The Knight, the Waitress and the Toddler

by Arlene James

  “Here.” Ed leaned over the end of the couch and pulled up a bag crammed full of baby paraphernalia. Laurel sat down and laid Barry on the cushions. Talking and tickling, she got him undressed and changed. He alternated between laughing and crying, between jabbering incoherently and cramming his fist into his mouth.

  “He did that last night,” Edward commented.

  “Stick his fist in his mouth? Means he’s hungry, poor munchkin.”

  “No, I mean babbling.”

  “Oh. He’s been doing that for a while now. I think he knows exactly what’s he’s saying and doesn’t understand why we don’t.”

  “Really? Well, if that’s so, he’s sure got a lot to say.”

  “Of course,” she said. “He’s very bright.”

  Edward’s mustache twitched. “You just have to look at his hair to know that.”

  She shot him a withering look. “I mean that he’s very intelligent.”

  “Oh, well, of course. Goes without saying. Just last night we discussed Blackwell’s theory of common law, and he made quite an impassioned argument for infants’ rights.”

  Laurel put on a look of sheer horror. “Oh, no, not a budding lawyer!”

  He made a grimace. “Better than a comedian.”

  “You’re sure about that?”

  The banter died on the air between them. His brow furrowed. “Actually,” he said, “you have good reason to feel that way, and once I tell you just what I’ve done, you’ll probably have more.”

  She arched a brow at him. What he didn’t know, what she had held inside for some time now was that she couldn’t help forgiving him whatever he might do. Quietly, her gaze on Barry, she said, “You brought my son back to me. Everything else pales in comparison to that.”

  “You won’t think so when you understand that it was my fault he was taken to begin with,” he said quietly.

  Laurel cocked her head. “What do you mean?”

  He lifted his gaze then, and she read apology and regret there. He licked his lips. “Bryce found out about him from me.”

  That seemed so unlikely that for a moment she merely blinked at him. “I don’t understand.”

  “I came over to the apartment,” he said rather harshly. “I wanted to talk to you, to apologize again. Your window was open. I heard Barry calling you Mama. I finally put two and two together….”

  “I should’ve told you,” she said regretfully. “I meant to, but I kept putting it off, and then it didn’t seem important anymore.”

  “Yeah,” he rumbled, “and that was my fault, too.”

  “Let’s forget about that,” she said quickly. “I probably overreacted anyway.”

  “No, you didn’t,” he said on a sigh, “and you may never speak to me again when I’ve told you the whole of it.”

  “I doubt that,” she said lightly, pulling Barry onto her lap and smoothing down his hair, only to watch it rise again with a will of its own.

  Edward put his hands to his hips and swallowed, obviously working up his courage. “I don’t know what happened to me,” he said hesitantly. “When I realized that Barry belonged to you, all I could think was…” He closed his eyes. “I don’t know what I was thinking. The most important question seemed to be who the father was. I figured it was either Bryce or some other guy you hadn’t told me about and—I don’t know, I kind of lost it. I went right to Bryce and asked him. It was obvious that he didn’t know anything about it. So I…” He gulped. “I went to Danny Hardacre.”

  She had been carefully taking it all in. Now she carefully, methodically thought it all over and drew some conclusions. “Danny told you about Avon.”

  “Yes, and that was when I realized what I’d done, and I actually went back to the apartment to explain and warn you, but you were asleep, and I figured it could wait until morning. I left a note in the door asking you to call me.”

  “I didn’t see it,” she said. “I guess it got blown away.”

  “Still, I should have followed up. Even if you didn’t want to talk to me, I should have made you listen. I should have realized that Bryce would figure it out and call Kennison.”

  “Then it was Kennison who put him up to taking the baby?”

  Ed nodded. “It’s what I would have done—did do, in fact, when it was Parker and Darla. That way, he’d have physical custody. You’d have to sue him, instead of vice versa. It’s the stronger position. Bryce went too far, though, forcing his way in and laying hands on you.”

  “Do you think he’ll sue for custody now?”

  He looked her square in the eye. “I don’t doubt it. Kennison will see to it. It’s their biggest gun, Laurel. They’ll threaten to use what they’ve got to prove your incompetence and Bryce’s blood relationship to get you to drop your action for control of your inheritance.”

  “And it’ll work,” Laurel said softly, hugging Barry to her. “It’s been my biggest fear all along. Even with Avon’s written preference, I don’t see how I can win. I’ve given them too much ammunition and—”

  Ed snapped his fingers. “Holy cow, I forgot about that letter!”

  “Is it that important?” she asked, her eyes wide.

  “Sweetheart, it’s our ace in the hole, especially since she men tions the benefits of that life insurance policy.”

  “What difference does that make?”

  “The difference it makes,” he told her, “is that it constitutes a last will and testament, which makes it a valid court document in Texas. Handwritten wills are almost ironclad in this state, especially if they’re notarized.”

  “This one wasn’t”

  “It’s still valid,” he stated flatly, “and we’ve got to go after it. I won’t rest easy until I have it in hand.”

  She looked down at the baby, who was beginning to fuss again and squirm around. “Suppose it’d be all right if I scrambled an egg for the baby?”

  “Sure. In fact, I’ll do it, if you want.”

  “You could start it, if you don’t mind, while I jump into some clothes.”

  “No problem, give me a sec to wash up.”

  She nodded and concentrated on the baby as Ed disappeared into the powder room. She poured some medicine down Barry while Edward took care of his most immediate needs. The poor little tyke was so hungry, he smacked his lips together in anticipation of more. Digging around in the diaper bag, she found a plastic margarine tub that she had packed with dry cereal for the baby-sitter to give Barry as a snack. She fed the teeny balls of corn to him one at a time, much to his frustration.

  Edward returned a few moments later and picked up Barry and the cereal tub to carry them into the kitchen. Laurel hurried back to her room to dig through the things he’d brought her and find what she needed. It took longer than she wanted, but finally she was dressed in jeans and a tank top, her hair combed, her teeth brushed, her feet encased in her sneakers. By the time she got to the kitchen, Barry had downed the scrambled egg and was trying out his first bowl of cereal with milk. Edward had him sitting in the middle of the table, a dish towel tied around his neck, and was spooning the mixture into his mouth, the milk running out the corners more often than not, much to Barry’s delight. He somehow managed to chew and jabber and at the same time, keep his mouth open for more. Laurel laughed to see the two of them like that. Edward looked up.

  “What? Am I doing it all wrong?”

  “You’re doing just fine,” she told him, folding her arms and leaning back against the counter. He kept it up until Barry turned his head away, full to his ears, and reached for his mother. Laurel swung him onto her hip, dabbed at his face with the dish towel, took it off him, rinsed it in the sink and folded it, all with one hand. When she turned back to Edward, it was to find him finishing up Barry’s cereal. Something about that, the intimacy and acceptance of it, tugged at her heartstrings. She swallowed a lump in her throat and said, “You must be hungry, too. Shall I fix you something?”

  He shook his head and rose to put the empty bowl in the s
ink. “I’ll keep. Let’s get after that document.”

  Laurel nodded. Together they started for the front door. “Should we leave a note for the Sugarmans?”

  “Naw, if we hurry we can be back before they get up. They sleep in mornings when Kendra has a late shift”

  In the entry way, Laurel paused. “We need Barry’s safety seat”

  “It’s already in the car,” he said, opening the door.

  They went out into brilliant sunshine. Barry hid his face against Laurel’s breast until she handed him into the back seat of the car. Ed took him, put him in his seat, fastened the belt clip and patted him on the head before backing out and closing the door. Barry put his fingers in his mouth and began to swing one foot as if patiently waiting for the parade to begin. They got in and fastened their belts. Edward slid the key into the ignition switch, then paused. He let his hand fall away from the key and leaned back, turning his head to look at Laurel.

  “You’re not upset with me,” he said finally, and she knew it was as much question as statement. She shook her head.

  “No.”

  “Why not?”

  She felt the smile that tipped up her lips and lifted a finger to the place where it still pulled a little. She dropped her hand to her lap and lifted her chin, announcing, “Because you were jealous.”

  His eyes held hers for a long time, and then he reached out and clamped a hand around the nape of her neck, pulling her toward him. His mouth covered hers, sliding away from the corner where that little split was. He kept it light, flicking his tongue against the whole corner of her mouth, nipping at the underside of her upper lip with the edges of his teeth. Finally he sighed, slid his hand through her hair and sat back. She rubbed a hand over her chin and cheek and, smiling, said, “You need a shave.”

  He started the car and put it in reverse, then scraped his fingernails over his chin and throat, grinning at the resulting rasp. “What, this? This is just a little morning shadow. Give it a few days and see what you think then.”

  “I’ll think you need a shave!” she said.

  “Bad enough to shave me yourself?” he asked innocently, but the twinkle in his eye gave him away.

  She laughed. “We’ll see.”

  He winked, grinning, and started them on their way.

  He carried his briefcase upstairs, pausing with her to tell the baby-sitter that Barry wouldn’t be staying with her today. The pleasant woman made a big fuss about Laurel’s bruises, which seemed to embarrass Laurel, and exclaimed her delight at knowing Barry was back where he belonged. At her prompting, Barry gave Libby Martinez messy, openmouthed kisses readily enough but held on tight to his mother’s neck. Assured that he wasn’t going to be dropped off, he relaxed and waved bye-bye as they climbed the remaining stairs to Laurel’s apartment.

  Laurel took a look around at the clutter that first Bryce had strewn about and then he and Parker and said, “Heavens, it’ll take hours to straighten this place.”

  Ed ducked his head apologetically. “Sorry, but we deal with this later. Right now just gather up whatever you think you’ll need for the next few days.”

  “Why?” she asked in surprise.

  “You can’t stay here alone. It’s not safe.”

  She bit her lip, thinking. “Fancy will put us up a few days.”

  “Will Fancy defend you against Bryce Miller if he comes around?”

  She shot him an almost amused look. “Fancy will put a bullet in him.”

  “Oh, that’s all we need,” he said. “Bad enough I punched out his lights last night.”

  She smiled. “I assumed as much.”

  He shrugged. “Not the smartest move I’ve ever made—but I’d do it again.”

  Suddenly her brow furrowed. “Edward, you aren’t in trouble, are you?”

  He grimaced and slid an arm around her. “I figure we’ll trade off assault charges,” he said, “though I’d rather not. The rat ought to pay for what he did to you.” He slid a thumb over the discoloration on her cheek. It wasn’t as livid as he’d feared it would be, but it still made him want to make macaroni out of Bryce Miller.

  She closed a fist in the back of his shirt, saying, “You can’t go to jail, Ed. I won’t let you. I need you too much.”

  He couldn’t help that his smile was a little smug. “I know. That’s the only reason I’ll agree to the trade-off, but I’m going to make the son of a…I’ll make him sweat over it first.”

  To his absolute delight, she laid her head against his chest. Barry mimicked her, doing the same but turning his face up to gaze at him with those big golden, trusting eyes. Ed’s throat closed. Laurel said, “Don’t put yourself at risk, please.”

  He wrapped his arms around them, thinking that he had too much to protect now to take chances. After some time, he cleared his throat and said, “Listen, I have an extra room. I want you two to stay at my place.”

  She pulled back in apparent shock. “We can’t stay with you!”

  “Why not?”

  She stepped back, a hand going to her head as if he’d thrown her thoughts into a jumble. She looked around at her things, muttering, “We can’t impose like that”

  He made an impatient sound. “I won’t rest for a single moment if I don’t know you’re somewhere safe. Where safer than with me?”

  Her face was full of dismay. “Edward, I can’t’.”

  “Why not?” She turned away, but he followed, pressing her. “Give me one reason why not” She shook her head. “Laurel, I owe you this much.”

  “No!”

  He turned her to face him. “Please, Laurel, it’s the best answer for all of us. I want you near. I have to know the two of you are safe and together. Why not do it? Why not?”

  She lifted tear-filled eyes to him. Her bottom lip quivered, and she whispered, “Edward, I’m already more than half in love with you. If I move in with you now, I’ll—”

  He didn’t let her finish. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her for all she was worth, ever mindful of that tear in the corner of her lip. He felt like shouting, like singing, like weeping. He broke apart their mouths finally, saying, “I’m not taking no for an answer.”

  She nodded, and he snatched Barry out of her arms and tossed him lightly into the air, catching him again with ease. Barry looked shocked, even a little frightened. Then he grinned and tried to throw himself up again. Laughing, Edward indulged him, stopping only because Laurel gasped and put a hand over her mouth to keep from ordering him to stop. He knew she didn’t want to be overprotective or make him think she didn’t trust him with this sort of thing.

  “Get the letter,” he said, parking Barry on his shoulder, where he promptly filled both hands with hair, holding on so tight that Ed could feel his scalp separating from his skull.

  Laurel turned away to rummage in the overstuffed closet, coming out again with a blue baby book, which she quickly flipped through until she found the letter stuck behind some photos. Unfolding it, she set the book aside then came to hand the letter to Edward. He read it over, well satisfied with the contents. It was even dated. Barry had incrementally loosened his hold on Edward’s hair while this was going on, so it was no problem to hand him down to his mother while he placed the letter in his briefcase for safekeeping.

  That done, he asked what she wanted to take with her. She grabbed the blue book then looked at the crib.

  “Think we could take his bed? He’d sleep better nights.”

  Ed walked over and took a look. “Got a screwdriver? I think I can remove a few screws and break it down in parts small enough to get into the trunk of the car.”

  She dug through a drawer in the minuscule kitchen and came up with a small screwdriver. He went to work. She sat down in the rocker to play with Barry. After a bit she said, “I never really thanked you for the furniture.”

  “Don’t need thanks,” he said without looking up. “Besides, you’re going home with me, and that’s what counts.”

  Anothe
r period of silence passed, and then she said, “How will I get to and from work? Is there a bus stop near by? And what about Barry? It’ll be so much harder to get him to and from the sitter.”

  He put down the screwdriver in exasperation. “None of that matters,” he said. “You shouldn’t be going to work anyway, and you certainly shouldn’t be riding the bus.”

  “But I have to work,” she said.

  He picked up the screwdriver again. “I don’t see why.”

  “They’ll be shorthanded at the diner.”

  He rolled his eyes, then lifted away the side of the bed and placed it on the floor before turning to face her, his hands on his hips. “They’ll manage.”

  She frowned. “But how am I going to pay my bills if I don’t work? At least half my salary is tips!”

  He shrugged. “We’ll expense them.”

  “But that only works if we win. Otherwise, it’ll come out of your pocket.”

  “We’ll win,” he said. If they didn’t, he could afford to take care of the two of them and had every intention of doing so, but now wasn’t the time to explain that

  She sent him a doubtful look, but she said no more as he continued taking apart the bed and then carted it downstairs, load by load, to put into the car. Finally they were ready to go. Laurel looked around the single room as if for the last time, and if Edward had his way, it would be. He put his hands on her shoulders and squeezed comfortingly. He already knew what had to come eventually. It would solve all their problems, even tilt the scales in her favor from a legal standpoint, but even though it had been her idea originally, he didn’t think she was quite ready to face it just yet. Oddly enough, it was an idea he welcomed, despite his initial reaction. He dropped a kiss onto the top of her head, wrapping an arm around her and Barry when she relaxed against him.

  “We have to go, honey,” he said gently. “I have important work to do.”

  She nodded and tilted her head back to look up at him. “I know. It’s just all happening so fast.”