Designing Hearts

by Robin Strachan

  “He broke things off with Andrea,” Liam told her, as if reading her mind. “He says he wants time to himself for a while.”

  “Time alone for him would be good,” Jill said. “Let’s hope that in the process, he finds whatever insights he’s looking for.”

  “It does seem that there are important things he’s figuring out about himself.” Brian looked thoughtful. “Maybe it will affect how he views others, too. You know, people in glass houses and all that.”

  “Well, however it happened, I’m glad things are better between you and your dad,” Jill said to Liam and held up her wineglass. “To healing old hurts and to new beginnings … starting with this new baby.” She grinned. “Goodness! I hope we hear something soon.”

  The call from Finn didn’t come until eight o’clock the next morning. “He’s here!” he announced in a voice hoarse from lack of sleep.

  Jill bobbled her cellphone, nearly dropping it in her haste to answer. She had been awake for over two hours, drinking coffee and pacing the house. “Tell me all about him! Is he okay?” she asked. “Is Missy okay? What’s the baby’s name?”

  Missy and Finn had elected not to announce their choice of a name until after the baby boy was born, claiming they wanted to see how the name fit the baby.

  “The baby is fine and Missy is fine, too. She’s sleeping now. It sure was a long night, but she came through it great. Shaun Connor is seven pounds, two ounces and nineteen-and-a-half inches long. He’s perfect.” Finn said. “All the parts are there. Actually, he looks like an infant version of Dad, only without as much dark hair.”

  “Shaun Connor Hennessy,” Jill said, taking a deep breath. “That’s beautiful, Finn.” She dabbed at the tears welling up. “And there are certainly worse things than bearing a resemblance to your father,” she added with a laugh. “How could he not be a handsome boy, though, with you and Missy for parents?”

  When she and Denny entered Missy’s hospital room early that afternoon, Jill was glad to see Missy looking rested and radiant, cuddling her new son. Finn was dozing in the easy chair next to her bed, still unshaven, his clothing rumpled.

  “Would you like to hold him?” Missy whispered to Jill.

  “I’d love to.” Jill extended her arms and carefully accepted the swaddled baby from Missy. Shaun Connor’s eyes were closed tight, his mouth pursed as if in deep thought.

  “I had no idea how this would feel. It’s not even possible to describe,” she said, her heart expanding in love for the baby as she kissed the top of his head through the knitted cap. The sweet newborn smell of him filled her nose. “There should be a perfume called New Baby,” she said, tears streaming down her cheeks. She put her cheek against his forehead. “I can’t believe this.”

  Denny put his arm around Jill’s shoulder. “Congratulations,” he said and looked down on the newborn face with awe.

  As she watched Finn change the baby’s diaper a few minutes later, Jill was conscious of movement just behind her and turned to see David in the doorway, looking tentative. “David, come and meet your new grandson,” she said quietly, holding out her hand to welcome him.

  The drawn look on David’s face disappeared as he peered over Finn’s shoulder at the baby, now freshly changed and swaddled. His eyes widened as he saw his first grandson. “He’s beautiful,” he said in a voice shaky with emotion.

  “Here, Dad,” Finn said.

  David gingerly accepted the baby, holding him tightly to his chest. There were no words spoken for a moment as he stared in wonder. “I’d forgotten how small they are,” he said finally. “Welcome to the world, little man,” he whispered and touched his lips to the baby’s forehead. He glanced up to meet Jill’s eyes. “Can you believe this?” He looked close to tears.

  Denny cleared his throat and excused himself. “I’ll be back,” he said to Jill. “I need a cup of tea.”

  Jill smiled her thanks at him. “Don’t go too far.”

  After a half hour, David excused himself to get back to the television studio. Jill followed him into the hallway. “Hey, I heard you have a new home in Greenwich. The boys told me. It sounds great.”

  “Well, it won’t have your design touch, or maybe it will. I ought to have you look at it and tell me what kind of furniture to buy.”

  “I’d be glad to. Would you like a feng shui consultation?” she teased.

  “I’ll get back to you on that.” He offered a tired smile. “It was time for me to get out of the city. There’s too much noise in my head. I’ve decided to write a book, and I can use the quiet time.”

  “What’s the subject?”

  “It’s a retrospective piece about changing times and how we as Americans respond to them.” He chewed on the side of his mouth. “Not that I have all the answers.”

  “I’m sure you’ll do a great job.” She smiled at him gently.

  There was a moment of silence as David’s eyes met hers. “Are you happy, Jill?” The question was meant sincerely; she could tell from the expression in his eyes.

  She smiled gently. “I am, David, and I hope you will be, too.”

  “I’m getting there.” He moved closer, and Jill walked into his embrace. They stood like that for a few moments before stepping away from each other.

  “Take care of yourself, David.”

  “You, too.” He flashed the familiar one hundred-watt smile and walked away.

  The Air Canada flight attendant handed Jill and Denny dinner menus as they sat together in first class, drinking mimosas. The massive jet was turning now, heading over the Atlantic Ocean on its way to Aberdeen Airport.

  “Are you sure your mother is ready to meet me?” Jill sipped her mimosa. “What did you tell her about the two of us?”

  “That I was bringing the girl I intend to marry, that’s all.” Denny bared his teeth in an exaggerated grin.

  “You did not!” Jill smacked his knee playfully.

  “I did. I said I wanted her to meet the woman of my dreams.” Denny reached for Jill’s hand and folded his fingers over hers. “I hope that’s okay, because it’s true. I do love you, Jill, and I want us to be married someday.”

  Jill’s cheeks turned rosy as she met Denny’s clear, trusting eyes. In them she saw reflected all her hopes and dreams, with none of the usual fears. “Well, then, as they say in Scotland, let the banns begin.”

  “They don’t actually say it like that, Jill. But is it a good idea? Do ye think we’d be happy as a married couple?”

  “I do,” she said and linked her arm through his.

  * * *

  Robin Strachan’s poetry, fiction, and nonfiction have been published in local, regional, and national publications for over thirty years.

  Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, she began her writing career as a reporter doing features. Her personality feature stories for the newspaper and its sister magazine, coupled with her love of Maeve Binchy novels and all things related to the British Isles, eventually led to a decision to write fiction that includes strong individual character stories. Designing Hearts is her second novel. Her first, Manifesting Dreams, was released in November 2011. A third is in progress.

  Since 1981, Ms. Strachan has served in executive and development roles in higher education, health care, and medical research. She holds a bachelor of arts degree with dual majors in English and philosophy. She is also a published poet and a professional artist. She makes her home in the Chicago area.

  For more information, go to:

  www.robinstrachanauthor.com.