“Oh hell. I’m sorry, man. That must be incredibly hard to have Eden in your house. Does Doc know?”
“No, you’re the first person I’ve told, and I want it to stay between us. I don’t want to be seen as the guy who was cheated on.” How crazy was it that somehow her cheating made him feel inadequate? It didn’t matter how many times he tried to convince himself that he’d been enough, the fact that she’d gone looking for something else, somewhere else, meant he hadn’t been.
“I’m not saying a word. All I’m going to do is caution you. Don’t make Eden pay for Sarah’s sins. Things aren’t always how our minds spin them. There are a lot of reasons she could be pregnant and alone.”
“Enlighten me.”
Luke thought for a second. “Maybe she wants to be a single mother.”
“Nope. I don’t believe that for a second.”
“Maybe she bats for the other team and bought swimmies at the local sperm bank.”
“Unlikely. She doesn’t seem like the type who would have that kind of money. It’s not like she’s pushing the edge of her biological clock. She’s twenty-eight.”
“She could be a widow, or an abuse victim. It could have been a one-night stand. Who knows, maybe she is running away or keeping the baby from its father, but there would be a reason, and don’t you think you should find out before you rush to judgment?”
He had a point. “You’re right.” He pulled in the parking lot where they did their bulk shopping. He didn’t have Eden’s trust because he hadn’t earned it, but he would. Something told him she needed someone to count on and while he wasn’t sure he was that person, he’d have to be until she found another more qualified.
The first place he headed was to the candy aisle where he found a case of her favorites. Yep, he’d earn Eden’s trust one pink and white candy at a time.
Chapter Thirteen
Eden
Thomas called yesterday afternoon and told her they had been asked to help with an out of control fire on the other side of the mountain so he wouldn’t be home. While he owed her no excuses for his whereabouts, she was appreciative that he kept her in the loop.
The day alone gave her time to think about her situation and get used to her surroundings. Thomas’s house was pure man. Everything was black, gray and white. There wasn’t the slightest bit of color except for his underwear and T-shirts piled in the corner of his room. Those were pink.
She’d carelessly run a red sweater with her whites not too long ago, so she knew exactly what to do and had the product she needed to fix the problem.
Since today was her first day at her new job, she’d risen early, threw in a load of wash in hopes that Thomas wouldn’t be upset with her for touching his belongings, and sat down for a cup of decaf coffee. Oh, how she looked forward to the day when she could have a double shot latte.
A quick thump to her ribcage reminded her that while she felt alone, she wasn’t alone. “Hey, little one. Are you happy?”
A lump stuck in her throat. She was bringing a child into this world. He or she should have parents that were over the moon about the arrival and yet the only one excited was her. She had to admit that she dreamed on more than one occasion about how it would feel to be able to keep the baby. She always consoled herself that she’d be a huge part of its life.
Thinking that she would have to turn her baby over to a stranger made her heart ache.
“Damn you, Suzanne.”
Her mother had warned her. She’d told her that Suzanne wasn’t ready to be a parent, but Eden thought at forty years old, her sister couldn’t wait much longer if she wanted a child. Brady seemed to be on board but in hindsight, he gave Suzanne whatever she wanted just to shut her up. No wonder their marriage fell apart. It was never a compromise. The poor man didn’t stand a chance when her sister set her eyes on him. She was like a bulldozer and everyone around her like hot tar. She ran them over and pressed them into place.
All those years she’d looked up to her. Hell, she wanted to be her. Wanted to be seen by her. Now she never wanted to see her again.
Eden put her empty coffee mug in the dishwasher and picked up her purse before she headed out the door. Her plan was to stop by Doc Parker’s for a blood pressure check before she started her new job.
She’d barely made it to the sidewalk when she saw the old man across the street heading for her.
“Hey there.” He shuffled forward and crossed the street. “I’m Peter Larkin and you must be new in town.”
She smiled. Mr. Larkin reminded her of her neighbor Mr. Schubert. She never thought she’d miss him, but he always had something nice to say. On occasion, he had a few not so nice things to say as well. Like when Mrs. Goff was making corned beef and cabbage and he swore it smelled like sewage.
“Yes, I’m …” What did she say? That she was depending on the kindness of strangers because she’d made a bad choice? Having this baby wasn’t a bad choice, it was simply an uneducated choice. Or a choice made without thoroughly weighing the outcome. “I’m passing through.”
He looked over her shoulder to Thomas’s house. “Is he the father?”
She shook her head. “No, he isn’t.”
Mr. Larkin’s face pruned up. “Well damn, I thought maybe he’d been hiding you all along. You could do worse than Thomas.”
“I’d give up a career in sales if that’s your pitch.”
“He’s a good lad.”
“I keep hearing that, and I’d agree. He’s a good man.” Or so she imagined since he’d taken her in without so much as a blink. “I’ve got to go. I’m starting a new job at the vet clinic.”
He patted her back. “Good for you.” Like everyone else, his eyes lowered to her stomach. “You got everything you need for that baby?”
She swallowed the lump in her throat. She wasn’t ready to share her story. There was a level of embarrassment that came along with her situation. How had she judged someone so wrongly? How had she brought a child into this world without a solid plan? She reminded herself that she’d had a plan, but that had fallen through, and now she needed a different one.
“I’m getting it all together.”
“Good to hear. I could rummage up a few things if you want some help. Just let me know what you’re looking for. I have two bad habits. Loose women and garage sales.”
She walked away laughing.
Agatha was standing behind the counter when she arrived. “Head on back, Eden. Lydia is already here. She can square you away.”
She scanned the candy selection before she ventured back. If she was going to get her sugar fix it would have to be with an alternative or maybe she’d give up the habit altogether. The little one gave her a knee buckling kick. “I agree. What’s life without an indulgence?”
Lydia saw her coming and ushered her straight into the exam room.
“How are you feeling today?”
“Feeling good and relieved.” She’d called her aunt the day she got stranded in Aspen Cove and found out the storm was expected sooner. This morning she’d received a text. “Turns out my body stress was a blessing in disguise. I was heading to my aunt’s in Alaska and an early storm hit. Enough snowfall to require chains.”
“Wow, that is early. We probably won’t see snow until October.”
She slid onto the exam table and Doctor Covington took her blood pressure. “Looks a little better but it’s not in the normal range yet. Your urine sample was fine. Are you under a lot of stress?”
She had been certain that Doc had told everyone her story. Hell, she’d let it all gush out of her like a geyser, but apparently, he took his oath of confidentiality to heart.
“I am. It’s been an interesting few weeks.” Her throat tightened and she was certain the tears would start any minute if she didn’t get her emotions under control. “My life has taken a sharp detour.”
Lydia laughed. “Oh, I know that detour. You know that story about how you have a path planned? Maybe you’re going to Pari
s and then all of a sudden you end up in Singapore? Aspen Cove is my Singapore. I never expected to land here, but I did, and it’s better than Paris could have been.”
Lydia gave her the short version of her story about a cheating boyfriend, a lost job, and a goal that didn’t meet her dreams once she’d met Wes. “I believe the universe has a plan for all of us.” She helped Eden off the exam table. “I’d say Alaska wasn’t in your plans.”
She had a half hour before she was due at the vet clinic, so she popped into the bakery. Opening the door was like entering paradise.
“Mornin’,” a little blonde said from behind the counter. “You must be Eden.”
“I am.”
“We have a muffin schedule here. Today is carrot cake Monday, but I also have cookies and brownies.”
“A muffin would be great.”
“I’m Katie.” She pointed to a table underneath the wishing wall corkboard. “First muffin is on the house.”
“I can pay for it.” She rummaged through her purse for the wad of ones she had from her last shift at Rocco’s.
“Nonsense. I give away more muffins than I sell.” She pointed to the two boxes on the counter. “Those are for the fire department and the police department. Someone comes by each morning to pick them up.” She plated a muffin and brought it around to where Eden had taken a seat.
“Thank you.”
Katie plopped into the chair across from her. “Tell me about you?”
“Not much to tell. I’m Eden Webster. I’m a waitress usually, but today I’m starting a new job at the vet clinic.”
“That Charlie is amazing. Not only does she take care of the town’s animals, but I swear she’s a dog whisperer. She whipped my Lab into shape. I wrote a wish on the board and the next day she was at my house.”
“So you’re a baker and a wish maker.”
Katie looked up to the cork board. “It started out as something fun, but I’ve found out that around here, wishes do come true.” She peeled a sticky note from the board and handed her a pen. “Give it a try. You never know what might happen.” She hopped up. “I’ll be in the back if you need me. Welcome to Aspen Cove, Eden.”
She stared at the yellow piece of paper. She had a thousand and one wishes but her biggest wasn’t for herself. All she wanted was for everything to work out for her baby, so she scribbled down a note to that effect and pinned it to the wall.
She finished her muffin and walked outside. Her heart rate picked up the nearer she got to the vet clinic. Anything that was new was stressing. She only hoped that it didn’t adversely affect the baby. Considering her options, starving was a far worse fate than a sore back and sore feet.
Charlie was behind the counter when she arrived. Next to her was a handsome man and the twin’s stroller.
“Hey, Eden. This is my husband Trig.”
She looked at the couple with envy. There were couples who at once glance she knew were in love and Trig and Charlie had that glow about them despite the arrival of twins and no doubt their lack of sleep.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Better to meet you,” he said in a deep baritone voice. “You have no idea how grateful we are that you showed up in town.” He leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek and rolled the babies out the door.
“You guys are so cute together.”
“He’s pretty damn awesome.”
“Have you been married long?”
Charlie chuckled. “Under a year. Funny thing was I didn’t know if I loved him or loathed him until I almost lost him.” She explained how Trig had lost the lower part of his leg in the war and got an infection that almost killed him. “It’s funny how it comes down to the simplest things. In the end, life isn’t all that complicated. We just make it that way.”
Something about that statement threaded its way through Eden. Could her life be as simple as she wished it to be? The bigger question was, would she hate herself if she gave up the baby or hate herself more if she kept it and proved to be an inadequate mother?
The next two hours were spent learning the scheduling system. She paid close attention to her new boss, but her mind kept returning to her situation. Her life was complicated, but did it have to be?
Once her shift was complete, she walked into the corner store. Thomas had texted her to let her know he’d be returning to his home around six. He didn’t want to startle her. Again, he owed her nothing and yet he kept her informed. That was not only thoughtful, but it gave her an idea of how to pay him back for some of his kindness.
Chapter Fourteen
Thomas
Basil and oregano scented the air. Had he entered the wrong house? Thomas walked into the living room to find the books on his coffee table stacked, his remote controls laid out in order of size and the blanket and pillow he’d used the last night he slept there tucked into the corner out of the way.
The soft sound of music blended with the aroma of Italian cooking. Like a hook on a line, she reeled him in.
Unaware of his presence, she swayed to the music playing from her phone. An older song from the seventies or eighties about a lonely boy.
He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe and waited for her to notice she wasn’t alone. While she danced and sang and stirred, he considered her plight and his own.
This exact scenario was his years ago. He’d come home and find Sarah in the kitchen. She never sang, but she danced from appliance to appliance until she’d twirl around and find him staring.
Those stares always got him in trouble because Sarah, like many women, had an increased libido while pregnant. Not that he minded. How many lunches had he come home for and never eaten a bite?
“Do you think Thomas will like this?” Her head fell, her hair, no doubt, creating a curtain in front of her face. “I don’t want to overstep our boundaries, but he’s been so kind.”
He didn’t want to get caught eavesdropping, so he stepped back a few feet trying to escape without notice but his stomach growled, and she whipped around to face him.
“Hey, Eden.” He made his way into the kitchen, dropped his to-go coffee cup into the sink, and leaned on the counter. He pretended like he hadn’t been staring at her for minutes. “That smells great. What are you cooking?”
Over her shoulder, a bubbly cauldron of pasta sauce simmered.
Her brown eyes stared into his. “I hope you don’t mind, but I made you dinner. Once you said you’d be home, I imagined you’d be tired.”
“I’m beat.”
“Was the fire awful?”
He leaned against the sink. Was this how life was supposed to be? Exchanging pleasant conversation and coming home to a pot full of happiness and a woman whose smile shone brighter than the sun?
“All fires are awful.”
She nodded. “You’re right. How silly of me. It was a stupid thing to ask.” Before his eyes, the dancing singing girl he’d spied on disappeared and an awkwardness floated like acrid smoke through the air. He had to fix this and fast.
“I like that you asked,” he blurted. “All I meant was I’ve met few fires that weren’t awful except for campfires with marshmallows and ghost stories.” He moved toward her. “Mind if I taste it?”
Her soft, pink lips lifted into a smile. “That would be great. You can tell me if you want more spices added.” Back came the brightness in her voice.
The spoon came out of the pan with a coating of red sauce and a chunk of ground beef cradled in the curve. She lifted it to his lips and waited while he blew on it to cool it down. His mouth wrapped around the edge of the spoon and his taste buds danced in delight as the tomato sauce coated his tongue.
“That’s amazing.”
She bloomed under his praise. Made him think that she didn’t hear positive things often enough.
“I’m so glad. I wanted to make you dinner as a thank you for being so kind to me and the baby.”
His eyes dropped to her stomach. “Should you be on your feet?”
Her head bobbed up and down. “Exercise is good. I walked to Main Street today. Doctor Lydia checked my blood pressure, and I met Katie at the bakery who gave me a carrot cake muffin.” She bit her lip and stepped back to put the spoon down. “I went to work.”
His head tipped sideways. “You went to work?” The woman in front of him was a mystery. Sarah hit four months along and she quit her job. In hindsight, it wasn’t because she couldn’t work but because she’d started showing.
“Yes, Charlie Whatley gave me a job.”
His eyes narrowed. “Should you be working? I mean, you’re almost due and your blood pressure isn’t the best or is it?” Hope lifted the tone of his voice.
She moved around him to the sink, where she washed off the spoon. “It’s still high, but the job only requires I answer phones and make appointments. Charlie gave me a comfy chair.”
His concern was unfounded. She wasn’t his to care for. Then again, where were the people that should be caring for her?
“Do you have family nearby?” He moved beside her to twist the cap off his cup and rinse it out.
She took a lot longer than needed to answer that question. It was the kind of pause that made him consider the validity of the answer she’d give him.
“My mother is a phone call away and a few thousand miles. She’s in Japan with my stepfather.”
That was believable. “What about sisters or brothers or aunts and uncles?”
She turned around and readied the spaghetti for the water that had come to a boil. “My aunt is in Alaska and my grandparents have passed.”
She avoided the talk of siblings, which meant she had them and didn’t want to talk about them, or she was an only child. He wouldn’t press her for details.
“Fair enough. It’s too bad you don’t have someone to count on who’s nearby.”
Her shoulders dropped like the air was let out of her. Had he caused that reaction?
One Hundred Goodbyes (An Aspen Cove Romance Book 9) Page 9