Baby Me, page 3
part #4 of With Me Series
“Now, Kate. When I say town, it’s more like twenty houses scattered here and there, with one street that leads straight into the mountains and absolutely no entertainment.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve lived in a small town before.”
“Not this small.”
“Good. That means there won’t be too much walking, right?” She grabbed her phone and her purse, and aimed for the crutches next. “It also means less people to worry about, right?”
“Hey, you heard the doctor. No straining your muscles. They need to recover.”
“My muscles have been recovering for the past two months. Now they need to be worked. They really need to be worked.” She lowered her voice and looked at me from underneath her half-hooded lids. I felt my dick twitch the moment she mentioned working her muscles, and promised myself that I would definitely work them tonight.
“Now are you going to stand there and baby me some more or are you going to get dressed? We have a town to visit.”
Jesus, she was talking as if she were going on a trip to Paris. When I saw a spark of the feisty Kate I’d met earlier in the year return, it made my heart drum harder in my chest. If it weren’t for the fact that I made plans in case Kate insisted on going out, I’d try out the strength of those muscles right there and then. She could scream as loud as she wanted, and I wouldn’t stop her until she fell limp in my arms.
I’d been wondering when Kate’s mood would finally pick up. She’d been worried about her mother, fearing Cortez’s return, and mourning our baby. She’d lost so much in the past few months I knew it would take a lot to get her back. I’d give anything to see just a hint of hope return to her soul. Maybe today was that day? With all the plans I had made, I too had more hope than I’d had in weeks.
“Are we going, or are we waiting here for that wolf to return?” She tapped her foot.
“Let me change. Don’t walk out that door without me,” I warned.
“I wouldn’t dare.”
I quickly changed out of my jogging pants and into a pair of jeans and a warmer sweater. Kate was sitting on the wooden bench at the bottom of the staircase by the door with a wide smile, swinging her cast-free foot back and forth. Yeah, today was definitely the day we got our hope back.
The drive downhill through the woods took less than fifteen minutes. When I was a kid, we used to hike across, cutting through the dense forest and the valley with a river flowing in its center, but Kate needed much more physical therapy before we tackled the shortcut. It wasn’t far, but the terrain was definitely challenging.
Maybe one day after the authorities found Aaron Cortez, I’d bring her back here and we could pick some mushrooms. It was the perfect time of the year to do so. Perhaps one day I’d hear the high-pitched laughter of our children as they collected heaps of fall leaves and jumped into their centers. At the thought of our future, I pictured Kate with her swollen belly and felt an ache in my chest. I shook off the sudden sorrow and made another promise to myself to protect her.
I glanced at Kate as I parked along the stone street in front of the Lockheart Diner and turned off the ignition. Her knees were bouncing up and down, and I lowered my hand to one of them. “Ready?”
She lookeded up at the two locked hearts carved out of wood above the diner’s front door.
“Yeah, it already looks perfect.” She examined the wooden hut the Lockhearts had built over thirty years ago and made into a home diner. Their intention at first had been to live there, but with few supplies nearby and a small community, they decided to turn it into a diner. Almost everyone came here for dinner. It was much more cost-effective to have a home-cooked meal ready than to go out to another town, an hour or so each way, bring the groceries home, and then cook. This place had become like a second home to all of the nearby residents here. The Lockhearts had since built a house they lived in beside the diner. Charlie came to visit his parents often, and if it weren’t for his demanding job, I was sure he’d prefer to move back home.
We went inside and sat down at a corner table, and Mr. Lockheart greeted us with a wave. “I’ll be right with you.”
“Thank you,” I called out.
“Well, this is pretty homey, isn’t it?”
“It’s very homey. Mrs. Lockheart isn’t usually this busy, but Charlie…” I stopped as soon as I realized what I almost said.
“Charlie what?”
“Never mind.”
“No, you started a sentence, now finish it.”
I sighed. “Charlie brought his son along, and Mrs. Lockheart is spending time with her grandson.”
I watched as she swallowed hard. “Cameron, I’m fine. Yes, it hurts when I think about what we’ve lost, but it will always hurt. You don’t have to tiptoe around me.”
“I’m sorry.” I shook my head.
“I mean it, I’m fine.” Kate grabbed the menu and began scanning it. “All right. What do you recommend?”
“Anything you order will be delicious.”
“Well, we have a problem, then. How do I know what to order? Oh, this looks good.” She paused, and then must have read another item because she licked her lips, saying, “This one as well. Oh, and this one.”
And all I could concentrate on was that tongue that moved across her lips. Nothing else. If she continued teasing me this way, we’d skip the tour of the town and go back to the cabin.
“Why don’t you let me order for you today? And you can try something else tomorrow.”
“We’re coming back here tomorrow?”
“And the day after as well if you’d like.”
She squealed, nearly jumping up on her seat like a little kid. “You’re so going to go bankrupt because of me.”
I leaned my head to the side. Kate should have known better than to question our finances. With the money I’d saved from bounty hunting and the real estate investments I’d made back in New York, we were set for life.
“I’d give all our money away just to see you happy.”
“It’s not our money. We’re not even married.”
She gasped as if she’d said something she shouldn’t have. Yet the thought of marrying Kate had crossed my mind many times. She was perfect for me. But I wouldn’t take the step until I knew that she was ready. Her emotions were still all over the place after the ordeal we’d been through. She might not have agreed, but she needed more time to heal, not only physically but also emotionally.
“Sure it is, and does it matter if we’re not married? We’re committed.”
By the look of her smile, she must have liked what she heard.
“Thank you, Cameron. Thank you for taking such good care of me the past two months. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“You have nothing to thank me for. I’m just happy that you’re getting better, and I promise that by the time we go back home, you’ll be fully healed.”
“Do you think it will be before Christmas?”
“It shouldn’t take long.”
I also didn’t want to tell her that I was afraid Aaron Cortez could find us way before the end of the year.
“What are you thinking?” she asked, catching me off guard.
“Nothing. Now, how does a Hungarian goulash sound?”
“You’re trying to change the subject. I’ll let it go for now, but you will tell me what’s bothering you one way or another.”
“Oh, yeah? And how do you suppose I will?”
“I have my ways. Now, is the goulash the one with potato latkes?”
“Yes,” I laughed. “That’s the one. You’ll love it.”
“I’ll have one of those, then,” she confirmed, as if it had been her idea in the first place.
Fifteen minutes later, Marianne Lockheart brought out our food. She seemed so busy with her grandson that we barely got a chance to exchange more than two sentences, which was good because that only meant a quicker return to the cabin where I could finally have my way with Kate. Now that her casts had been removed it was time to make up for everything we’d lost.
Kate ate like she hadn’t eaten in months, and the sounds coming out of her mouth were making me harder by the minute. I was willing to cut today’s tour short and go back to the cabin where hopefully I could satisfy all her other appetites, but I was sure Kate wouldn’t want to miss our next tour stop.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” I asked, selfishly hoping she’d say no and we’d head back to the cabin.
“I love this. It’s… it’s… I just really needed this. How did you know?”
“Well, you’ve been closed off from the world for two months. I’m actually surprised that you haven’t killed me yet.”
“You’re kidding, right?” She reached across the table and took my hand. “You know how much you mean to me, Cameron, don’t you?”
“Of course I do. And you to me as well.”
A high-pitched sound drew our attention to Mrs. Lockheart behind the counter where she was holding her grandson in her arms, teasing the little boy with a freshly baked cookie. I watched as Kate’s face fell when she saw them. Her hand immediately flew to her stomach and her eyes welled up.
“Kate, I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s all right.”
But I knew it wasn’t because deep in my chest I felt her loss. I felt that ache of emptiness that filled her from her head all the way down to her toes. I would have given anything to watch Kate’s belly swell and to smooth my hand over the bump that secured our baby.
“One day when you’re ready, we could try again,” I said.
“It’s not like it was planned. There’s no point in rushing things.”
By the look on her face I knew she didn’t mean a word she’d said, and I knew that it was time to take her mind off that day. “Kate, you know that I would do anything for you, don’t you? If you need to talk to someone—”
“Seriously, Cam. I’m fine. Really. Getting these casts off and coming here today was exactly what I needed. Now, how are you doing? You’ve been cooped up at the cabin with me, tending to my every need. I can’t imagine that to be easy. You must miss your family.”
“Let’s get one thing straight. I definitely haven’t tended to all your needs.”
I watched as her cheeks flushed with a beautiful pink shade before continuing. “I do miss them, but I also love spending time with you.”
“What about your work?”
“Bounty hunting?”
“Are you thinking of going back?”
“Not at the moment. I’m pretty sure that ship has sailed. Everyone knows I’m in trouble with Cortez. Hiring me would be like hiring a doctor who didn’t wash his hands before surgery. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t get a job even if I wanted to. Besides, after Arizona my perspective on life changed, and I’ve been busy with Mom’s paperwork.”
“I’m assuming that’s a good sign?”
“It’s kept me busy, and I’m almost done.”
My mother had emailed me some of her paperwork for her manservant business. She’d been wanting me to interview a few new candidates, but with me being away, that plan had been put on hold, so she’d decided to make me her second accountant.
“Oh, my God! Mom! I was supposed to call her.”
“Go ahead. I’ll order dessert for later, and we can stop by the general store afterward.”
As Kate took her crutches and went outside to sit on the bench where I’d told her she’d get the best signal, I ordered two portions of apple crisp and cream-filled pastries and thanked Mrs. Lockheart for the wonderful dinner.
“You raised quite the man. Charlie came up to remove Kate’s casts,” I complimented.
“Thank you. You’re not too shabby yourself, Cameron. Now what’s this I hear about your parents getting back together?”
“Apparently you’ve heard more than I have.”
“Charlie was at a conference two weeks ago where he ran into your father, who said that he’s back living with Mary.”
“Really? Sounds like I should call them.”
“Just don’t tell them I told you.”
“Your secret is safe with me.” I tickled Nate on his stomach and he giggled. “You take care of this little one, Mrs. Lockheart. And thank you for the delicious food and the apple crisp.”
“You’re welcome. Make sure to lock up all the doors and windows tonight. There’s a storm coming.”
By the look of the clear sky, I wouldn’t have guessed it, but then again, Mrs. Lockheart had some things I didn’t have yet — an Internet connection, electricity, and cable news. It was wise to listen to her.
“Thank you. I will.” I kissed Mrs. Lockheart on her cheek and went out to see Kate. She was sitting on a bench, her crutches resting against the side of the diner. She appeared to be lost deep in thought and startled when I touched her shoulder.
“Hey, are you okay?” I asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine. There was a woman here looking for you. I told her she’d find you inside but she just left.”
“What woman?”
“I don’t know. Tall, blonde hair. She looked pretty sophisticated.”
Shit. “Which way did she go?”
“To the left. She said she had an errand to run but that she’d stop by later.”
She’d better not.
“Is this someone I should know about?” Kate asked.
Definitely not. Not yet at least. When I left for Arizona, I had hoped that Evie would give up on me. My brother’s ex-wife had a thing for us both. It only made sense that since my brother, Brook, had a new woman in his life, Evie would once again try her luck with me. I took in a deep breath before releasing it, saying a silent prayer that she wouldn’t bring too much trouble our way. Evie was like that tropical depression that unexpectedly turns into a hurricane and becomes completely unpredictable.
“Of course not. If it’s who I think it is, she won’t stay long. Evie can’t handle the outdoors.”
“Good. Did you see this?” Kate pointed to the sign in front of the diner that listed tomorrow’s soup of the day.
“Pickle soup?”
“I want to try it. Can we try tomorrow?”
For the first time in weeks, Kate’s excitement reached new levels. It was as if she’d received a fresh breath of air and wanted to get back to life.
“Yes, of course we can. How’s your mom?”
“I couldn’t reach her. I’ll try again later.”
The sound of giggles resonated from inside the diner, and Kate froze for the second time that day.
“How are you feeling, Kate? Do you want to go home?” I asked with concern.
“I think I do, but not yet.” Instead of the sorrow I expected, her eyes held a new sparkle of hope. The flash of energy that coursed through her body reminded me of when Kate was needy. Was she?
“Aw, come here.” I helped her stand up and took her into my arms, whispering, “Even this shall pass. You’ll heal, and we’ll be able to make new plans when you’re ready.” I kissed her, tucking in the stray lock of hair behind her ear.
“No, Cameron. I’m fine. I promise.”
“What is it, then?”
“I think we should make a baby.”
Chapter 4
Kate
Cameron’s expression was priceless and everything I could have ever hoped it to be. Would he agree? What if he didn’t? That would break my heart, but I didn’t want him to agree because of pity. I needed him to want a baby as much as I did. I wasn’t sure where my suggestion came from. I wasn’t even sure whether I was truly ready, but I did know that I wanted to be ready. I didn’t want to grieve daily for the rest of my life. I wanted to put the past behind me and make space in my heart for a happy future.
“Is this because you saw Mrs. Lockheart’s grandson?” he asked.
“I knew you’d ask that, but I don’t think that’s it. I’m not hormonal, I promise.”
Maybe I was a little because seeing those puffy cheeks and cute heart-shaped lips seemed to have turned on all of my maternal sensors.
“Kate, you just suffered a miscarriage two months ago. I don’t want you rushing into anything you’re not ready for.”
“Cameron, that child… our child… I would have loved him or her with my whole heart. I didn’t want it to die.”
“None of us did, and I know that he or she would have been so lucky to have you as a mother. Kate, this isn’t your fault; you know that.”
“Of course I do, but I really think that I’m ready to move forward. I’m ready to take control of my life. So much has been stolen from me the past year… Two months ago, I wasn’t even sure whether I could get anything back. I didn’t know that I wanted life back, but I do. I want to feel like me again. This decision doesn’t even feel like a decision. It feels… right.”
“I’ll be honest with you, the idea of taking you back home right now and spending days and nights with my arms around you sounds like the best thing I could have wished for, but after what you’ve been through… I just think we need more time.”
“You don’t want to?”
“Oh, believe me, I want to, and I’m not sure where this voice of reason is coming from. I wish I could shut it down. I just don’t want you to rush this. You may feel strong, but you’re still recovering.”
“Fine – just promise me that you won’t cross it off your to do list.”
“To-do list?” he chuckled.
“Yeah. Keep an open mind, you know?”
“Kate, if there’s one woman in this world I’d want to do, it’s you. But we’re talking about making a child. A little human being we’ll both be responsible for while a madman is on the loose trying to murder us.”
“I don’t like it when you make sense,” I pouted.
“Neither do I. Especially about something that should be an easy decision. How about we think about it?”
He wrapped me into his loving arms and just held me there against his chest. The drumming of his heartbeats eased the anxiety I’d just realized was there. We stayed connected until the strain on my leg pinched at a nerve and I had to reach back for my crutches.
