Pretty and Pregnant Again

by Johns,Madison

“I’m not a lawyer, Mrs. Barry,” Kimberly began, “but if you don’t do the breathalyzer, he can take you in.”

  Mrs. Barry frowned and it appeared as though she was pouting.

  Deputy Danworth went back to his car again and came back with ticket in hand, giving it to Mrs. Barry, who snatched it away. She blew into the breathalyzer, which registered zero, and the deputy took his leave via his cruiser and scattered stones as he left.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll drop by Jeremy’s office and tell him how you were treated by Danworth,” Kimberly said. “You need to fight this ticket and I’ll be your witness that the deputy was out of line here. If I didn’t know better, I’d think that he had an ax to grind against the you.”

  “Well, I did sideswipe his mother’s car once,” Mrs. Barry said with a chuckle. “I sued Linda once for parking on my lawn, too. Her friend lives across the street.”

  “Whatever did you sue her for?”

  “She put deep groves in my yard from that blasted truck Danworth gave her to use while her car was in the shop. I just know she did that on purpose.”

  “In any case, Danworth had better watch himself. You’re the sheriff’s mother.”

  “Deputy Danworth tries to make my son look bad. You know like Clay shows favoritism to me.”

  “It sounds to me like Danworth has plans to run in the next sheriff’s election.”

  “I have no idea, but we had better get these groceries inside.”

  Kimberly and Jenny helped carry in the groceries and they were noticeably missing beer when they unpacked them. On a whim, Kimberly opened the refrigerator and didn’t see any there, either. “Did you quit drinking beer?”

  “No, but that granddaughter of mine wouldn’t allow me to buy any. I think she’s abusing her power.”

  “Power of attorney?”

  “Not hardly. I’d never give anyone that. I know all too well how relatives can take all your money and a senior citizen winds up in some nursing home.”

  Jenny sighed. “Nobody was asking you to do that, Grandmother. You shouldn’t be drinking beer—”

  “Were you going to say because I’m too old?” Mrs. Barry interjected.

  “No, I’d say according to the labels on your medicine bottles.”

  “How about you discuss that after I leave. I’ll head on over to Jeremy’s office now and tell him what’s going on.”

  “Well, I’m going with you,” Mrs. Barry insisted.

  Kimberly just shook her head, but took Mrs. Barry to Jeremy’s office, leaving Jenny behind, since she wasn’t really needed.

  Kimberly hurried to Jeremy’s office and strode in with Mrs. Barry. Before they had even entered, Kimberly heard the sound of Abigail crying.

  “I’m so glad you’re here. I was trying to show that husband of yours how hard it is to take care of a baby and I feel so badly now. The baby has been crying for hours,” Gladys said.

  Kimberly’s eyes widened. “Why didn’t someone call me?”

  “Mr. Preston wouldn’t let me. He told me he had to prove it to himself that he could handle it.”

  Mrs. Barry clucked her tongue. “What kind of man can handle a baby when he’s supposed to be working?”

  “A crazy one,” Gladys said. “I do hope you’re feeling better, Kimberly.”

  “I was until I came here.”

  Kimberly rushed into Jeremy’s office and took Abigail from him. Her tiny face was completely red and large crocodile tears rolled down her cheeks. Kimberly rocked the baby in her arms and picked up the bottle on the table and fed the baby, who began to quiet down as she suckled.

  “Are you kidding me?” Jeremy exclaimed, as he collapsed in his chair. He ran a shaky hand through his tousled hair and admitted, “I tried everything, I swear. I tried to feed her, made sure she had a clean diaper, walked her. No matter what I did, she screamed.”

  “She probably just missed her mommy,” Mrs. Barry said from the doorway. “My Clay was the same way when he was a baby.”

  Kimberly asked, “Where’s Weenie?”

  “Under the desk. He was wailing when the baby was crying.”

  Weenie came out from his hiding place and trotted over to Kimberly, sitting as she fed the baby.

  After a few minutes, Jeremy asked, “Did you speak to Mrs, Barry ab—”

  “Yes, but she has more problems now. Deputy Danworth ticketed her for driving on a suspended or revoked license, whatever it’s called. Anyway, he threatened to have her arrested.”

  Mrs. Barry eased into a chair. “Kimberly was so great; you should have seen her. She talked him into only giving me a ticket, but I’ll need your help to fight it.”

  “On what grounds?” Jeremy asked.

  “On the grounds that he never tried to pull her over and five minutes later he showed up at her house with the flashers on,” Kimberly informed him. “Apparently the sheriff is out of town, too.”

  “I’m surprised he’d try to jail the sheriff’s mother. But you know what an ass he can be at times.” Jeremy sighed. “I’ll handle that case, but make sure you get those eyes tested today, Mrs. Barry. I’ll make a call for you. I’m certain Dr. Rey will see you today.” Jeremy made the call and told Mrs. Barry after he gathered the baby’s belongings. “I’ll keep the bassinet at my office for when you visit, Kimberly.”

  “That’s the only way it will be used, mister. You should have called and told me you couldn’t handle looking after the baby.”

  “I didn’t want to admit to that, but I did call you not even a half hour ago.”

  “That’s not what Gladys said.”

  “Of course she doesn’t know. I didn’t want to admit that I was in over my head.”

  “It’s better to admit failure than stress the baby out like that. I guess I shouldn’t have taken that nap. Mother’s don’t have time off.”

  “Nonsense, Abigail might just be having a bad day. I’ll get better at this, I swear.”

  Kimberly watched Jeremy leave with Mrs. Barry and she actually admired him for trying to help her out like he had. Mrs. Barry was a stubborn woman and a little rough around the edges, but Kimberly liked her all the same. Secretly, she was even Kimberly’s favorite senior citizen in town.

  She belted the car seat in the SUV and checked her phone before she left with Weenie riding shotgun. Sure enough, Jeremy had called her. That made her feel a little better. She didn’t think he’d needlessly allow the baby to cry that long without asking for help. Although she was a little disappointed with Gladys for not helping out, she knew it wasn’t her job to take care of Abigail. She was Jeremy’s secretary.

  Kimberly headed toward home. Her phone rang, but she didn’t answer it even if it was hands free. It’s not something she wanted to do with the baby in the car.

  When she arrived home, Corrine’s car was in the drive.

  Kimberly hopped out and Corrine unrolled her window. “I hope you can get a babysitter for tomorrow. Clive and I would like to have a meeting with you.”

  “Meeting? What for?”

  “You’ll find out tomorrow at Clive’s new beach house.” She blurted out the address.

  “So, a private meeting?”

  “Yes, but not to worry, I’d prefer to speak with you privately, or Clive and I would like to.”

  Kimberly nodded as Corrine left and wondered why meeting with them tomorrow was such a big secret. She unbelted the car seat and wandered inside with Weenie hot on her heels. Once the baby was free of the seat, she took her to her crib and laid her down while she ran a bath. Abigail was so sweaty and smelled like sour milk, most likely from the spit up stains on her sleeper.

  Abigail began to cry when Kimberly had her in the bathtub and Kimberly spoke softly to her, “It’s okay, sweet Abigail, everyone likes a sweet smelling baby.”

  Abigail’s blue eyes met Kimberly’s and she couldn’t help but wonder if the baby understood what she was saying. After the events of today, she wasn’t so sure she wanted to get a babysitter for Abigail. Of course on
the other hand, Kimberly wanted to know what Corrine was up to this time. In some small way she hoped it meant that she’d be a spokesmodel for them again even if it meant juggling her home life. She was thankful that Jeremy wanted to be the breadwinner, but she longed to do something for herself, too, providing it didn’t keep her away from the baby too long.

  Chapter 6

  Kimberly was making a chicken stir-fry for dinner and thankfully the baby was sound asleep when Jeremy walked in the door.

  He tiredly hugged her and she asked, “So how did it go with Dr. Rey?”

  “Not good. Mrs. Barry has cataracts and needs an operation to correct them, but once she’s done with that, she’ll be back whizzing on the roads of Redwater.”

  “I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or bad. I was surprised today that she risked driving without a license.”

  “She stubborn to the bone,” Jeremy remarked. “Nothing that involves her should surprise you.” He winked, then looked more serious. “Am I forgiven now about today?”

  “I suppose, but you’re no longer allowed to take Abigail to the office unless I’m there.”

  “I know I failed miserably, but I hope you know I’ll do better the next time I’m watching her.”

  “Of course you will, since you won’t be watching her anytime soon. I have an appointment tomorrow, but I’ll find a babysitter.”

  “Appointment with who?”

  “With Corrine and Clive.”

  Jeremy brow furrowed. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

  Kimberly tapped her foot. “And why not?”

  “It’s apparent Abigail needs you right now. You can’t be gallivanting all over the place with them.”

  Kimberly stopped stirring, her back stiffening by the moment. “I hope you’re not suggesting I should give up on my dreams just because I’m a mother now, Jeremy.”

  He sighed and encircled her waist. “Of course not, Kimberly, but what if they want you to travel to California?”

  She wiggled until his arms fell and she faced him. “I think Corrine realizes I can’t do that. How about we have this conversation after I find out what they want to speak with me about. There’s no sense in getting all uptight about this now.”

  “Who is babysitting is the question.”

  “I’ll handle it.”

  “I don’t know. Abigail doesn’t handle it well when she’s away from you.”

  “That might not have been the case at all. I don’t think it’s a good thing for her to have separation anxiety. I do hope we plan to hire a babysitter sometimes. Just because we’re married doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a date night.”

  “You’re right and I’m glad you think that way. This marriage happened so fast that we’ve barely been able to really enjoy ourselves as a couple, other than the weekend we slipped away.” He smiled. “I’m sorry I fell asleep on you last night.”

  “Well, duty calls when you have a crying baby.” Kimberly glanced at the floor and saw Weenie was dancing on his hind legs with his front paws in the begging motion. “See, we have two babies in this house to feed.” Kimberly laughed.

  She tossed him a piece of chicken and Jeremy shook his head. “And you wonder why he begs like that?”

  “Well, he’s already spoiled in case you haven’t noticed. Besides, he really looks after the baby.”

  “Perhaps we should have him babysit tomorrow.”

  Kimberly shook her head at her husband. “Now that’s not going to happen, mister.”

  Jeremy shut off the stove and dished up the rice and stir-fry, carrying the food to the table. Weenie didn’t beg this time but jumped on the patio door, yapping at the squirrels that were congregating in the backyard.

  “Now, Weenie,” Kimberly began. “They’d eat you for breakfast.”

  “If they were carnivores, perhaps,” Jeremy remarked as he sat. “Although those squirrels look bigger than Weenie.”

  “I should put a feeder out there,” Kimberly said after a moment.

  “Trust me, you don’t want squirrels hanging out here more than they already do. Weenie will be barking all day long.”

  “I suppose you’re right, but they’re already here. What could it hurt?”

  “Fine, but don’t blame me when it gets out of hand.”

  Kimberly joined Jeremy at the table. It was somehow relaxing to watch the squirrels scamper here and there. It took her mind off Jeremy’s concerns about her modeling in the future or whatever Corrine wanted from her. Of course she didn’t want to leave Abigail with a babysitter more than she had to. But certainly one of their friends would jump at the chance to watch the baby.

  * * *

  After dinner, Jeremy did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen while Kimberly fed Abigail. She answered the door as someone was knocking and her parents stood there with a huge smile. Mom immediately took the baby and Kimberly led the way inside.

  “I thought you two were busy today,” Kimberly said.

  “We were, but I had to see my baby.”

  “Don’t mind your mother. She was showing pictures of the baby to everyone in town.” Dad laughed.

  “Does that mean you could babysit tomorrow?” Kimberly asked.

  Mom frowned. “I’m sorry. I wish you had said something sooner. We’re going to Caseville tomorrow. We have a few friends we plan to visit there.”

  Kimberly was crestfallen. “I don’t know what I’ll do, then.”

  “I’m certain you can find someone. Jeremy could stay with the baby tomorrow.”

  “Except that I have a practice to run.”

  “You can’t have that many clients in town,” dad said.

  “It doesn’t matter. I have to be there. I’m expecting a new client tomorrow.”

  “I’d rather not put Jeremy through any more,” Kimberly said. “He took the baby to his office today and Abigail didn’t handle it all that well.”

  “Oh, no. That doesn’t sound good at all,” mom responded. “How about those bird sisters? They seem to be taken with the baby.”

  “I didn’t think you really cared for them.”

  “I never said that, exactly. But we spoke with them yesterday when we checked on the renovations. I just love Mrs. Peacock’s Macaw.”

  “That’s what I’m worried about. I don’t need the baby picking up any bad language from him.”

  “Abigail is a long way away from talking,” her mom insisted. “Should I call or will you?”

  “I’ll call, I suppose, but I’ll have to go there early to see if Abigail takes to them. I don’t want her crying the entire time I’m gone.”

  “Where are you going tomorrow?”

  “I’m meeting Corrine and Clive.”

  “I certainly hope you don’t plan to continue working. A mother needs to stay home and take care of their children.”

  Kimberly frowned. “Why is everyone so dead set against me possibly modeling again?”

  “You did that for the Pretty and Pregnant perfume line and you’re no longer with child. I can’t imagine what they’d want you to do now,” her mom said.

  “At least I hope she’s not,” Jeremy said with a grimace. “Abigail is all I can handle now.”

  “I never said I had any plans for more children,” Kimberly said.

  She picked up the phone and called Mrs. Peacock, asking her to stop by, and the woman said she’d be right over.

  “I hope Mrs. Peacock doesn’t plan to use our bathtub again,” Jeremy commented.

  “That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard of,” her dad said. “Those bird sisters crack me up.”

  “They are a little eccentric,” her mom agreed. “But they have good hearts. Who else would put up with that bird?”

  Kimberly went into the kitchen, returning with two Diet Cokes for her parents. Her mom was burping the baby when a car rumbled up and Jeremy let in Mrs. Peacock and Mrs. Canary, who made a beeline for Abigail. “May I?” Mrs. Peacock asked.

  “Sure, but she hasn’t burped
yet.”

  “I’ll do it.”

  Mrs. Peacock picked up the baby and placed a receiving blanket on her shoulder and promptly Abigail burped for her without much effort. Abigail made a face and began to cry until Mrs. Peacock took a whiff and declared, “I believe Abigail has left us a little package.” She carried her up the hall, entering Abigail’s room, presumably to change her.

  “What happened to Birdie?” Kimberly asked.

  “My sister left him at home and was he ever complaining. We could hear him cussing from outside. You might say he’s spoiled since we take him with us practically everywhere.”

  Mrs. Peacock returned with Abigail. She put a clean receiving blanket down and swaddled her. “This is how to calm down a fussy baby,” she said, holding the baby. “So what did you need, Kimberly?”

  “Could you babysit for me tomorrow for a little while?”

  “Of course,” Mrs. Canary exclaimed. “Can’t we, sister?”

  With tears threatening to fall, Mrs. Peacock choked out, “It would be an honor to watch your baby. I’m so happy you trust us with your little one.”

  Jeremy’s face was blank and Kimberly nudged him with her elbow. “Could you watch her here?” he asked.

  “That would be best since all of her things are here, but you’ll have to get used to lugging around a diaper bag.”

  “Believe me, we’re quite aware of that already. I have an important meeting tomorrow so I really appreciate you watching the baby for us.”

  “Can I bring Birdie? He hates to be alone.”

  “Sure, he didn’t seem to bother Abigail yesterday when he was here.”

  “Oh, no. Sometimes he minds his manners.” She laughed. “Just not when I have company.”

  “How right you are, sister.”

  Kimberly felt at ease about Mrs. Peacock babysitting. Today she certainly proved she was more than capable of watching the baby. It still bothered Kimberly a little, though, to think of being away from the baby. She wasn’t sure how she would handle it. She only hoped that tomorrow’s meeting wouldn’t last that long.

  * * *

  Jeremy came into the bedroom and kissed Kimberly, saying, “I’m leaving for the office now. Abigail is fed, burped, and back in her crib. I thought you told me you were meeting Corrine and Clive today?”