by Cindy Kirk
When she saw several puzzled glances, she added, “Numerous teachers at the high school confirmed the tickets are highly prized by the students.”
“Thank you, Lindsay.” Eliza moved to her side. Her sharp, gray eyes swept over the group. “Any further questions? No? This concludes our meeting. We are adjourned.”
Lindsay barely heard the gavel hit the podium. Her entire focus was on her mother, now making a beeline toward her.
“I can run interference.” Eliza’s voice was a soft whisper in her ear.
“Thanks. I can handle her.”
“Around if you need me.” Eliza stepped away to answer a member’s question just as Anita reached the podium.
“Have you been avoiding me?”
“It’s nice to see you, too.” Lindsay kept her words light. “I looked for you at church yesterday.”
“Len and I—” Anita’s cheeks turned a deep, dusky rose. “I slept in.”
Was she running a fever? Concerned, Lindsay touched her mother’s arm. “Are you feeling okay?”
“I’m fine,” Anita snapped, then visibly calmed herself. “I thought you might like to grab a cup of coffee with me. My treat.”
Lindsay’s doctor’s appointment wasn’t until the end of the day. Perhaps spending time with her mother would keep her mind off the fact that Owen would be there. “I have time, but don’t you need to get back to the shop?”
Anita might have gotten the money to open Crumb and Cake in her divorce settlement from Bernie, but the success of the bakery was due to her own hard work and business savvy.
“I always have time for my favorite daughter.” Anita looped her arm through Lindsay’s. “And we have lots to talk about.”
Lindsay didn’t know what to think when her mother directed them toward the Daily Grind, the coffeeshop where Cassie worked. For her sister’s sake, Lindsay hoped Cassie wasn’t working this afternoon.
Lindsay stepped inside to the jingle of the door, followed by her mother. It didn’t surprise her that the business was quiet. Tourism dropped off after Labor Day.
There was no one behind the counter, but by the time they’d taken several steps, Cassie appeared from the dining area around the corner, coffeepot in hand.
At five feet, eight inches, she and Lindsay were the same height. With similar features and hair the same shade of blond, there was no mistaking they were sisters.
Lindsay thought her sister looked happier than she had in years. Her makeup emphasized the green-blue of her eyes, and the pink gloss drew attention to her full lips. But the bounce to her step and genuine smile on her face erased the hard years from her face.
The smile disappeared when she spotted her mother.
“I wondered if anyone was working.”
Lindsay rolled her eyes at Anita’s obvious dig. Obviously, her mother had expected her sister to be waiting behind the counter, ready to step up and serve her the second she stepped through the door.
Cassie lifted the glass pot. “Just taking around refills.”
“It’s nice to see—” Lindsay began.
“Cass, I think I will take another doughnut. You—” Dan skidded to a stop. The minister’s smile froze as his gaze shifted from Lindsay to Anita. “What a nice surprise.”
Anita narrowed her eyes. “Shouldn’t you be at the church?”
Dan raised a brow.
“You know.” Anita made a circular motion with a hand tipped with bronze-colored nails. “Tending to your flock.”
“The secretary can reach me on my cell if any of my flock stops by.” Dan’s eyes held a twinkle. “I often come here to work on my sermons.”
Dan surprised them by slanting a glance in Cassie’s direction. “Your daughter has lots of good suggestions.”
A knot formed in Lindsay’s stomach. When they’d been engaged, Dan had asked her for input on his sermons. She’d put him off.
“Cassie?” Anita scoffed. “I suppose it proves there’s benefits to taking a lot of wrong turns.”
Two bright patches of color appeared on Cassie’s cheeks.
Dan’s lips formed a hard line. “We all fall short of the glory of God.”
“Whatever.” As if bored by the conversation, Anita turned to Lindsay. “I’ve decided I’m not in the mood for a pastry and coffee. Let’s go somewhere else.”
Lindsay thought about protesting. Walking out would be incredibly rude to both Cassie and Dan.
What stopped her was the bald hope in Cassie’s gaze. She didn’t want their mother there.
“It was good seeing you both.” Lindsay injected a note of warmth into her tone when she turned to her sister and Dan.
Anita merely inclined her head in a regal nod.
Dan remained by the counter when Lindsay and her mother left the shop.
Anita didn’t look back, but Lindsay did.
The pastor put a hand on her sister’s arm, his expression intense. Lindsay could see he was attempting to reassure Cassie. It made her happy to know her sister had a good friend in the minister.
“Mom, wait.” Lindsay stopped when they reached the sidewalk. She made a big show of looking at the time on her phone. “I forgot I have a meeting with Eliza this afternoon. She’s giving me space in her shop for my new business, and we’re figuring out the best placement.”
Suspicion glittered in Anita’s hazel eyes. “If you had plans with her, why did you come with me?”
Because I knew you wouldn’t take no for an answer. Because I hoped you’d divert me from thoughts of Owen.
“I had time for a quick cup of coffee, but…” Lindsay allowed her voice to trail off and let her mother fill in the blanks.
“Your sister has a penchant for ruining things.” Anita huffed out a breath. “Did she look heavier around the middle to you?”
Puzzled, Lindsay stared at her mother. Cassie was as slender as a willow branch. “No. Why?”
“If that girl is pregnant again…” Anita shook her head, her lips twisting in displeasure. “I know what she’d say, what she always says. It just happened. Unbelievable. With so many birth control options, if a woman gets pregnant, it’s because she wanted to have a baby. Or, more likely, it’s a way to trap a man.”
Lindsay’s heart slammed against her ribs, then began beating an erratic rhythm. She didn’t dare glance at her mother, fearful what her expression might give away.
When the silence between them lengthened and she sensed her mother’s assessing gaze, Lindsay managed a little laugh. “Well, I don’t think you have anything to worry about with Cassie. With three kids still at home, plus her job, she doesn’t have time to date.”
“You don’t need to date to get pregnant.”
The snide tone pushed all the right buttons. Lindsay had heard enough, had had enough. She whirled and let her anger show. “Cassie has a job. Maybe it’s not the prestigious one you’ve always wanted for your daughter, just like me being a floral designer has never been good enough. But Cass is getting her life in order. I, for one, am very proud of her.”
Lindsay was out of breath by the time she finished. Her chest heaved. Her hands shook.
“What bee got in your bonnet?” Anita studied her as a scientist might study a bug under a microscope. “I know Cassie has struggled. And no, I never believed that working for Shirley was enough of a challenge for you.”
When her mother laid a hand on her arm, Lindsay didn’t know what to think.
“You are a talented woman.” Anita met her gaze. “Shirley never gave you the credit you deserve. Though I may not say it often, I’m proud of you.”
The flush of pleasure at the compliment was tempered by the disappointment Lindsay knew her mother would experience when she discovered she was pregnant. “Thank you.”
“Now.” Her mother’s eyes sparkled. “Before you head off for your meeting with Eliza, tell me how long you’ve been dating her brother.”
Eight
Lindsay resisted the urge to swipe her sweaty palms against her re
d pencil skirt as she and Owen stepped into her doctor’s office.
When he’d met her in the lobby, she’d noticed she wasn’t the only one who’d dressed up for the visit. If his still slightly damp hair and smooth face were any indication, Owen had shaved and showered, then pulled on a pair of khakis and a plaid button-up shirt after leaving the Greasy Wrench.
“Dr. Swanson, this is Owen Vaughn.”
Thankfully, when Lindsay hesitated, unsure how to explain their relationship, Janice Swanson stepped forward and extended her hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Owen.” The doctor was a tall, slender woman in her mid-forties with a choppy bob of silver hair. “I’m happy you could make it. The first ultrasound is an experience most expectant parents never forget.”
“I’ll be coming with Lindsay to all her visits,” Owen announced, a determined jut to his chin.
“That’s fabulous.” The doctor’s expression softened. “While I understand it isn’t always possible, I encourage my patients to bring their partners to the visits.”
Partner.
As he wasn’t her husband, Lindsay supposed partner was as good a term as any.
She glanced around Dr. Swanson’s office. The OB-GYN group occupied the second floor of the medical office building on the edge of Good Hope. The wheat-colored walls and pictures with accent colors of red and yellow promoted a feeling of tranquility.
Unlike last week’s exam room, which had had no windows, light streamed into the office from the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. Ignoring her contemporary desk with its sweeping curves, Dr. Swanson motioned to a seating area where an ultramodern, ivory leather love seat and two matching chairs were casually grouped.
Lindsay sat on the love seat, while the doctor chose one of the chairs angled toward her. She thought Owen might choose the other chair. Instead, he dropped down beside her.
He was stiff and rigid, his jaw clenched so tight that a tiny muscle jumped in his cheek. Lindsay wondered if being in a medical setting brought back memories of all the treatments he’d gone to with Mindy. Visits where bad news had become the norm.
Her heart swelled with sympathy. She rested her hand on his arm and found the muscles rock hard beneath his shirt sleeve.
If he noticed the touch, he gave no indication. His gaze remained firmly fixed on the doctor.
“When Lindsay was here last week, I confirmed the pregnancy.” The doctor leaned forward, her posture relaxed, her tone conversational. She was recapping the visit for Owen, Lindsay realized, getting him up to speed and attempting to put him at ease.
“We drew blood for several routine tests. I wrote a prescription for prenatal vitamins.”
Dr. Swanson slanted a questioning glance in her direction.
“I picked them up from the pharmacy and started on them that same day.” When the doctor had mentioned the importance of extra folic acid early in pregnancy, Lindsay wished she hadn’t waited so long to schedule her first visit.
“I knew you’d follow through.” The doctor turned to Owen. “There wasn’t time for us to squeeze in an ultrasound on Friday. It appears that was for the best, since now you can be here to share the experience with Lindsay.”
“Is it necessary?” Owen asked.
“For you to be here?” The doctor hesitated. “While it isn’t absolutely nec—”
“No. The ultrasound. Is it necessary?” Owen cleared his throat. “Do you suspect something is wrong?”
Though the question didn’t appear to surprise the doctor, it surprised Lindsay.
“It’s routine,” Lindsay assured Owen.
“In answer to your question, no, I don’t suspect anything is wrong. Lindsay is correct. It’s routine, and it’s safe for both her and the child.” Dr. Swanson kept her voice even and her eyes on Owen. “The ultrasound is simply a tool to evaluate the growth and development of the fetus.”
Suspicion lingered in Owen’s hazel depths. “That’s it?”
“As Lindsay came to me at the end of the first trimester, she’s far enough along for me to do some further assessment today. I’ll look for any fetal anomalies, check the placenta position and the amount of amniotic fluid present. If you want—and your child cooperates—I’ll tell you the baby’s sex.”
“I’d like to know.” Lindsay glanced at Owen. “If you don’t, you could step out when—”
“I want to know, too.” A muscle in his jaw jumped.
“Well, then, let’s hope baby cooperates.” Dr. Swanson shifted her gaze to Lindsay. “Did you drink the water?”
Lindsay nodded. “Six glasses.”
At Owen’s questioning look, the doctor explained, “A full bladder changes the position of the uterus so it’s easier to scan. The fluid in the bladder also is a good medium for sound conduction.” Dr. Swanson studied both of them for a second. “Any other questions before we get started?”
“Thank you for taking time to explain all of this to me.” Owen spoke haltingly. “I’ve been through this before. But it’s been a long time.”
A smile broke over the doctor’s face. “You have a child.”
“I did.” Owen’s expression went flat. “My daughter died of a brain tumor.”
“I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been.” The doctor’s voice softened. “Was it recently?”
“Last spring.” Owen surged to his feet. “Where do you do the ultrasound?”
Lindsay and the doctor stood.
Owen’s shoulder brushed hers as they made their way down the hall.
The doctor kept the conversation light. Lindsay didn’t expect her to stay for the procedure, but Dr. Swanson told the tech she had time in her schedule.
When the heartbeat filled the room, Owen’s eyes widened. “It’s fast.”
“One sixty is completely normal.” The doctor studied the screen. “The measurements indicate we’re on target for the end of March.”
Owen squinted at the screen. His brows pulled together as if he tried to make sense of the shapes and shadows. “Do you see anything abnormal?”
Lindsay held her breath.
“No. All good.” The doctor studied the screen intently. “There is something I don’t see.”
Lindsay and Owen exchanged worried glances.
“What’s that?” Lindsay managed to utter when she found her voice.
“A penis.” A slow smile lifted the doctor’s lips. “Congratulations. You’re having a girl.”
“Are you disappointed?” Lindsay waited until they were outside the clinic and in the parking lot to ask.
Owen turned slowly to face her. Confusion furrowed his brow. “Disappointed?”
“That we’re having a girl.” Lindsay’s hand dropped to her still-flat belly. “A lot of men want a son.”
It wasn’t only that, but she couldn’t bring herself to voice the thought that maybe a boy would be easier on Owen. After all, wouldn’t a girl constantly bring up thoughts of Mindy?
He drummed his fingers on the side of his truck, his expression inscrutable. “Why don’t you go home and change into something more comfortable? I’ll stop by, and we’ll go for a drive. We can discuss the visit then.”
Common sense told Lindsay to limit her time with Owen. But a drive sounded wonderful. Besides, did she really want to have a conversation about her baby’s first ultrasound in a parking lot?
“Unless you already have plans?”
Lindsay shook her head. “Not unless you count watching a tutorial on how to use QuickBooks.”
Relief skittered across his face. Pulling out his phone, Owen glanced at the display. “Pick you up in twenty?”
“Make it thirty.”
Lindsay opened her car door and was ready to slide behind the wheel when she heard him call out.
“Don’t eat. We’ll want to celebrate.”
Then he was in his truck with the radio blasting.
Celebrate?
Her spirits lifted. Perhaps he wasn’t disappointed after a
ll.
Owen changed into jeans and a striped polo shirt before stopping by the Greasy Wrench. He went directly to Wayde Lingstrom, his lead mechanic.
“Everything is under control here.” Wayde wiped his hand on a grease rag and studied Owen. “Based on what you’re wearing, I’m guessin’ you’re done working for the day.”
Owen slapped the man on the back. “You’re an observant guy, Wayde.”
“What’s the occasion?” Wayde cocked his head. “You’ve been closing the place down for weeks.”
“I’ve got plans.” Owen kept it simple, but the comment only appeared to spike Wayde’s interest.
“You’ve got a date?”
“Is that so strange?”
“Well, yeah. You haven’t been out since you and Lindsay split.” Wayde walked with him toward the service counter. “Is she anyone I know?”
Owen hesitated, then decided what the heck? “Actually, I’m headed over to Lindsay’s apartment.”
“Getouttahere. You and Lin are back together?” A smile split the man’s thin face. “Mary Jo is going to be super stoked when she hears the news. Neither of us could believe it when you two split.”
For a second, Owen wondered if he should tell Wayde he and Lindsay weren’t dating. He quickly dismissed the thought.
Contrary to what Lindsay believed, he didn’t just care about the baby, he cared about her. He cared about her reputation. He didn’t want people thinking he was spending time with her only because she was pregnant with his child.
It would be easier if everyone thought…well, if everyone thought they were in love.
If he could love any woman, it would be Lindsay. But after Tessa left and Mindy died, he’d decided love wasn’t for him. Still, he firmly believed marriage was the best solution. It would shield Lindsay and the baby from any talk and also allow his daughter to grow up in a two-parent family.
Lindsay wanted love, but hopefully in time, she’d realize love wasn’t all it was cracked up to be and accept they could forge a strong partnership without it.
With a determined tilt to his jaw, Owen continued toward the back of the garage. He stepped outside and walked over to another, smaller building. Unlocking the door, he stepped inside and flicked the switch.
