“We stopped by to see your new place,” Mrs. Canary said. “You know that sister of mine can’t leave home without her Macaw.”
“Good, then we’ll put you to work, just keep that bird away from me. I don’t think he likes me.”
“Oh, well, Birdie doesn’t like anyone,” Mrs. Canary pointed out. “I believe he might have been an ornery old cuss in his former life like my ex-husband.”
“That bird has Tourette’s Syndrome,” Jeremy insisted. He called Corrine and asked her, “Is Weenie there with you? We can’t seem to find him.” He ended the call with a frown. “I’m afraid Weenie is missing. I’ll run back and see if he went outside when I went on the deck.”
“Please find Weenie. He’s too small to be out on his own,” Kimberly said, as she gripped his arm.
“Bye bye, Weenie,” Birdie said.
Jeremy headed for the door, but Kimberly heard a noise from the back of the truck and shouted, “Wait, Jeremy. I think I hear him.”
Kimberly jumped in the truck and began to move boxes until finally behind one saw Weenie, who wagged his small tail. She picked him up, smothering him with kisses as she went into the house. “Look who’s back, Birdie.”
Birdie didn’t say anything this time, he just paced back and forth as if irritated at this development.
“You don’t mind if I use your bathroom, do you?” Eric asked.
“Go ahead,” Kimberly said.
Eric bypassed the bathroom in the hallway since boxes were piled in front of it. Within minutes he shrieked, coming up the hallway holding his pants that threatened to fall. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know anyone was taking a bath,” he exclaimed, as he secured his pants back up.
“Bath?” Kimberly mused. She walked to the back bathroom and gasped at the sight that greeted her. Mrs. Peacock was in the bathtub with enough bubbles to cover all her unmentionable parts. At least with the jets going. Kimberly backed up a step, not sure what to do.
“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.”
Since Kimberly was nearly speechless, she was only able to choke out, “Enjoy the bath. I’ll make sure you’re not disturbed.”
Kimberly practically sprinted up the hallway and said, “Mrs. Peacock is taking a bath.”
Mrs. Canary laughed until her face was three shades redder. “Now that’s one for the record books.”
“Crazy lady, crazy lady,” Birdie said.
“I didn’t know what to say,” Kimberly said. “So I told her to enjoy the bath.”
Jeremy smiled while Kimberly’s parents just shook their heads.
Kimberly put Weenie outside in the fenced yard to assure herself that he wouldn’t take a tour of the neighborhood. Immediately he raced to the chain link fence and played chase with the neighbor’s dogs.
“At least Weenie has someone to play with now,” Jeremy said, encircling Kimberly’s waist and kissing her gently on the neck.
Kimberly and Jeremy spend the rest of the day unpacking and deciding where to put everything. The baby was sleeping in the bedroom, leaving Kimberly and Jeremy alone since everyone had left, which she was thankful for.
“I still can’t believe we’re all moved in.”
“It made it easier that I’ve left the chalet furnished. I’ll be renting it out at some point. It would also be a great place for people wanting to vacation in Redwater.”
Kimberly smiled. “That makes me feel better.”
“Why? You don’t think I planned to keep it as a love nest, do you?”
She sank into the sofa. “Okay, so how would you feel if I kept, say, the cabin I was living in after we were married?”
“It belongs to your parents, doesn’t it?”
“That’s not the point and you know it.”
Jeremy frowned. “I suppose I wouldn’t like it if you actually spent time there. I’d wonder why you’d insist on going there and if you were meeting anyone.”
“Exactly. My parents are having the cabin renovated so it will be nice to spend time there with you when it’s finished. I love to swim. That is, if you don’t mind slumming.”
Jeremy sat next to Kimberly and kissed her on the cheek. “Just because I own a chalet doesn’t make me a snob.”
“I know that. I didn’t mean it that way exactly, but I’d like to raise our children grounded.”
“No problem there since I don’t make the money I did when I was an entertainment lawyer. How else do you think I could afford to purchase the chalet?”
“I suppose I never asked you. Wouldn’t it be practical if you sold it now?”
“We’re not in dire straights, you know. For the time being, I’d like to hold onto it. With the prices of Lakefront property, I could make a killing.”
Kimberly smiled and suggested, “Didn’t you mention once that your sister Betsie was looking to relocate to Redwater?”
“You know I did. I’ll call her first thing in the morning to see if she’d like to rent the chalet. It would be nice to have her live closer. We’d be able to spend more time with my niece Katie and I know they’d love spending time with the baby.”
“I think it would be nice to invite your parents for a visit. They haven’t even stopped by to see the baby yet.”
“I know and it’s not like I didn’t invite them. They keep telling me they’re too busy to make the trip.”
Kimberly bit her lip. “Is that all they said?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Could it be that they have no interest in seeing the baby because she’s not really yours?”
Jeremy hugged Kimberly tightly. “I could care less what anyone else says, I’ve accepted Abigail as my own and that’s all that matters.”
Kimberly pulled back. “So, your parents do disapprove?”
“I never said that. And they’ve always treated you with respect.”
“I was thinking, though, after we settle in, we should have a house warming party. I’m sure Mrs. Barry is itching to see our new place.”
Jeremy’s brow shot up. “Oh? I didn’t think she’d be on the invite list.”
“We have to invite her. She’s kept you busy in your practice and she pays, from what I remembered when I worked there.”
“Yes, I know. She was at my office just yesterday asking for help with getting her driver’s license back.”
“How did she lose it?”
“Failed the eye exam.”
“Oh, I must admit she wanted me to talk to you about that and persuade you to take on her case.”
“I can’t do that, unless she has her eyes tested. I want to eliminate any possibilities that she might need corrective lenses.”
“Thanks, I’ll stop by her place tomorrow and tell her that.”
“Does that mean we can finally head to bed now?”
“Yes, I just hope nobody is sleeping in our bed.”
“You mean like Goldilocks, or Mrs. Peacock?” Jeremy laughed.
“It still can’t believe she used our bathtub like that, but she did mention how much she wanted one of those.”
Kimberly peeked in on the baby and made sure the baby monitor was on and snuck back out of the room. She relaxed and tugged off her clothes and slipped between the sheets to a very naked Jeremy.
“Tonight, really?” She laughed, slipping her arms around him.
“We haven’t done this since that weekend we slipped away.”
“I know. I just didn’t know how much was required of me with a baby.”
“From what I’ve been told, babies sleep longer when they get older.”
As if on cue, Weenie bounded into the room with a yap yap, which Kimberly knew meant that baby was awake. “Sorry, Jeremy.”
“Go ahead, I’ll keep the bed warm for you.”
Kimberly threw on her robe and picked up Abigail and said, “You little minx, I was just in here to see if you were awake.”
She walked into the kitchen where she found the baby monitor. It sure wasn’t going to work out here. She sat on the new roc
king chair recliner as she fed the baby and felt quite at home. The chalet was all Jeremy’s, or that’s how she had always thought about it. Whereas this house belonged to the both of them. They’d always have her parents’ cabin for beach time. She was actually excited that Betsie might move to Redwater. It would be nice to have friends who were near her age.
Kimberly fed the baby and by the time Abigail burped, she had gone back to sleep. Kimberly carefully stood up and grabbed the baby monitor and took the baby back to her crib.
When she finally made it back to her bedroom, Jeremy was fast asleep. It figured. Kimberly set down the monitor and crawled back into bed. Tonight it didn’t take long for her to drift off herself.
Chapter 5
Kimberly hummed as she made scrambled eggs, but a moment later her stomach tossed and turned. She had to sit down and now.
Jeremy met her in the kitchen. “What’s the matter?”
“I don’t know. Perhaps I overdid things yesterday.”
“It’s okay, I can make my own breakfast.”
“The sausage and pancakes are warming in the oven.”
“Go lie down for a little longer. I’ll watch the baby.”
“But you have to leave for the office.”
“No need to worry about that. If you’re not up to your old self, I’ll call for reinforcements. I’m sure your parents aren’t far away.”
“I’d hate to call and bother them, but I will if I don’t feel better soon.”
Kimberly went back to bed and tried to go back to sleep, but all she could do was wonder what brought on the dizziness.
* * *
Jeremy called Hal and Bethany, but was unable to reach them so he scrolled through his contacts. It was then that the thought came to him: Why not take the baby to the office?
He packed up the temporary bassinet and loaded it into the car, returning for the packed diaper bag and the baby, who he strapped into the infant car seat.
Jeremy fastened the car seat in the back and glanced up at a panting noise. It was Weenie. “So you want to go, too?” Weenie yapped once and curled up next to the baby. “Oh, why not. You can play guard dog while I work.”
The drive to the office was a smooth one and he arrived at work right on time. He smiled. This whole lugging around the baby wasn’t so bad; he could do it easier than any woman.
When he walked in the door with the baby, Gladys dropped the phone she was speaking on and rushed over to take the car seat. “Oh, would you look at that, Abigail is sucking on her tiny fist, how cute,” she gushed.
Jeremy nodded and brought back the diaper bag, Weenie following him inside.
Gladys shook her head. “You brought Weenie, too? Where’s Kimberly?”
“She’s feeling under the weather today and I couldn’t get ahold of anyone to babysit. It shouldn’t be too hard to watch the baby here.”
Gladys laughed. “You’re funny, Mr. Preston. I don’t think you understand how much work a baby really is.”
“Sure I do and you women make it seem harder than it is.” He smiled. “I’ll go set up the bassinet by your desk.”
“Oh, no, you won’t. You can set it up in your office and see how hard it really is to look after a baby who needs to be fed every two hours.”
Jeremy was surprised by Gladys’ attitude, but he’d show her. He set up the bassinet and took the baby out of the car seat. “Are you ready for your nap now?” He moved to set the baby down and Abigail wrinkled her tiny face and let out a wail. Jeremy picked her back up, but he refused to admit defeat just yet.
* * *
Kimberly was feeling a little better and took a shower. Once she was dressed and moved into the living room, she expected to see her parents here. She went to see if Abigail was still asleep, but found the baby was gone and so was the car seat and Weenie! What’s going on here?
She called her mother and asked, “Are you babysitting Abigail today?”
“No, I didn’t think I was expected to. Your father and I are checking out the renovations today.”
“I see. Well, I guess I’ll speak to you later, then.”
Kimberly’s next call was to Jeremy. “Where is the baby?” she asked frantically.
“She’s with me.”
“At the office?”
“Yes, I wasn’t able to get ahold of anyone to babysit.”
“I’ll be right there to pick her up.”
“No, I’m fine. Besides, you promised to speak with Mrs. Barry today, remember?”
“Are you sure?” Kimberly asked, picking up the sound of Abigail crying in the background.
“Yes, I’m positive.”
Kimberly had her doubts, but she hung up and grabbed her purse, then headed out the door. She actually relaxed as she drove to Mrs. Barry’s house. It might just do her some good to be away from the baby. She only hoped that Jeremy knew what he was doing. It’s not like he had ever taken care of the baby all on his own before. Sure, he got up and fed her during the night, but Abigail always went right back to sleep. Now she was in a strange place without her mother. Kimberly had to admit it hurt to be away from her baby.
Mrs. Barry was walking into her house when Kimberly arrived and Jenny was standing at the door, saying, “Grandmother, you know you’re not supposed to drive.”
Kimberly had barely exited her vehicle when Deputy Danworth’s cruiser pulled into the drive with flashers on. “What’s going on here?” Kimberly asked.
“Go on home, Kimberly. This is official police business.”
“Was a crime committed?”
The deputy walked past her and asked Mrs. Barry, “I need to see your driver’s license and registration please.”
“Why, I’m not driving, as you can see.”
“Then why are you carrying shopping bags?”
“I’m helping my granddaughter bring in the groceries.”
He cocked a brow. “She went shopping in her pajamas?”
“She waited in the car and I did the shopping.”
“Is this really necessary, deputy?” Kimberly cut in. “I was here a total of five minutes before you showed up. If she committed some kind of traffic infraction you shouldn’t be able to show up five minutes later to try and do a traffic stop. It’s not like Redwater has all that much traffic.”
“Stand down, Kimberly. I’m the one handling this traffic stop, not you.”
Mrs. Barry stomped her foot. “What did I do wrong, deputy?”
“You flew through a stop sign for one. And you were weaving on the road.” He frowned. “Are you drinking?”
Mrs. Barry laughed. “Not at this time of day. I don’t put beer in my cereal, you know.”
“License and registration, please.”
Mrs. Barry rummaged through her purse. “I can’t seem to find my license, but Jenny here will find the registration for me. I assure you I wasn’t behind the wheel today.”
“Yes, you were.”
“No I wasn’t,” Mrs. Barry insisted, with a shake of her head.
“I saw you in the driver’s seat and your granddaughter wasn’t in the car.”
“Her name is Jenny!” Mrs. Barry blubbered.
Jenny found the registration and the deputy went back to his squad car, presumably to run Mrs. Barry’s name in the database.
Kimberly walked up to Mrs. Barry. “So, did the Secretary of State actually seize your license when you failed the eye test?”
“Yes. Otherwise I’d have shown it to the deputy.”
Kimberly knew when the deputy ran Mrs. Barry’s name, he’d find out she no longer had a valid license.
“Why are you here, Kimberly? I hope you brought the baby with you.”
“No, I’m afraid not. Jeremy wanted me to tell you if you get an eye exam that he’ll handle your case.”
Her hands slipped to her hips. “So, he thinks I can’t see, either?”
“It could be possible that you do need corrective lenses. And it will help you get your license back.”
Deputy Danworth approached with a frown. “Apparently your license is revoked, Mrs. Barry.”
“Oh, is it? I don’t remember the woman at the Secretary of State office telling me that.”
“I’m going to have to run you in, Mrs. Barry.”
“Run me where, exactly?”
“To jail. It’s against the law to drive on a suspended license.”
“Which is it, revoked or suspended?” Kimberly asked.
“Why are you still here?”
“To make sure justice is handled in the right way.”
“If you have me arrested, you’ll have hell to pay with my son, Sheriff Barry,” Mrs. Barry said with a curt nod.
“Sheriff Barry has always told us to treat all residents fairly, but to enforce the law when appropriate. He’ll understand that I was doing my job.”
“We’ll see.”
“Move over to the car and put your hands on the hood so I can frisk you,” he instructed her.
“I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“Don’t make me use my Taser on you,” he threatened.
“You wouldn’t dare,” Kimberly said. “She’s a senior citizen, don’t you have any diplomatic skills.”
“I’m just trying to do my job here.”
“Why don’t you just ticket her and let the judge handle her infraction.”
“Sounds good to me,” Jenny said. “My father would handle it just like that.”
“You’re Sheriff Barry’s daughter?”
“Why, yes, I am,” she announced. “That makes three against one here.”
“Except I have a camera in my cruiser.”
“Good, it will show the timeframe from when you followed Mrs. Barry when she allegedly ran the stop sign,” Kimberly said. “Did he put on his flashers, Mrs. Barry?”
“No, he never tried to stop me at all. Not until I was home.”
“Fine, I’ll just write the ticket, but driving on a suspended license is serious. It wouldn’t surprise me if the judge ordered her to jail.” He sighed. “She has to pass the Breathalyzer, though.”
“I’m not doing any such thing!” Mrs. Barry shouted.
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