward and brushed his lips across her mouth, then nipped at her lip with his teeth until she opened for him. He tasted like spicy marinara sauce and wine and coffee, and smelled of that strong masculine scent she'd tried so hard to forget. He deepened the kiss, the hunger in her belly weakening her resolve to remain uninvolved, and she cupped his jaw with her hand and licked his tongue. The kiss lasted forever, sensual and full of passion, teasing and whispering of hidden hungers and desires they dared not broach.

  Finally Seth eased away, his hot breath fanning her cheek as he gently kissed her. "I have something for you," he said softly.

  A flutter of excitement stirred to life. "You do?"

  He nodded and lay a brightly wrapped gift on the table. The few remaining patrons in the surrounding booths faded into oblivion as Mimi studied the package.

  "I wanted you to know that I understand what you're going through, and that I'm here for you, Mimi."

  She blinked back tears, moved by his sincerity.

  "I hope you understand how I feel when you see what's inside."

  Mimi imagined the negligee in her earlier fantasies. A silky nightgown that would caress her body and accentuate every curve, a garment that would entice him to tear it off and love her all over again, the way a man loves a woman he wants forever.

  She tore off the paper, her heart thumping in anticipation, then pulled away the tissue paper and saw a thread of black, felt the soft—thick?—material, spattered with sequins.

  It wasn't a negligee at all. Her hand froze as she spotted the label, and disappointment slammed into her. He hadn't bought her a sexy present at all. He'd bought her what had to be the biggest, ugliest maternity blouse in the world. And underneath the hideous thing he'd included a book. Tips for the Nursing Mother.

  * * *

  Chapter 12

  « ^ »

  Seth watched in horror as Mimi ran from the table. Her face had paled as soon as she'd opened the gift. Was she sick again? He drummed his fingers on the table and told himself to wait, but as the seconds ticked by, his anxiety grew. He couldn't simply sit here if she needed something.

  Decision made, he tossed his napkin on the table and crossed the room, halting at the door to the ladies' room. Would he be forever chasing her into ladies' rooms?

  He knocked gently and called her name, but a thin blond woman exited.

  "Did you happen to see a woman go in there?" he asked.

  "There are several women in there. It is a ladies' room."

  His voice sounded shaky, but he forged ahead. "She has long, auburn hair and she's wearing a short, dark-blue dress."

  The woman looked down her patrician nose at him. "What did you do to her?"

  "What?"

  "She's in there sobbing her heart out."

  "What?"

  "You heard me." She pushed past him. "Poor girl's going to make herself sick."

  His adrenaline kicked in and he stormed through the door, scanning the room for Mimi. A heavy brunette adjusting her panty hose shrieked, and an elderly woman batted him with her alligator purse. "Help! Call security!"

  "Wait! I'm harmless." He threw up his hands, partly in surrender, partly to protect himself. "I'm looking for my … my girlfriend."

  The brunette lunged from the bathroom. The elderly woman squinted at him over her wire rims. "You're not here to rob us?"

  "No, I'm a doctor! I came to check on my girlfriend."

  "What'd you do to her?"

  Why did everyone assume he'd hurt her? "I think she's ill."

  "Seth?"

  He gazed past the woman, who turned an evil look his way as she hobbled out, and saw Mimi staring at him, her eyes red and swollen.

  Alarm clanged in his head. "What's wrong?"

  "What are you doing in here?" Mimi asked at the same time.

  "I came to see if you were okay." He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Are you sick again?"

  She shook her head and brushed past him to the vanity area, taking her compact from her purse and beginning to powder her nose. "I think you should leave."

  "Not until you tell me what the hell's going on. I was worried about you. I expected to come in and find you passed out, then these women practically accosted me and—"

  "You think I'm going to be a big fat blob."

  "What?''

  "You said that gift showed what you thought of me, and you bought me a hideous humongous tent to wear. And a book on nursing."

  "Hideous? I thought you'd like it. You wear black skirts all the time, and it has those shiny sequin things, and I told you I hate skinny women, and I wasn't sure if you'd decided about nursing—"

  "I haven't. And that blouse looks like a clown suit."

  "It came from the most expensive mate
rnity shop in Atlanta. I hunted all day to find something I thought you'd like."

  "Well, that shows how much you know about me."

  "At least I tried."

  "What's that supposed to mean?"

  Seth ran a hand over his neck, frustrated. "Look, I know we're in an awkward situation, but I'm trying to be mature and responsible—"

  "And you're saying I'm not?"

  "No. I thought you were worried about gaining weight, and I got you in this condition and you like clothes, so I thought a new top might cheer you up." Good grief, he was starting to babble just like Mimi.

  Mimi finger-combed her hair and said, her voice husky, "Don't you get it, Seth? I don't want you hovering over me because you feel responsible or feel sorry for me."

  He sighed at the slight tremble in her voice. "I apologize. I really thought you'd like the gift."

  Mimi gulped. "Then next time get me something sexy, not something four people could fit into."

  "You wanted something sexy?" He would never understand female logic. Sex had gotten them into this situation in the first place.

  "No. Yes." She turned and took her lipstick from her purse. A young woman walked in with her toddler daughter and halted, her eyes wide. She grabbed her daughter's hand and started to leave, but Seth held up his hand.

  "No, don't leave," he said, lowering his voice.

  "I'm going. I'll wait outside for you, Mimi." He shoved his hands in his pockets and stalked from the room, not bothering to wait for her reply.

  * * *

  Mimi felt a surge of guilt as Seth drove her home. He hadn't spoken a word since they'd left the restaurant. The tension grated on her frayed nerves. Somewhere between the bathroom and the car she realized she'd overreacted in a major way. Although misguided in his tastes, Seth had been sincere with his gift. He really needed to work on his taste in clothing, though. And learn hers. Maybe she should try to get along with him. After all, they were having a baby together.

  God, the baby would change her life in so many ways. Her body, her daily routine, her career… She was simply having trouble dealing with it all at once. And dealing with Seth.