Baker's Dozen

by Wendy Smith

“Owen?”

  “Can I come over and get the car seat? I’ll explain then.”

  “Sure thing. I look forward to it.”

  I shove my phone in my pocket. “I’m just going to pop over and pick up the car seat. Lily seems to think it’ll be okay. We can drop it off on the way home.”

  “Sounds good. We’ll keep entertained here for a while longer.”

  I smile, and make my way around the couch to Ava. “I’m just going out for a little while, and when I get back, we’ll go for a car ride.”

  She nods.

  “On the way home, you can come and meet Uncle Adam and Auntie Lily. They’re going to love seeing you.”

  Her blue eyes widen. This is a kid who has no extended family. Or didn’t until now. This has got to be scary and exciting.

  “Be back soon, kiddo.”

  The thought of telling Adam and Lily about Ava makes me feel a mix of nervous and excited. Sure, I have concerns about my ability to parent, but that she’s now got somewhere stable to live makes me determined to give her the best life possible.

  Lily’s standing beside the dining table when I enter the house with a quick knock on the open door, and her eyebrows shoot up at the sight of me.

  “Why do you need a car seat?”

  I let out a loud breath. “Hello to you too. Because I just found out I have a daughter. And she’s living with me now.”

  “What?” Her mouth drops open.

  “Cara and Ryan Mitchell’s daughter. I’m her real father.” I fist my hands. “Thankfully Cara left a will with that little piece of information. Ava’s been bounced from home to home these past few weeks. Ginny’s at home with her now while I sort out this seat.”

  “Oh, God, Owen.” Lily sinks into a chair.

  “I know. It’s a lot to take in.”

  “You never suspected?”

  I shrug. “Cara was happy. That’s all I wanted. I didn’t pay any attention to the timeline of it all. I’d well moved on by the time Ava was born.”

  “I’m glad it’s you.”

  I frown. “What do you mean?”

  “What would have happened if you weren’t in the picture? What if Ava was Ryan’s? She’d still be floating from family to family, but now she has her family.”

  Gulping, I nod. “You’re right.”

  “If there’s anything we can do, just let us know.”

  “Well, I need the car seat until we get one in Carlstown. But I will bring her back here to meet you.”

  Lily smiles. “I’d love that. I’ll put Rose’s seat in your car, but get the shop to show you how to fit the new one.”

  “I don’t know if I’m up to this, Lily.”

  She stands, wrapping her arms around my waist. “You’ve always been more capable than you think. Don’t sell yourself short.”

  “I know, but how the hell can I do this? It’s huge.”

  Lily leans her head into my chest. “We’ll be here if you need help, or even if you want to drop her off for some time out. How did Ginny take the news?”

  “Surprisingly well. I thought she might freak out more, given that we’ve been trying to take things slow. But she took it in her stride, and the two of them are on the couch cuddled up under a blanket watching cartoons at the moment.”

  She chuckles. “That’s good. I’m glad it hasn’t disrupted you two. It’s been good to see you both so happy.”

  Smiling, I kiss the top of her head. “We are happy.”

  “Bro.” Adam appears in the doorway, cocking an eyebrow as he takes in the sight of me hugging his girl.

  “Hey.”

  “Owen has some news,” Lily says, letting go. “I’ll transfer that seat to your car while you catch your brother up.”

  “Catch me up with what?”

  My breath catches. Every time I tell this story, it gets a little more real, but it’s still weird. “Long story short, I have a daughter.”

  His eyebrows twitch, but there’s no shock on his face. “There’s a surprise. I always wondered how many kids you might have out there.”

  I glare at him. “Don’t be a dick.”

  “So, who?”

  “Cara Mitchell.”

  His mouth falls open. “Shit.”

  “Yeah. Yesterday, my four-year-old daughter appeared on my doorstep. Poor kid’s been bumped around these past few weeks, and I have no idea what to do, but I’m doing it.”

  A small smile appears on his face. “I guess she could do a lot worse than being a Campbell.”

  “Yeah, considering that neither Ryan or Cara seem to have any living relatives. I’m all she’s got.”

  “Bollocks. She’s got all of us.”

  I nod, and can’t help but smile. “Yeah, she does. I’m just stealing Rose’s car seat for a bit while we go to Carlstown and buy one. She’s got nothing, Adam.”

  His eyebrows knit together, annoyance all over his face. I know that look. He gets it when he thinks someone close to him has been screwed over. Since returning, Adam’s been fiercely protective of the family he once walked away from. I think he’ll spend the rest of his life trying to make up for leaving.

  “Then we all have to make things better for her,” he says.

  “I agree.”

  His expression softens. “She’ll be good for you.”

  I nod. “Maybe. It’s all so weird and new right now. My immediate concern is that she knows that she’s safe and won’t be moved again.”

  He reaches over and grips my shoulder. “You know we’re here if you need us.”

  “Lily said the same thing. You guys might regret saying that.”

  He laughs. “Never. I can’t wait to meet your daughter.”

  Ginny and Ava play games on our journey. They play I Spy, and then count different-coloured cars as we get closer to town. It does my heart good to hear them both so happy.

  It’s been a little more than twenty-four hours since Ava arrived, and already she seems on the way to being settled.

  “We’ll go and get the clothes first. Then we’ll get the car seat and they might help us fit it in the car,” Ginny says.

  “Yes, oh wise one.”

  She pinches my ear.

  “Hey, cut that out.”

  “You’re such a smart arse.” She laughs.

  “Such a smart arse,” Ava parrots Ginny’s words, and I laugh as Ginny slaps her hand across her mouth.

  “I should know better. I’m sorry, Owen. Here I am teaching your daughter bad words.”

  I shake my head. “You’ll keep. Ava, don’t repeat Ginny’s bad words.”

  Ava giggles. Something tells me she knows she’s not supposed to say things like that. Her dad, her other dad, used to swear like a trooper. I would hazard a guess she’s heard every bad word under the sun.

  Pulling up outside the shopping centre, we get out of the car and head inside and toward the department store.

  “I’ll take her,” Ginny says.

  “Are you sure?”

  She nods. “I’m sure I have better taste than you do.”

  I chuckle, planting a kiss on her cheek. “I bet you do. I’ll go and take a look around, and meet you by the checkouts. Make sure she’s got lots of everything.”

  “I’ll sort it out, Owen. Don’t worry.”

  For a moment, I watch Ginny and Ava disappear into the children’s clothing section. I’m so glad I have Ginny with me, and not just because she can help with finding clothes. She’s already brought so much stability to me, and with any luck, that will flow down to Ava.

  I never thought I’d find myself here, but I have to admit, I’m in love. Ginny’s exactly what we both need.

  I walk toward the children’s section, and pick up a night light. Ava didn’t complain last night about the dark, but then again she didn’t come looking for me when she wet the bed. Maybe this will help comfort her. It doesn’t take long for Ginny and Ava to return.

  The basket in Ginny’s arms is overflowing with clothing, and I shake my hea
d as they approach. “Did you buy the whole store?”

  Ava laughs. “No.”

  “It looks like it.”

  Ginny grins. “Come on, Ava. Let’s go get all of this, and then Owen can buy us some lunch.”

  “You’re not paying for that.”

  Her lips twitch. “Yeah, I am.”

  “She’s my responsibility.”

  “I want to spoil her. God knows she deserves it.”

  I narrow my eyes. “I’ll find a way to pay you back, and you won’t even know it.”

  Ginny grins. “You can make it up to me tonight.”

  My body stirs at her comment, and my heart leaps. I need to adjust to Ava being with us, but it’s like we’re a little family. It’s weird, and at the same time, it’s wonderful.

  I know I’m not alone in this, and although I have the support of Adam and Lily, it’s Ginny who matters the most. It scared me I might lose her, but she’s doing this with me.

  “Ginny?” A tall, well-built man approaches. His eyebrows shoot up as he looks down at Ginny and Ava holding hands, and I don’t miss his curious glance at me.

  Is this the ex that treated her badly, or …?

  Ginny beams. She shifts her gaze to me. “Owen, this is my brother, Kyle.”

  He holds out his hand. “Kyle Robinson.”

  I grasp it and shake. “Owen Campbell.”

  Ava shrinks behind Ginny’s leg, but Kyle peeks around her. “And this is …?

  “This is Ava. We’re doing some clothes shopping,” Ginny says.

  “Wow. Looks like you bought the whole store.”

  Ava giggles.

  “We were just getting these and then going for lunch. Want to join us?” I ask. I haven’t met Ginny’s family yet, but she’s told me how protective her brothers are of her. It’s a good opportunity to get on Kyle’s good side.

  “That’d be great. It seems there are a few things Ginny hasn’t told me.”

  Ginny laughs. “I don’t tell you everything.”

  “I know. Looks like there’s plenty to catch me up on.”

  His tone isn’t menacing, but it’s clear he wants to know all about me and Ava.

  “Then we’ll do that over lunch.” She raises her chin, almost looking down her nose at him. I suppress my smile, but my girl is in control of this exchange, no matter what her brother thinks.

  “I’ll meet you outside,” he says.

  She nods. “See you there.”

  When we get to the counter, I pull out my credit card, and Ginny shoots me a dirty look. “I told you, I’m paying.”

  “No, you’re not.”

  “I am.” She stands as tall as she can and pushes her chest out like she’s trying to look tough. It makes me chuckle. “Owen, let me do this. You get her the car seat.”

  “Fine.” I plant a kiss on her lips.

  “Give me more of those later, and we’ll call it even.”

  I look down as Ava slots her hand into mine. Her parents had such an up-and-down relationship at times. Hopefully seeing Ginny and me happy is helping the settling-in process.

  Her brother’s waiting as we exit the store, and we all head toward the food court.

  “I think I’m going to get a burger and fries. What do you guys want?” I ask.

  “I want a salad.” Ginny smiles.

  “Crazy woman.” Kyle laughs.

  “It’s my shout. What do you want?” I ask him.

  “Thanks. Burger and fries would be good too.”

  I look at Ava. “Chicken nuggets and fries?”

  She nods, and I ruffle her hair.

  I pay, and we carry the trays of food to the table and get stuck in.

  “So, how did you guys meet?” Kyle asks.

  Ginny grabs my arm. “Owen and I met at his brother’s wedding.”

  “There’s something familiar about you,” he says, narrowing his eyes.

  I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, given my chequered history with women.

  His expression relaxes. “I thought I recognised you. The Copper Creek Bakery.”

  I grin. “That’s me.”

  “In the summer, Jordan and I head out to the cove some weekends. It’s such a great little beach there, and there are some hot girls.”

  I nod.

  “We always stop at your bakery and buy meat pies. They’re the best. Better than anything around here.”

  Ginny nudges my arm, looking at me with so much pride.

  “Thanks.”

  We eat in silence for a while. Ginny steals half my chips, and I shake my head and smile at her. Something Kyle doesn’t miss.

  “So, you and my sister have been seeing each other.”

  I fix my gaze on him. “For the past couple of months.”

  “And you have a little girl.”

  I shoot a glance at Ava. She’s got French fries hanging out of her mouth, and is completely engrossed in the toy Ginny bought her in the middle of all those clothes.

  “Yeah, I do.”

  “What about her mum?”

  Ginny’s eyes widen, and she nods toward Ava. “Can we talk about this later?”

  He nods. “Yeah. We should do a dinner at Mum and Dad’s. They’d love to meet you, and honestly, Mum will go a bit crazy with your little girl.”

  “She really will.” Ginny laughs.

  “I’d love to.” It’s been years since I met a girl’s parents. But then again, everything with Ginny’s been different.

  “Let’s organise something. I know Jordan will be keen.”

  Ginny leans her head on my shoulder. “I did tell you I had two overprotective brothers. Didn’t I?”

  “You sure did.” I plant a kiss in her hair.

  “I guess this explains why you didn’t move back home.” Kyle takes another bite of his burger.

  Ginny raises her head. “No,” she says quietly.

  “Is work any better?”

  I don’t know what to do. It’s news to me that she was even thinking about leaving Copper Creek. When I turn my head to look at her, she won’t meet my eyes.

  “It’s still the same. But it’s nothing, Kyle.”

  “It was enough to make you think about changing jobs.”

  I reach for her hand and squeeze it.

  “Owen knows about it. Right?”

  I clear my throat, a little annoyed that she never told me this. “Depends on what it is.”

  “Her creepy-as boss. She was so uncomfortable she thought about quitting and coming home.” He fixes his gaze on Ginny. “You didn’t tell Owen?”

  Licking my lips, I focus on Ginny. Her expression is blank, but she squeezes my hand in return. “I know her boss. What’s going on, Ginny?”

  She shakes her head. “Nothing’s going on. He just makes me really uncomfortable sometimes.”

  “How?”

  Kyle frowns. “Do you not believe her?”

  “I didn’t say that. Given I didn’t know anything about this, I want to know what’s happening. I know both him and his wife, but if he’s being inappropriate …”

  She sighs. “It’s just the way he looks at me. And I’m not the only one. There’s also innuendo. And then there’s Michelle Marshall.”

  “Should I know that name?” I ask.

  “She quit earlier in the year. There were rumours that he made a move on her, but she refused to talk about it, and nothing ever came of it.”

  “It worries me that you didn’t tell Owen about it,” Kyle says.

  “It bothers me,” I say. The last thing I want is for Ginny’s brother to think we’re keeping things from each other, but I can’t help my reaction to this.

  Ginny wraps her arms around my waist and snuggles in. “I’m not sure if it’s just me being paranoid, or if it’s an actual thing. Being with you makes me feel safer.”

  “You moving in with me would make me feel safer.”

  Kyle’s eyes widen. “Woah. You’re that serious?”

  “Yes.” I smile at Ginny.

>   “But, we’re not ready for it just yet.” She looks at me with so much love, it takes my breath away.

  I look over at Ava. She’s eaten all her food, and now she’s hugging her toy to death. “That teddy’s pretty cool, isn’t it?”

  Her eyes widen, and she nods.

  “Now you’ve got your old one and your new one.” Ginny reaches over and strokes Ava’s hair.

  Ava hops off her seat and walks around the table to me. She shoves the teddy in my face. “I love him.”

  “I’m sure you do.” I slip an arm around Ginny’s shoulders. “It was nice to meet you, Kyle. We should get going and take this car seat back in case Lily needs it.”

  “Good to meet you, too. I’ll talk to Mum about organising a get-together, and no doubt she’ll be in touch with Ginny.” He holds out his hand, and I shake it.

  I nod. “I’ll look forward to it.”

  And I do. The thought of meeting Ginny’s family makes me warm inside. I think Kyle, Jordan and I will get along fine. We all want to protect Ginny.

  I want to be a part of that family.

  14

  Owen

  I stash Rose’s car seat in the boot of the car, along with the bags of shopping. Ava’s ended up with an extensive wardrobe thanks to Ginny, and I’ve barely paid for a thing. It’s irritating, and I’ll find a way to pay Ginny back, but it makes my heart sing to see both Ginny and Ava so happy.

  The salesperson from the baby shop shows me how to fit Ava’s new seat, and once it’s in, Ava sits in it, presiding over the car like a queen.

  “This is my seat?” she asks.

  I laugh. “It’s all yours. We can take Rose’s seat back and maybe you can meet her.”

  “Who’s Rose?”

  I smile. “She’s your cousin. My brother’s little girl.”

  “Can I play with her?”

  “Sure. She’s only one though, so she’s smaller than you.”

  Her eyes widen, and my heart warms to see her excited and happy. It’s a far cry from the little girl sitting in the chair and swinging her feet only yesterday.

  “And you can meet Max. He’s quite a lot older than you, but I bet he’ll be really happy to meet you. He’s got a pet dog, Lucky.”

  She claps, and I stand as I finish buckling her in.

  “You’re not bad at this,” Ginny says.