Expecting a Fortune, page 10
“That was nice.” Bea tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and looked out the window.
Nice? Had she even heard him? “Space creatures from Venus were involved.”
“Venus?” She looked at him. “What are you talking about?”
“Just checking to see if you were with me. You seemed preoccupied about something.”
“I am...just a little.” She sighed. “Okay, maybe more than a little. I came across an article online with information for expectant moms, and I kind of fell down a rabbit hole.”
“I’m guessing it was a deep one?”
“Yes. There were all these lists.” She grimaced. “Actually they were lists within a list within another list.”
He furrowed a brow. “What do you mean?”
“For instance, on the newborn-essentials checklist, there’s baby gear, and all the stuff needed for feeding, and diapering. And then there were suggestions from real moms about what to do and what not to do. The diapering issue...wow. I didn’t know there was such a huge debate about cloth or disposable. I usually like lists, but this was...intimidating.”
The days of parental judgment and guilt in figuring out what to do with a newborn...he remembered them well. It wasn’t surprising Bea was feeling overwhelmed. “From my experience, while lists can be helpful, everyone’s childcare experiences are different. You’ll find ways and hacks for circumstances that work for you.”
Bea gave him a skeptical look. “Including diapering hacks?”
“As strange as that may sound, yes. I still remember a few. Things like using a practical onesie versus those ones with all the snaps and buttons. When you’re changing lots of diapers—trust me, simple is the way to go. And having an emergency diaper stash in almost every room and the car is a must.”
She laughed. “It sounds like you’re remembering just fine.”
“I’m sure more will come back to me. But at the same time, after thirteen years, I’m sure some of the practices have changed.”
“I thought sorting through food recipes to find the right one was stressful.” Bea worried her lower lip, then sighed. “There’s just so much to take in.”
Devin reached out and laid his hand over Bea’s resting on her thigh. “But you don’t have to take it in all at once. The key is don’t be afraid to ask, especially when you need something from me.”
“You’re right,” she replied softly.
Most of the apprehension left Bea’s face, but from the look in her eyes, something was still on her mind.
Chapter Thirteen
As Devin gave her hand a squeeze, she conjured up a smile, but she couldn’t entirely let go of the anxiety hovering inside of her.
The lists in general were overwhelming, but one in particular remained on her mind—the parenting questionnaire.
Homebase for the baby. Prearranging a childcare schedule. Health insurance. There were so many things she and Devin needed to discuss before the baby arrived. He was right about not having to do everything right away. But even so, she needed to know where his responsibilities would begin and end.
“If I sent you the lists, would you take a look at them? And there’s a parenting questionnaire, too.”
“Of course I will. Email them to me.”
Bea released an easy breath. Her ex would have given her a thousand and one reasons why he couldn’t read them.
“We’re here.” Devin pointed to a long white building with green trim surrounded by open land.
There was a simplicity to the place, and it had a sanctuary vibe.
“It’s a veterinarian clinic,” he added. “And it also has a pet spa, and they provide space for the fostering and adoption service.”
He pulled in and parked.
They got out, and Bea preceded him down the sidewalk to the entrance.
Inside the building, in the tidy reception area with orange seating along the wall, owners and their pets waited to see the vet.
The receptionist at the front desk greeted them.
“Hello,” Devin replied. “I’m here to pick up a dog I’m fostering for the shelter. My name is Devin Street.”
The woman checked her computer screen. “Yes, they’re expecting you. One of the volunteers will meet you in the play area. Do you know where that is?”
“I do. Thanks.” Devin led the way down an adjoining hallway.
They exited at the end into an outdoor space with colorful ramps and slides in various configurations arranged on fake turf.
A teenage boy was cleaning up a square patch of real grass off to the side. From the scowl on his face, he was the very definition of boredom and unhappiness.
Chuckling, Devin murmured, “Guess his day isn’t going well.”
“Give him a break. Would you be smiling if you were spending a sunny Saturday picking up dog poop?”
“It’s a character-building experience.” He shrugged. “When I was his age, I spent a lot of weekends doing things that weren’t fun.”
“Like what?” Bea asked.
“I washed my dad’s car. Mowed the lawn, and it wasn’t a tiny patch like that one. It was a couple of acres. And I also folded most of the newspapers for Sunday’s home delivery, and I even had my own paper route.”
“You were busy.” It wasn’t surprising to hear that even growing up Devin had had a full schedule.
“Looking back, I guess I was—partly because I was an only child and didn’t have a sibling to share the load. But mostly because my dad wanted to keep me out of trouble.”
“You caused trouble?” She feigned shock. “No, I don’t believe that.”
He laughed. “Wait a minute. You have doubts? Okay, what about you? Did you have chores growing up, or did you just play all day?”
“Play all day? I wish. I rotated through chores along with Esme and Asa. Laundry, mowing the lawn, taking out the garbage.”
“What about cooking? Did you guys help out with that, too?”
“Asa and Esme, not so much. But I didn’t mind. Helping my mom in the kitchen was our special time together. While we cooked, I could really talk to her about things.” A twinge of nostalgia hit Bea. Her mom had always had the answers, even when it had come to the most challenging things. What she wouldn’t give to hear her mom’s advice now that she was an expectant mother-to-be.
A couple of tears leaked from her eyes. Bea was shocked to feel them on her cheeks. Were pregnancy hormones kicking in this soon?
Looking down, she quickly batted them away. “Sorry—I don’t know why I’m crying.”
“Because you miss her.” Devin traced a tear from her cheek. “And that’s okay. I miss my dad, too.”
“Our child won’t have grandparents...” The realization made her a bit sadder.
“But they’ll have plenty of aunts and uncles—and cousins on your side of the family. And Carly as an older sister.” He cupped her cheek. “And they’ll have us.”
The warmth of his touch enveloped her. It was so natural to move closer and lean into his one-arm embrace.
An older woman with black-and-silver hair styled in a casual updo walked out the door. A high school–aged girl followed her, leading a Jack Russell–cocker spaniel, mixed-breed dog on a leash. They both wore short blue aprons over their clothes featuring the name of the shelter.
The woman strode toward them. “Hi—you must be Devin. I’m Meg.”
“Yes, hello.” Devin shook hands with her. “Meg, this is Bea.” As he turned toward Bea, he gently laid a hand on her back.
She returned the woman’s smile. “Hello.”
Meg looked to the teen and the small brown-and-white dog who was off the leash and sniffing near a bench. “This is Emma, one of our student volunteers, and that’s Francis. He’s three years old. As you know, his owner couldn’t care for him any longer. He dropped him off a little over a week ago. I actually thought we had an adoption lined up for the pup yesterday, but it fell through. I’m so glad you can take him in.”
“I’m happy to help,” Devin said. “How’s he been adjusting through the change?”
“As expected, he was withdrawn at first, but he’s interacting with everyone more now. We think he’ll do much better in a home setting. While you two get acquainted with him, I’ll get his things. He has a dog bed he’s partial to, and we’re going to give you a bag of what we’ve been feeding him. Oh, and you’ll need this.” She took a worn-looking yellow ball from the pocket of her apron and handed it to Bea. “This is his favorite toy. Maybe he’ll play with you a bit. It might help him feel more comfortable in leaving with you.”
As Bea turned to give the ball to Devin, Francis shyly approached, eyeing the toy. He lay down a few feet away and dropped his head onto his front paws.
Devin held up his hands, refusing the toy. “I think Francis wants his possession back.”
Unsure of what to do, she shrugged. “Do I just throw it?”
“No. Lay it on the ground. Let’s see if he’ll come to us to get it.”
“Hi, Francis. Do you want your ball?” Bea leaned over, and as she set the ball down, the pup lifted his head. “Now what?”
“We talk to each other. Direct eye contact can be perceived as threatening to a dog, especially if he doesn’t know you.”
Bea turned to Devin. “So we just stand here?”
“For a little bit.”
She chuckled. “This feels like an audition.”
“Relax. You’re doing fine,” he assured her.
The wind blew a strand of hair near her eyes.
Devin reached up and smoothed it back behind her ear. As his hand lingered, his gaze dropped to her lips.
Bea’s heart skipped several beats. Despite wanting to, she still hadn’t kissed him yet. Memories of how their lip-locks had ignited like sparks to flame their one night together played through her mind. Kissing him would probably make taking things slow a really torturous experience.
He glanced to the side. “Looks like we have a visitor.”
Francis stood at Bea’s feet. His liquid brown eyes tugged at her heartstrings, and she offered him her hand. He sniffed it. His tail wagged a little, and she kept petting him.
Devin greeted Francis, and they both interacted with him. After a while, the pup became more comfortable, and when Bea lobbed the ball a short distance away, he returned it.
“I think he’s ready to go now.” Devin went to get the crate.
Bea scratched Francis behind his ears and cooed, “You’re going to a nice safe place, and we’re going to take good care of you.” Wait. No, not we—Devin.
Meg walked over to Bea. “I can tell Francis is going to be in good hands.” She beamed a friendly smile. “Once he gets used to his surroundings, he’ll be a charmer. And he’s definitely baby-tester material for the right couple.”
Baby? Bea barely stopped herself from laying a hand on her abdomen. But there was no way this woman could know that she was pregnant.
“I’m sorry.” Meg’s smile sobered a little. “My little joke didn’t go over well. Sometimes couples adopt a fur baby in preparation for a real one.”
“Oh, but we’re not...” Bea stumbled over what to say. She and Devin weren’t a couple, but they were expecting.
He returned with the carrier. “Okay, Francis, let’s go for a ride.”
Once the dog was settled, they were ready to leave. After saying goodbye to Meg, they retraced their steps down the hall, through the reception area and out the door.
They secured the carrier with Francis on the back seat.
As Devin shut the back passenger side door, he smiled at Bea standing beside the truck. “Thanks again for coming. You made the transition a whole lot easier for him.”
“I’m glad I could help. It gives me hope.” She laughed. “If I can handle a dog, then maybe I can handle a baby.”
“You can. You’re compassionate. You care. You’re going to be a great mom, Bea.”
The assurance in his eyes almost erased her doubts. “You really think so?”
He lightly grasped her shoulders. “I do.”
Bea laid her hands on his chest. Devin was so solid and real with his intentions. It was hard not to lean on him.
As she moved closer, he glided his hands toward her back.
“Um...excuse me.” Emma stood nearby, holding up a leash. She looked between the two of them with a curious, slightly judgy expression. “This belongs to Francis. He’s used to using it. Meg said you should take it with you.”
“Thanks.” As Devin accepted the leash, Bea got into the truck.
He went around to the other side. After settling into the driver’s seat, he put his phone in the open section of the center console.
Bea remained baffled by the girl. “Did you see the way she looked at us? I feel like I’m her age again and just got caught making out with my boyfriend.”
“Teens are like that when it comes to PDA. Carly’s the same way.”
“So what will you tell her about us?” she asked.
“That depends on you. Do you want to wait a while before officially telling everyone about the baby?”
She pursed her lips, contemplating. “Maybe we should wait. It’s still early.”
“Okay, we wait.” Devin turned to look at her. “And what about us? Are we telling people that we’re seeing each other?”
“I guess there’s no point in hiding it. In fact, I think it would be impossible.”
He quirked a brow. “Why’s that?”
“Because when we’re together, we’re not exactly keeping our hands off of each other.”
“We’re not?” He reached over and took her hand, intertwining their fingers.
She laughed.
He angled more toward her. “But I’m confused. Why is not being able to keep our hands off of each other a bad thing?”
From the look in Devin’s eyes, he was far from confused, but Bea played along. “Because touching leads to kissing.”
“That’s just a theory.”
“No, it’s a fact.” Giving in to what she’d wanted to do since last night, Bea leaned in and pressed her mouth to his.
As Devin cupped her cheek, she parted her lips and the kiss deepened.
Just as she’d suspected, the simmering embers of desire from their first night hadn’t completely died away. A part of her crossed her fingers and toes, hoping their connection would only grow stronger. But practicality needled that hope. They would also face trials along the way.
The rattling of his phone buzzing in the console broke into the moment, and they eased out of the kiss.
Devin grabbed his phone, and as he checked the screen his expression sobered. “Damn,” he whispered. “She already knows.”
“She?” Bea glanced at his phone, then him. “You mean your ex-wife?”
Devin’s jaw angled as another text came in. “No... Carly.”
Chapter Fourteen
“So it’s true?” Lauren’s voice rose an octave. “What happened to our agreement about letting the other know about major changes in our lives?”
Devin took several steps toward the cluster of bushes on the back wall behind Lauren’s house. She followed him.
They were yards past the deck and screened-in pool, but the window in Carly’s room upstairs faced the backyard. She’d been in her room since hearing about Bea and the baby. And, not surprisingly, she was upset about what she’d found out.
Michaela and the damn pizza oven had struck again. Carly had been over at her friend’s house when Michaela’s older sister, Emma, had spilled the news. The same Emma who’d brought Francis to the outdoor play area and delivered the leash to him and Bea at the truck. She’d witnessed them together and overheard them talking about the baby.
Devin modulated his voice. “I didn’t intentionally break our agreement. My relationship with Bea happened recently.”
“And the two of you decided to have a baby already.”
During the subsequent pause, as Lauren looked at his face, her eyes widened. “It wasn’t planned? Well, that’s definitely going to spice up the next birds-and-bees conversation I have with Carly. The good thing is you probably made the conversation about telling her she’s moving to Corpus Christi a lot easier.”
“Moving?” He worked to control his tone. “That’s something we’re still discussing with the mediator on Monday.”
“Seriously? The main reason our marriage ended was because our relationship fell second or third to everything else. Do you really think you can balance having a baby, being the primary co-parent of our daughter, and running the newspaper?”
The main reason? Devin struggled to get past Lauren’s claim about what had caused their marriage to collapse. They’d grown apart. At least that was how he saw it. But debating their points of view on why they’d divorced wouldn’t change anything.
“I can’t undo the past. But I can and will build a future that includes Carly, Bea, and the child she and I are having together.”
As Lauren shook her head, exasperation filled her face. She opened her mouth to speak, then she shut it. “There’s no point in discussing it now.” She pointed to the house. “What are you going to tell our daughter?”
“The truth.”
“If telling her the truth doesn’t work, you’re about to have an interesting week,” Lauren told him. “I have to go to Corpus Christi for a meeting. I leave on Tuesday, and she’s all yours until after her event on Saturday.”
“What event?” he asked.
“The school fundraiser. I sent you the text the other day.”
“Right. I’ll handle it.” Somehow he’d missed it. He’d search through his messages when he got home. But first he needed to straighten things out with his daughter.
