I shuddered. “I would hate to think a judge would ever rule in her favor.”
“You and me both. So what are you going to do?” she asked.
I shrugged my shoulders. “I’m going to do my best to protect my son, even if I have to protect him from his father.”
“I know that feeling,” she said. “It’s a hard place to be. I hope Andrew turns out to be like Easton.”
“Me, too,” I whispered. I hoped Andrew was as good as a father and person as Easton.
“Trust your instincts. You’re a good mother. You’ll know what to do.”
I reached over and hugged my friend. “Thanks, Taylor. Sorry to lay all this on you. I know I don’t need to say this, but please keep this quiet. You can tell Easton, though. In fact, if he has any advice, I’ll take it.”
“I’ll see what he has to say and let you know. We won’t say a word.”
I left my friend’s office feeling, I don’t know if “better” was the word, but it always helped to know you had friends.
With Andrew somewhat out of the way for the week, it let me focus on Halloween and the myriad of other things I had been neglecting since he had come in and steamrolled over my life. First up was the annual trunk-or-treat. We didn’t live in a neighborhood conducive to trick-or-treating, so we were going to participate in our church’s trunk-or-treat. Talking to Taylor gave me an idea about how we could decorate our trunk. I hadn’t had the mental capacity to think about it up until now, and I thought, what if we did a Christmas-themed trunk? It would be unique, and I already had the decorations.
Once I got going on it, I went a little overboard. I thought it would be clever to wrap the full-sized candy bars we were giving away in Christmas wrapping paper.
It entertained Andrew, at least, when he called me from Chicago. “Why are you individually wrapping one hundred candy bars?”
“Because it adds to the whole theme. It’s the little touches that matter.”
He laughed at me. “I don’t think the kids will care.”
“Maybe not, but the judges will. And our son thinks it’s pretty cool.”
“I like it when you say our son.”
Did I say that? It was weird how I thought like that now. “Well, I suppose it’s true,” I sighed. “Unless you’re still thinking we don’t know yet for sure.”
“Rachel Laine, one thing I promise you in all of this, if somehow it comes out—though I know it won’t—I would never deny him being my son, test or no test.”
I set down the wrapping paper and lay back on my bed. “I hope you’re telling the truth, because that would kill him … and me. And then I would have to kill you.”
He didn’t laugh like I thought he would. “I would expect nothing less of you, but I’m not going to hurt him or you.”
Insert another long sigh from me. I really wanted to believe him.
“Enough of this serious stuff. We don’t need to worry about it. Tell me what you’re wearing.”
I laughed, like almost giggled. Where did that come from? “Why do we always end up having absurd conversations?”
“Absurd? I’m trying to get to know the mother of my child.”
“And how does knowing that I’m wearing pajamas help you?”
“Pajamas, huh? Well, the fact you’re wearing pajamas versus, let’s say, a nightshirt or nighty, says a lot about you.”
“Really, Dr. Phil? Enlighten me.”
There was his laugh. “I’m way better looking than Dr. Phil.”
That I would give him. “Agreed.”
“Really?”
“Moving on …”
“Okay, back to the pajamas. Moms wear pajamas.”
“You already know I’m a mom.”
“The best one I know, besides my own of course.”
I rolled my eyes even though he couldn’t see me. “Thanks, Andrew.”
“I mean it, but you didn’t let me finish. I’m going to dazzle you with more of my insights.”
“By all means, dazzle me.”
“I bet you wear satin pajamas.”
I ran my hand across my mid-section, and it glided across satin.
“And they’re a feminine color, like pink.”
“I think fuchsia is more appropriate.”
“I like fuchsia. I also bet you have your hair pulled up in some sort of bun.”
I reached up and touched my messy bun. And for some reason, I bit my lip like I was nervous.
“And now you’re wondering how I know this.” He paused.
I didn’t say a word. I was stunned, and I had an unusual sensation in the pit of my stomach.
“You see, you may think of yourself as only a mom. But despite your attempts to hide it, you’re also a woman, a very beautiful woman.”
“Um … I …”
“Goodnight, Rachel Laine.”
I was waiting for his teasing laugh, but it never came. It had me feeling unbalanced. “Goodnight,” I replied, quiet as a mouse.
I was pretty sure that was the most absurd conversation we’d had to date.
~*~
As I got ready the next morning, I took the time to study myself in the mirror. I thought maybe Andrew was right—not about the very beautiful part—but that I had really quit looking at myself as a woman. My whole identity was wrapped around being Drew’s mom. That wasn’t a complaint—it was the best title ever—but I decided that maybe I could take a little more time with my hair and make-up, and maybe I could spruce up my wardrobe a bit.
Friday rolled around, and Drew and I were ready to win the trunk-or-treat contest. I made the trunk look like Christmas morning, right down to a Christmas tree, wrapped presents, and stockings that hung from the hatch. I topped it off with some Christmas music, hot chocolate, and individually wrapped candy bars. I also bought a cute little elf costume for myself. I definitely didn’t look like a mom in it. Drew went as Captain America. I tried to get him to be an elf, or maybe even Santa, but to him, that was totally un-cool. Andrew agreed.
Andrew was hoping to convince him to go as a Bears player. Drew didn’t jump at that idea, to my relief. People would have known for sure something was off if he was dressed like a baseball player. Everyone knew I had an aversion to the sport.
Andrew called me before we left for the event. “I wish I could be there tonight.” He was stuck at the airport in Chicago waiting for his flight. He sounded bummed. The Bears had lost by one point the night before. The series was over and the Spartans were the victors.
“I’m sorry the Bears lost.”
“I’ll get over it, but take some pictures of Drew tonight for me.”
“I suppose I can manage that.”
“Thanks. I’ve missed him this week.”
“He’s missed you, too.” I was reluctant to admit it, but it was true.
“What’s not to miss?”
“Do you want a list?”
“Ouch, that hurts.”
I laughed. I knew his ego could sustain the blow.
“Can I come up tomorrow?”
“I thought you were meeting with your party.”
They were having a nasty fight in his district. The current representative decided not to resign over the corruption charges, so now they’d have to go through a recall process. Once that was over with, and depending on the outcome, there would be a special election, which meant Andrew would have to run against others if he wanted to be chosen as the candidate for his party. If the current guy would only resign, Andrew could just apply and his party could decide. It could be over and done within thirty days. Now it could be months. I tried not to think about it. This whole situation was a landmine waiting to be detonated.
“I can meet with them Sunday morning. I really want to see Drew. And I wouldn’t mind seeing his mother, too.”
“Oh … well, I have plans for tomorrow.”
“Like a date?” He sounded worried.
“No.” I laughed. “Why is the word plans synonymous with date for you
?”
“So what are your plans?” He skipped right over my question.
“Well, if you must know, my dad and I will be in Denver for the day at a class we need to keep up our licenses.” It was the last class I needed for the year, and it was perfect timing since Drew had a bye week before his championship game the following week.
“Who’s Drew staying with?”
“I hired a babysitter.” My mom was coming with us, too, so she could visit with an old friend.
“Oh.”
“Sorry. I didn’t know.”
“Well, what if I kept Drew tomorrow?”
I sat down on the couch and blew out a huge breath. I temporarily lost all my senses.
“Rachel? … Rachel Laine?”
“Uh … I’m here.”
“Please?”
“I mean … I don’t know what I mean.”
“Don’t you trust me?”
“It’s not that … but, I haven’t even known you a month. I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”
“Rachel, he’s my son. I would never do anything to hurt him. And I’m hoping when my campaign is over, you’ll let him stay with me sometimes, like on the weekends.”
I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I needed a paper bag. My mom was right, I was terrible at sharing. I didn’t want to share Drew. It was one thing when Andrew was here with us, but this? Yes, I figured it was coming, but I wasn’t ready yet.
“Rachel, are you okay?”
“No,” I cried.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked you this over the phone.”
I sat there and sniffled into the phone. I felt so foolish for crying in front of him.
“Rachel, please don’t cry. We’ll work this all out, but please, can I be the one to watch him tomorrow?”
“Okay …” I eked out.
“What time should I be there?”
“Seven.”
“Perfect. I’ll see you then.”
He was wrong; this wasn’t perfect. Besides being unprepared for this turn of events, how was I going to explain to Maddie—Jessie and Blake’s daughter—that I didn’t need her help tomorrow without lying? I wished I had asked Taylor’s daughter, Ashley, instead. At least her parents knew what was going on. Andrew had no idea how complicated he was making my life.
Chapter Thirteen
The church parking lot was apparently the place to be. There were several cars lined up around the building, all with their trunks up and decorated. I checked out our competition as we drove around to find a spot to park. I thought we at least had a chance at winning best trunk. I saw some creative ones, like a pumpkin patch, Pac Man, and several Disney themes. No Christmas motifs, so at least we would be unique.
While I set up the trunk, Easton was kind enough to come and take Drew trunk-or-treating with Gage and Emmy so I could man my trunk. Taylor and Ashley were manning theirs. Taylor was handing out apples while Ashley handed out the real stuff. I admired Taylor’s healthy habits, but I wasn’t too sure how much the children would.
“Ready to load up?” Easton asked Drew.
Drew and Gage high-fived; I guess that was a yes.
“Thanks, Easton.”
“My pleasure.”
Once I had the hot chocolate ready on my portable folding table, I settled in my trunk with Christmas music, tree, and lights. It was cozy. I even had a large stocking filled with my wrapped candy. I was going all out. The hot chocolate was a big hit, as it was typical Colorado Halloween weather—cold. At least it hadn’t snowed this year.
I enjoyed seeing all of our friends we went to church with, and their costumes. I especially enjoyed when Jessie and Blake showed up. I couldn’t believe Jessie got Blake to dress up for Halloween. He didn’t look all that pleased about it, either. They did a family theme—Blake was dressed as a cowboy, Jessie as a cowgirl, and their little guy was the cutest cow ever.
“Bring him over here,” I called out to Jessie.
She glowed as she walked over with her little cow. It was his first Halloween. Blake followed begrudgingly. I think he was ready to be home, but wherever Jessie and his children were, that’s where you would find him nowadays.
I held out my hands to Tristan and he came right to me. I snuggled him close. “I can’t believe how big he’s getting.”
“He took his first steps today,” Jessie beamed.
“Now the real fun begins,” I warned his parents.
“He’s already into everything,” Jessie commented.
I looked down at Tristan, who was all smiles. He was such a happy little guy. “Are you a troublemaker, already?”
He smiled some more and showed off his new front teeth.
“He’s the cutest troublemaker ever,” Jessie answered.
I hugged him one more time before I reluctantly gave him up. He was making my biological clock go tick-tock. “Where’s Maddie?” I asked.
Blake looked around with a worried expression. His daughter was too beautiful for his own good.
“She’s hanging out with Ashley and Taylor,” Jessie said quickly to put her husband’s mind at ease.
“I hate to do this last minute, but I’ve had a change of plans for tomorrow and I won’t need her to babysit. I’ll still pay her though.”
Jessie gave me a look of interest. “You don’t need to pay her. Did you decide against going to your class?”
“No.” The unease of the situation crept up.
Jessie’s eyes narrowed. “Is everything all right?”
I sighed. “That’s a good question.”
“Well, I’m here if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Jessie. By the way, Blake, I would like to update the office, maybe do some remodeling in the foyer area.”
Blake looked relieved that I spoke his language. “Give me a call next week and I can come over and take a look, see what you have in mind.”
“Sounds good. Thanks.”
Blake reached for the baby and Jessie. He was beyond ready to go home. Jessie stared back at me as they walked off.
I turned my attention back to handing out candy. I hated that I felt like I was keeping secrets. Being private was one thing, but this felt different. And the deceit, unfortunately, continued. Cheyenne, who never came to anything church related, showed up. I wondered if she was intrigued with Aidan, the Pastor’s brother, or if it was the free candy. It was a toss-up with her.
My blonde bombshell friend came bounding over on a mission. She was dressed up like Cat Woman, and she filled the black, body-hugging suit to perfection. It struck me that she was the kind of woman that Andrew would probably be interested in. She reminded me of the women he had kissed at the game, maybe not as young, but definitely as gorgeous.
She sat next to me in my trunk, reached into my stocking, and grabbed a candy bar. “Rachel Laine, I thought we were friends?”
“We are, as far as I know.”
She nudged me with her shoulder. “Then why didn’t you tell me that Andrew Turner came to your office?”
Was he going to invade every part of my life? I took the safe route, or at least I thought it was safe. “I didn’t know you were still into him.”
Her incredulous stare told me she thought I was crazy. “I’m always keeping my options open. So is he moving up here or something?”
“How would I know?”
“Well, why else would he come to your office?”
“You know, I can’t really discuss any clients or potential clients.”
“Potential?” she purred.
I let her go with it.
“Well, if he ever comes in again, tell him he needs to call me. I gave him my number over the summer, and I’ve never heard from him.”
“I definitely will.” I was interested to see why he hadn’t called her.
Trunk-or-treat was fun. Drew got way too much candy, and we took second place in the trunk decorating contest behind the family that had literally transformed their car into a dragon. I couldn’t com
pete with that. Who had the time for that sort of thing?
By the time I got Drew to bed, I was exhausted, but I needed to make sure everything was in place for tomorrow. I couldn’t believe I was letting Andrew spend a day alone with Drew. My parents were less than impressed with the idea, but I was trying my best to make sure Andrew didn’t feel the need to get lawyers involved. Besides, Drew thought it was the best idea ever when I told him as I tucked him in.
I folded laundry while I listened to the late night news. I had been watching more and more news since Andrew entered the picture. His district was on every night. The media loved a scandal, and the current representative was giving them plenty to report. First it was alleged there was improper use of campaign funds. The newest twist involved an affair with a staffer. The evidence against him seemed damning, but he was holding his ground. I wanted to call him myself and beg him to resign and not force a special election. I also had a deep desire to call Andrew’s party and beg them not to choose Andrew as their candidate, but it sounded like he was a shoe-in if that’s how it fell. He had high electability. Not only had his dad left a legacy of being a favorite, Andrew was a hometown hero in Colorado.
While I folded and worried over events that weren’t in my control, I received a text.
Are you still up?
Yes.
My phone rang instantaneously. I answered it only to hear yawning. “It sounds like you should be sleeping, not calling me.”
“Probably, but I had to call to tell the mother of my son how surprised I am in her choice of costume.”
“How do you know what costume I wore?”
“Facebook.”
“We aren’t friends on Facebook.”
“True, but you don’t block your profile.”
“I will now. I didn’t know you were stalking me online.”
“I’m not stalking you, and please don’t block your profile yet. I like seeing your posts about Drew and I can’t friend you right now.”
“You know, I don’t like feeling like we are some back-room secret of yours.”
“Please, let’s not fight tonight, Rachel Laine. I only called to say that if all the elves dressed like that, Santa would never get any work done.”
“You’re an idiot.”
Rachel Laine (The Women of Merryton Book 3) Page 12