The Baby Bargain (Men of Maine Series Book 3)

by Diana Tobin

  Lynn knew her mother deserved better than she’d gotten from all three of her children. They’d gone chasing after their own dreams, leaving Nettie to struggle to make a living and a life for herself. Yes, her brother was successful, but how often had he come home to see to his mother’s needs? Her sister’s life hadn’t turned out quite as planned, and when she needed help, their mother was the person to whom she’d turned. At least, that had worked out well for all of them.

  Now, here was Lynn. Declaring she’d show them all, prove she was worthy, she’d left home and hadn’t come back. She hadn’t proven a damn thing. Except, maybe she wasn’t worthy, after all. She hadn’t finished school, she wasn’t a lawyer, she had no job. All she’d done was hit rock bottom and been a complete idiot.

  She wasn’t sure how she’d make a living, but she had a start with working in her mother’s coffee shop and selling her own cookies. Again, thanks to her mother’s largesse, she had a place to live. Somehow, she’d get her debts paid and make her family proud to have her as a member. The one thing she was sure of was she had the best mother in the world.

  “Mom, I’m home to stay.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Flipping through the scrapbook Gusta had brought over, Lynn didn’t think she could create something as beautiful and timeless. But, as they worked on the toppers, which were basically a thank you card to close the cellophane bag holding a cookie, she found the process energizing. Who would’ve thought cutting scraps of paper, stamping and inking, tying tiny bows, and putting it all together could be so satisfying? Well, obviously, thousands of people since craft stores were filled with every need imaginable, and then some. As with so many things these days, she could even order supplies online.

  Now, Lynn just needed to make some money so she could afford this new hobby. Her first projects would be wedding scrapbooks; one for her mother and one for her sister. There was little in Lynn’s life she wanted to immortalize, but maybe one day. Since her new found passion for babies had surfaced, she’d hold on to hope for making that dream come true, while she made sure she was worthy of having it.

  The very best part of the evening was the time with her mother, sister, and nieces. They’d gorged themselves on pizza before touching one piece of paper. Gusta had given them some ideas, besides leaving a catalog from a company that did home parties for card making, scrapbook pages, and many other projects involving stamps, ink, and bling. Apart from learning the how-to’s at these parties, the necessary supplies could also be ordered. More fun than the household goods parties her mother had attended. Now, Lynn needed Gusta’s friend, Joann, closer than Oregon to help get her started.

  Lynn wouldn’t trade the time with Michaela, Dani, Charley, and Nettie for anything. They bounced ideas off each other, helped each other figure out the best way to do things, and most of all laughed. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed so much.

  Probably, because she hadn’t.

  Growing up, there hadn’t been much for the three siblings to laugh about. There had been good times, mostly with their mother. It was never as much fun with her dad, despite the fact he always claimed to be the life of the party. Even when she hadn’t understood what everything meant, some of her father’s comments hadn’t felt…right.

  He’d laugh a lot around others, and act like what he said was all in jest, but they’d sounded more spiteful than funny. He acted like he was poking fun at himself, but to Lynn it had sounded more like “woe is me.” My wife avoids me by working so much. My kids are too busy with their friends to spend time with me. Why, just the other day, Marc told me his little sister…

  And, so it went until brother and sister were fighting over something. All too often Lynn had ignored her sister, giving her the cold shoulder, because of the things Micki had told their father. Things that Lynn knew were lies.

  They’d been a happy family until CJ came along. Dad had told her so, many times. He had a daughter, he didn’t need another. What he needed was a son. One not so caught up in saving birds and animals, or his nose constantly in a book. He wanted a real boy. One to play ball with, to take fishing, shoot the shit with...

  CJ tried her best.

  She started refusing to answer to her given name, Caro-Lynn. She went by CJ, just what her daddy called her. She begged to go fishing with him, but couldn’t stand threading those poor little worms onto a hook. She threw up the first time her dad had made her gut a fish, and cried when she saw her friend, Sandy’s, dead goldfish.

  She tried to learn baseball, but her dad never had time to show her. She’d ask him to play catch and he was always too busy, telling her to practice first. How she was supposed to do that alone? Because Daddy told her she was so clumsy, she was embarrassed to ask for help from her schoolmates.

  As for shooting the shit, she was a teenager before she learned the real meaning of the phrase. By then it was too late, and the last thing she wanted to do was belch, fart, and talk sports like her father.

  When Ted Baxter finally left, CJ decided to re-invent herself, again. The fact her body was producing breasts and hips proved she wasn’t a boy and never would be. She also realized her true interests were much more girly. While she enjoyed the high school football games, and knew what was happening on the field, she had no desire to run on to the field, grab the ball, and score the winning touchdown herself. The glory might’ve been nice, but not being pounded into the dirt.

  Maybe if she had admitted to being all girl sooner, dressed better, studied harder, stopped making mistakes, her father never would have left them. She had failed at being a boy, so she decided to be the best girl she could be. Maybe the Army knew what they were talking about with that Be all you can be stuff. She would become the most perfect female on the planet.

  No longer would she be CJ; Lynn was a more feminine name and one she had every right to use. She pampered her skin and hair. Learned the best way to use makeup to enhance her appearance. Kept her clothes neat and tidy, always dressing like a lady. Even if that meant getting up fifteen minutes early to iron a precise crease in jeans. Better yet, wear a dress or skirt with heels to show off the shape of her legs. Being only five-foot-two, the heels also gave her some height, helping her ignore the pain in her feet from wearing them.

  Despite all she’d done, her father had never returned. She still wasn’t good enough for him.

  She hadn’t been good enough for Donny, either. He’d had no problem with her brain, and had used that to his own advantage. He never would’ve made it through law school without her help. Hell, she’d done all his work for him, putting aside her own chance at a career. Once they were married and he was settled in a good job, Lynn would return to school and get her own degree.

  Instead, while she was working her brains out so he could graduate, he was screwing what little brains he had with her roommate. Those long hours she’d spent at the library doing his work gave Donny and Rebecca plenty of time to tangle up the sheets. Rebecca was welcome to him. If it was true a man’s penis was three times the length of his thumb, well, she wouldn’t be dating any stubby-handed men again.

  “Lynn. Lynn.”

  She had the feeling Micki had been trying to get her attention for some time. “What?”

  “Take it easy,” her sister said. “You’re scowling at that paper like it bit you. Are you okay?”

  She blinked, saw she’d crumpled the last topper she was making and tried to smooth it out. “Yeah, just tired.”

  “We need to quit for the night.” Micki started cleaning up scraps and putting things in order. “I don’t think I have any appointments tomorrow afternoon. I’ll come over and work on more.”

  “Thanks,” Lynn gave her sister a smile. Seeing they were suddenly alone, she asked, “Can I ask you something? Never mind. We’ll talk after Mom’s wedding.”

  “Tell me now, please.” Micki reached across the table to take Lynn’s hand. “I feel like we’re finally becoming real sisters. What do you want to know?”
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  “I—why did you tell Dad all those things about me?”

  Micki blinked. “What things?”

  “You know, that I broke his fishing pole. That I ruined his boots. That I told Marc he could use Dad’s car. That you hated sharing a room with me because I stole your things. Stuff like that.”

  “Wait. What? I never told Dad any of that. He told me you hated sharing a room with me because I was always hiding your things. He said you told him I’d broken his fishing pole because I was jealous of the time he spent with you.” Her grip on Lynn’s hand tightened as she narrowed her eyes in memory. “He once told me Marc hated having us for sisters because we whined all the time. And we never told him when his friends called—instead, we’d tell them he didn’t live here.”

  “We never did that,” Lynn protested, then her eyes widened. “You never said those things about me, did you?”

  Micki shook her head. “That bastard! I’m glad he’s gone or I’d kick him in the balls. If he had any.”

  Lynn’s mouth fell open, then she started laughing. Soon, Micki was laughing, too. The more they tried to stop, the harder they laughed, until both had tears running down their cheeks.

  “Oh, no!” Nettie said. “Did you two get into a fight? You haven’t been together a week and you’re falling back into bad habits.”

  “No, Mom. We’ve finally cleared the air.”

  “We’ve learned some new truths,” Micki added.

  Lynn smiled at her mother. “Have we told how glad we are you’re no longer married to Dad?”

  “We’re both very happy you're marrying a good man like Wil,” added Micki.

  Nettie looked from one daughter to the other and back again. “I don’t always understand you girls, but I do love you both with all my heart.”

  Lynn walked out with Micki to have a quick word without their mother around. “Do you think Mom knows what Dad did to us?”

  “I doubt it, or she’d have made sure we knew what he’d done. Plus, she’d have strung him up by his testicles.” Micki glanced back at the house. “Let’s keep this between us, okay? She doesn’t need to know. She’s well rid of him.” Stepping closer to Lynn, she toyed with the keys in her hand. “I’m sorry, Sis. I should’ve called you. I let what Dad said fester, and stayed away from you and Marc. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t come home, either. I’d really like for you and me to start over. I want you in my life.”

  A tear escaped Lynn’s eye and she wrapped her arms around Micki. “I want that, too. I’ve missed my family. I’m tired of being alone. I know that makes me selfish, but I don’t care.”

  “You don’t have to be alone again.” Micki hugged her back. “I can’t believe you’ve been alone all these years, though. You always had so many friends.”

  “I’ve done some stupid things. Majorly stupid,” she said taking a step back. “I don’t want to—no. I need to tell you. Not now, but soon. I’m not going to lie to you. You don’t need to fix it, you can’t anyway. I’m working on it, but you should know what happened. At least, if you see me going down the wrong road again you can get one of Ethan’s hockey sticks and knock some sense into me.” She gave her sister a shaky smile. “You need to get home to your man. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Micki gave her hand a quick squeeze. “I love you, Lynn.”

  “Thanks.” The tears flowed freely. “Love you, too.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “Wil does know he can’t spend tonight here, doesn’t he?”

  Nettie stared at her youngest daughter. “When did you become such a traditionalist?”

  “There’s nothing wrong with traditions.” Lynn stapled a topper to the clear bag that held one wedding cake shaped cookie iced in pale lilac. At the top of each cookie she’d piped a large O, for Owens, with an N and W below. “Do you really want to share your bed with your husband-to-be while your son sleeps in the room next door?”

  Nettie opened her mouth and closed it before speaking. “Traditions are good. Wil can sleep in the girls’ room. His house is empty, ready for his tenants to move in.”

  “Are you suggesting I share a room with my future father?” Lynn’s voice was stern but her eyes filled with laughter.

  “Wh—of course not.”

  “I’m sleeping in the girls’ room this weekend. I figured Marc and his wife would prefer the double bed over two twins. Wil is going to spend the night at Micki’s.” She grinned at Nettie. “Or, should I say, Michaela’s? I love the way Ethan says her name. Like he’s pouring warm honey all over her and plans to lick her clean.”

  “Um…if that’s something they’ve done, I don’t want to know.” Nettie fanned her flushed face.

  “Yeah, well, if you start buying vats of honey I’ll know what you and Wil are up to.” Lynn’s eyes rounded when she realized what she’d said. “Never mind. Forget I said that, and I’ll try to wipe that picture out of my head.”

  “Sweetie,” Nettie placed a hand on Lynn’s arm. “You do know Wil and I have sex, don’t you?”

  “Mom,” she protested with an exaggerated shudder. “Knowing it and discussing it are two different matters. I don’t want to think about my parents…eeuww.”

  Nettie kept stuffing cookies into little clear bags. “So, you’ve never looked at Ethan and appreciated his, uh, scenery?”

  Lynn began coughing. “Mom, you trying to kill me?” She grabbed a glass of water and took several sips. “I did not look at my brother-in-law and think about jumping him. Frankly, I’m on a hiatus from men. But, I will say my sister is a very lucky woman.” She drank more water. “I’m going to have to work on bleaching my mind because I’ve got some very…uh…disturbing pictures in there.”

  The most disturbing was an image of JC Benjamin strolling through grass, the muscles of his butt and thighs clenching and unclenching with each step. His shoulders stretching the fabric of his shirt. Those big hands of his swinging at his sides.

  “Wil is such a good man and he deserves children of his own,” Nettie said, changing the subject. “He considers the three of you his, and that includes Ethan, Dani, and Charley. I’m glad you feel the way you do about him—and our marriage.”

  Lynn nodded her head. “Of course, if he ever hurts you I will have to kill him. Micki and Ethan will help me dispose of the body. I’ll spare you details because it won’t be pretty, but it’s good for him to know where he stands.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  Lynn bared her teeth. “Nope. You’ve been hurt enough. Not gonna let it happen again.”

  Nettie knew her daughter would never harm another living creature. Still, it warmed her heart to know she was so loved. She slipped an arm around Lynn’s shoulders. “Have I told you today you’re one of my favorite daughters?”

  A laugh snorted out of Lynn. “I love you, Mama.”

  ○◊○

  Signs had been posted in Moose-ley Coffee and at The Hair Mousse that they’d be closed on Saturday. Everyone knew the businesses were closed for the wedding of Nettie Baxter and Wilbur Owens. Those lucky enough to be invited to witness the nuptials made their hair and nail appointments, in advance. By the time Rose Kelley, the manicurist, locked the door, Michaela was ready to collapse.

  “Sunday, I’m going to sleep in,” declared Michaela, owner of The Hair Mousse. “If I do get up, I’m going to demand someone else do the cooking and whatever else needs tending. The most strenuous thing I’m going to deal with is clicking the remote for the TV.”

  “I’ll be at your mother’s house first thing in the morning to do everyone’s nails,” confirmed Rose. “We’re going to break one of your rules and leave the mess in here. I’ll come in Monday to clean.”

  “Rose, Monday is Memorial Day.”

  “I know.” She gathered up her things without meeting Michaela’s gaze. “I don’t have plans, so I’ll come clean here.”

  “I have a better idea; come join us Monday. We’ll probably end up at the lake house and grill or have a picnic. I bought
a hammock and I’m going to make Ethan find the perfect spot for it. We’ll relax, eat, and discuss Mom’s wedding.”

  “I don’t want to intrude. You’ll be with your family. Your brother and his wife will surely be there, too.”

  Michaela went over and took Rose by both arms. “Rose, you won’t be intruding. We never spend time together away from the salon. We’re long overdue. Bring your boyfriend, or whomever you’d like.”

  Rose’s gaze darted around the room. “Oh, I don’t—that is…I’m not seeing anyone.” She licked her lips. “I would like to see where you’re building your house. If that’s all right?”

  Giving Rose a tiny shake she said, “Of course it’s all right. I’ll give you a call Monday morning with details. For now, head home and get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long busy day.”

  Rose bobbed her head in agreement. “Thank you, Michaela.”

  “Micki. That’s what my family calls me. I don’t want to go back to being called Mike.”

  “Ethan always calls you Michaela.”

  “Yeah, he does,” she said with a dreamy smile. “The way he says my name is like our own personal—” She broke off and winked as Rose’s face turned red. “I won’t share any more details.”

  “Um…good. Thank you. Bye.”

  Rose scurried out the front door to Michaela’s laughter.

  ○◊○

  “Who is in charge of Wil today?”

  “After this evening, that would be me,” Nettie said on a giggle.

  “Cute, Mom,” Lynn said. “I meant, who is keeping him away from the house and making sure he shows up on time.”

  “Ethan’s parents,” Micki said as she spread her tools across the dining room table. She smiled at her sister. “They had such a good time with Mom and Wil at Thanksgiving they said they wouldn’t miss their wedding for the world. Invited or not.”