“Will you excuse me a minute? I need to use the restroom.”
I don’t really, but I need to get put some distance between us before I tackle him right here.
“Of course. Do you want a quick bite before we get back on the road?”
“Sure, why don’t you order some of those finger sandwiches and we can try them,” I say as I exit the table.
Chris nods as I make a dash to the front of the venue.
I bypass the bathroom and head out to the front porch. The hot Florida air hits my face, but it feels good. It’s warming me up from the goose bumps I had in the tea room. Although, I’m not sure they were from the air conditioning or Chris.
Damn him. Why does he have to be so goddamn perfect?
Leaning over the railing, I inhale the scent of the pink flowers growing below.
With my eyes closed, I let myself reminisce about the nights I had with Chris. Not the parts where I left or kicked him out. No, I think about touching, kissing, and…
“Brenda, are you okay?”
Spinning around, I see Chris with his phone in hand.
“Oh yeah. I was just getting some fresh air, but I’m good.”
And turned on, but I don’t add that.
He shakes his phone at me. “I was just going to call my sister and let her know we should be there by dinnertime. I ordered your lunch. It shouldn’t take too long based on the size of the sandwiches.”
We both laugh at the comment, because well, they’re small sandwiches.
“I think if we go with this place, we need to make sure we have some heartier choices too. You soccer stars need to eat and well, I’ll be bigger by then so I’ll need more too.”
Something happens to Chris at that moment. At first, it looks as if he’s thinking about something sad, but then his face lights up.
“I bet you’re going to look even hotter with a big belly.”
I’m shocked at his comment. He can tell too because my mouth is hanging open.
Chris shrugs. “What? Pregnant women can be hot too.”
My mouth snaps shut.
“Why don’t you go on in and start eating while I call Carol?”
All I can do is nod and head back to the table.
I don’t know why I was so surprised by Chris’s comment. Lots of men think pregnant women are sexy. I guess I just assumed it was because they were carrying their baby. Which I’m not.
Chris arrives back at the table just as the waitress brings our lunch.
“I need to warn you about something,” he says as he sits down.
“Okay?” I say, more as a question than a statement.
“I can’t believe I didn’t think about this before I asked you to come with me.”
“Oh God, what is it, Chris?”
“Well, it’s actually kind of funny.”
I get the feeling it’s anything but. “Just tell me.”
“I forgot Carol got rid of my niece’s bunk bed. She just has a twin now. And so, um, there’s only one other room and it has a double bed. I don’t mind sharing it with you, but I suppose I should’ve told you before I asked you to come.”
With my hand to my chest, I feel somewhat relieved it’s only about the sleeping arrangements. Sure, it’s not ideal but I thought maybe he was going to tell me he had a wife in Jacksonville.
“What would your sister and your niece think if we shared the room?”
“Carol won’t care. In fact, she just assumed we would.” Chris takes a bite out of the chicken salad. “Hey, this is good. Aren’t you going to eat?” he asks with a nod to my plate.
Suddenly, I don’t know what to expect out of this little weekend getaway. I suppose it’s my fault for not asking questions.
Sitting back in my chair, I start to inquire. “So, what exactly does Carol know about me? About us?”
“Eat first, then we’ll talk.”
God, he can be so bossy.
Shaking my head, I cross my arms. I can be stubborn as hell. “Answer the question first.”
Wiping his mouth, Chris matches my demand.
“Tell you what. The baby needs to eat, so with every bite, I’ll answer a question. How about that?”
Damn it. He’s playing the baby card. With a sigh, I give in. How could I not?
Taking a bite of my cucumber and hummus sandwich, I smile as I wait for his response.
“Carol knows you and I were seeing each other. I haven’t told her anything has changed. Nothing about the baby if that’s what you’re wondering. I figured that’s none of her business.”
I sip my water and contemplate just how this is going to work. Not knowing what the future holds has always scared me. But lately, I’ve been appreciating the moments like this—the good ones.
Chris reaches for a tuna salad next, as the event planner stops by.
“How is everything?”
Chris looks to me, letting me make the decision. When my eyes locked on his, I give her the only answer that seems right.
“Perfect.”
“Great, would you like me to email you the contact then?”
“Yes, please. I’ll be making some additions to the menu though. We have some athletic men who need some heartier items.”
Sandy laughs. “I understand. I’ll add the carving station options. Look for the email next week. I know we need to move quickly since the wedding is soon.”
We thank her for her help as Chris pays the bill.
“You ready to get on the road?”
“Yep.”
* * *
The car ride to Jacksonville takes about four hours. I sleep for the first half while Chris sings along to the lyrics of his favorite songs on Yacht Rock Radio.
“So, tell me more about Carol and Rosie,” I ask later, turning down the volume.
“I told you my niece has Cerebral Palsy, right?”
I nod and he continues. “My sister married her college sweetheart, Kevin. For years, they tried to have kids, but it just wasn’t working. I’m talking, fertility treatments, the whole nine yards. It wasn’t until my sister turned forty did she get pregnant. She and Kevin were thrilled. We all were.”
Chris clears his throat. Reaching over, I grab his hand that’s resting on his leg. “The day Rosie was born, you would’ve thought she was the only baby in the world,” he says with a smile.
“I bet your world just lit up, huh?” I smile, thinking about how Chris must’ve felt.
“It sure did. I never knew a love like that existed until I saw Rosie in my sister’s arms.” He squeezes my hand.
“Everything seemed pretty normal, I guess until Rosie was about a year and a half later when she still wasn’t walking. And when she finally did, my sister noticed Rosie’s balance was off. After a bunch of tests, she was diagnosed with CP. Thankfully, she was able to get her into therapy early on. Her Cerebral Palsy is mild compared to other children, but it does impair her walking.”
“How does Rosie get around? I assume she’s mobile?”
“Yeah, she’s mobile all right.” Chris laughs. “Sometimes she wears my ass out.”
“Does she use those special crutches? The kind that go around the arms?”
“Yeah, she has Lofstrand crutches. She also uses a gait trainer, but only once in a while. It’s like a mini walker.”
Chris goes on to explain there are several reasons why children have Cerebral Palsy. In Rosie’s case, the doctors believe there was an injury to her cerebellum that led to her Cerebral Palsy.
“Kevin couldn’t take the diagnosis. He lasted three weeks before he moved out. I helped as much as I could since it was just me and Carol.”
I turn to look out my window so Chris doesn’t see the tears in my eyes. I can’t imagine how Carol must’ve felt when she got Rosie’s diagnosis.
My hand immediately goes to my belly. I know I was shocked when I learned I was pregnant and yeah, I’m scared as hell. But if something were to happen to my baby, I don’t know if I’d survive it.
/>
Just like always, I can feel Chris’s eyes on me.
“Brenda, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
I still can’t look at him, but I shake my head as I gather my thoughts. “I just feel so bad for your sister and niece.”
Chris pulls my hand back into his lap. When I turn to look, he’s smiling. “I know it sucks Rosie got dealt this hand, but she’s never complained once about her challenges. She’s the most optimistic person I’ve ever met. You’ll see.”
God, I hope he’s right. After all, these hormones have me so teary-eyed. It won’t take much to make me a mess.
Thankfully, the rest of the ride is filled with lighter conversation.
I’m learning a lot about Christopher Longford. Not surprising, he was prom king. He played soccer and baseball in college, graduated in the top five, and most importantly—he loves his sister and niece more than anything.
We also talked a bit about his parents. He was young when he lost his mother to stomach cancer. His father only lived seven months longer. Doctors said he died of a heart attack, but Chris and Carol insist his heart was broken.
Even though it’s been years since his parents passed, he still gets choked up talking about it.
I told him he was lucky to have parents who loved him and each other. Growing up, I always longed for that.
Before I know it, we’re pulling into Carol’s driveway. She rents a house four blocks from the beach. It’s a cute cottage style, much like the one Chris lives in.
“Are you ready to be quizzed and questioned?” Chris asks with a smirk. It’s the same look that made me fall for him the first night we met.
Before I can answer, I see movement out of the corner of my eye. Suddenly my anxiety about meeting Chris’s family comes to the surface.
Chris
The second I turn my car off, Carol and Rosie are out the front door. Rosie walks down the ramp using her gait trainer, probably so she can get to me quicker.
I turn to check on Brenda. She’s getting out of the car, but I can tell she’s hesitant. With a quick wink to reassure her, I make a beeline for Rosie.
“Uncle Chris!” she yells as she gets to the bottom of the ramp.
Hunching down, I give her a hug. “Hey, Rosie bug. I missed you.”
“I missed you too,” she replies with somewhat delayed speech.
My sister has Rosie in both physical and speech therapies, and they’ve helped her a lot.
Standing back up, I give a quick kiss hello to my sister.
I hear a giggle come from Rosie, and look down to see her staring at Brenda. And she’s staring back at my niece with a big smile.
I reach for Brenda, who’s standing by the car, a few feet away. With her hand in mine, I pull her close.
“Carol, this is Brenda.”
I’m not surprised when my sister takes her in for a hug. Brenda is, though.
“It’s nice to finally meet you. My brother talks about you all the time.”
Brenda snaps her eyes to mine. I shrug.
“I hope it’s all good,” she says with a nervous laugh.
“Of course it is.” Carol smiles.
By the way she’s beaming, like a proud mother instead of my sister, you’d think I never brought a woman to meet her.
I was so taken with Carol and Brenda that I didn’t notice Rosie as she made her way over to us.
“I’m Rosie,” my niece says with a tug on Brenda’s long skirt.
“Hi Rosie, I’m Brenda,” she says as she kneels down to hug my niece.
“Are you going to marry my uncle?”
“Rosie!” my sister admonishes her.
“Sorry, Mama,” Rosie says, looking up at Carol.
But Brenda just laughs. “No, I’m just a friend of your Uncle Chris.”
My sister tries to redirect. “Anyway, Rosie and I are so happy you’ll be staying with us this weekend. Chris, get your bags and we’ll go in.”
Needing a minute alone with Brenda, I hold her hand so she doesn’t follow my sister.
“We’ll be right in.”
“Bye, Brenda,” Rosie says with a quick wave.
“Bye, sweetie.”
I wait until Carol and Rosie go in before I apologize.
“Sorry about that. I think my niece is trying to marry me off or something,” I confess with a smile.
Brenda giggles. “She’s the cutest and she loves you so much. They both do. I can see it in the way they look at you. You’re very lucky to have them.”
The minute she says it, I imagine what it would be like to be loved by Brenda. I know I’m lucky to have such a great family, but it could be even better with her and the baby as a part of it.
“Chris?” Brenda asks with a raised eyebrow.
“Sorry. Yes, I know I’m very lucky.”
“Come on, let’s go in before they wonder what we’re doing out here.” She winks.
Yeah, I think this weekend is just what she needs.
Grabbing our bags with one hand, I hold Brenda’s with the other. She gives me a quick squeeze as she follows me up the ramp and into my sister’s place.
Carol and Rosie are in the kitchen, waiting for us.
My sister nods to the table. “Brenda, have a seat. I’ll fix you a drink while my brother takes your bags into your room.”
“I’ll be right back,” I whisper in her ear.
She gives me a hesitant smile. I know my sister will take good care of Brenda. Carol knows she means something to me. And what that something is has me confused as hell.
Brenda
I watch Chris walk down the hall with our bags to what I assume is the bedroom we’re sharing. The lump in my throat matches the intensity of the nervousness in my stomach.
Christopher Longford is quickly becoming my safe place, my grounding. And that thought scares me to death.
Carol’s voice brings me back to the current situation. “Would you like a glass of wine while we wait for Chris to grill the steaks?”
I would love a whole bottle.
“Water would be good.”
Carol’s kitchen is cute and cozy. While it’s not large, it’s big enough for Rosie to have her own kid’s table. It doesn’t look like she eats there; it’s covered with paints and pads of paper.
“Mama?”
Rosie comes in from the hall. Watching her as she walks goes straight to my heart.
“Yeah, bug?”
“Can I sit next to Aunt Brenda tonight at dinner?”
Oh God. Aunt Brenda?
“Yeah, Aunt Brenda, can Rosie sit next to you?” Chris asks with a smirk as he enters the kitchen.
What can I say? The kid and her uncle are so damn cute.
“I’d love it if you sat by me.” I smile at the beautiful little girl.
Rosie’s blue eyes get as big as her smile. She bounces as much as she can with her crutches and the movement is enough that her black curly hair moves with her. The little girl is quickly owning a piece of my heart.
“Do you like broccoli, Aunt Brenda?”
Chris and Carol snicker. I’m not sure why but I think I’m about to find out.
“I do. How about you?”
Rosie nods her head quickly as she giggles. “Uncle Chris doesn’t like broccoli.”
She leans in close to me so she can whisper. When her mouth gets close to my ear, I can’t help but smile, waiting for what she wants to tell me.
My gaze moves to Chris and Carol, who are watching intently while they lean against the kitchen counter.
“Uncle Chris says it makes him toot out of his butt.”
More giggles come from Rosie and it’s contagious. I laugh right along with her.
“Okay, okay, Rosie. No more spilling my secrets to Brenda.” Chris tries to give her a stern look but can’t help but smile.
The way he looks at his niece makes my heart ache with need, but that need is interrupted when I wonder if he’ll look at my child the same way? Of course, he won’t…this baby
isn’t his.
“Hey, you all right?” Chris whispers as Carol roots around in the refrigerator.
My eyes go between him and Rosie, who’s staring at both of us.
I force a smile. “Everything’s great.”
He knows I’m lying. His eyebrow shoots up as if to say, “We will be discussing this later.”
“What smells so delicious?” I move to Carol, trying to get away from Chris’s knowing eyes.
“I have wild rice in the cooker. I hope you like it. It’s Chris’s favorite.”
I file that under good things to know about Chris.
“Do you need help with anything?”
Carol shakes her head. “Why don’t you relax and we can talk.”
“May I use your restroom first?”
“Of course.”
Chris, who’s in the living room now with Rosie, heard us.
“I’ll show you where it is,” he calls.
With his hand on my lower back, Chris walks me down the hall.
“You feeling okay?”
“Yeah, just a little tired, I guess.”
He seems to believe me. “Here it is.”
When I walk into his sister’s bathroom, I notice some items she must use for Rosie.
“The chair helps her in the bathtub. And those rails help her steady herself when she goes to the bathroom.”
I’m not sure why but tears well in my eyes. I don’t think it’s my hormones this time.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
And then it comes out—my fear my child will be born with a disability. Will I be able to handle it?
“You’re worried about your baby?”
My eyes move to his. No words need to be exchanged. He pulls me into his arms and I hang on as if my life depended on it.
We stay embraced for what seems like hours, but more likely one minute.
I break away, shaking myself back to positive thoughts.
“Sorry about that. I guess I freaked out for a second.”
He reaches for my hand. “I’m sure your little boy or girl will be fine. What happened to Rosie was unfortunate, yes. But she has the best attitude about it out of all of us.”
“She’s amazing,” I say with a smile.
“All right, I’m out of here.” Chris winks as he turns to leave.
His Runaway Goal: Book Two in the Game Winner Series Page 6
