A Wedding For Baby (Baby Boom)

by Laura Marie Altom

  Seated beside him, she shrugged. “I’m all right. Exhausted, but otherwise fine.”

  Liar. Her eyes were red and her complexion pale.

  She’d put her hair in two loose braids that framed her face. He wanted to take hold of them, drawing her in for a kiss.

  Trying to get his mind on something other than her lips, he asked, “How’s Ben’s job hunt going?”

  “Okay, I guess. He has a couple of good corporate leads, and was offered a job selling Fords at a friend’s car lot. With his people skills, I can see where he’d probably be good at it—selling cars.”

  “No doubt,” Dane said, not bothering to hide a sarcastic chuckle.

  “At least he’s trying,” Gabrielle said a little defensively.

  “So I take it things are going good between you?”

  “No. Things are more comfortable between us, but Ben’s still in the guest room if that’s what you mean.”

  “Sorry,” he said, hoping to dispel the anger flashing in her eyes. “Whatever you do with my brother is your business. I didn’t mean to imply—”

  “Stop.” She gently pressed her fingers to his lips, shooting an erotic jolt through him. “For Jack’s sake, you were the one encouraging me to reunite with Ben, remember?”

  Of course he remembered, but he didn’t have to like it. The thought of any other man touching her was inconceivable. Ben touching her? That thought sent Dane over the edge every night.

  “I’m good,” she said, “and I want you to be, too.”

  He touched his forehead to hers. “I shouldn’t have come.”

  “Why? Dane, there’s no law against us being friends.”

  He nodded. Trouble was, he wanted so much more than friendship from her.

  Gabrielle took Dane inside. She put a bottled beer in his hand, steering him toward the sofa. Stephanie and Olivia finally arrived, wearing matching “Future Hog” maternity shirts with arrows pointing toward their baby bumps. The Razorbacks won their play-off game. Everyone was jubilant—except him. He tried getting into the spirit of the night, but nothing worked.

  Ben was constantly jiggling the baby on his knee. It was a wonder the kid didn’t puke. Gabrielle asked him to stop, and to Ben’s credit he did—for a little while. But then he was back at it.

  Gabby stepped in and took the infant, huddling in the kitchen with Olivia and Stephanie. Dane thought about joining them, but just retreating to his quiet house sounded like a better plan. But then he got cornered by an old friend, and talked stocks for the better part of an hour.

  Gabrielle had long since put Jackson to bed, so before heading home for the night, Dane let himself into the nursery, closing the door behind him. Save for a night-light, the room was dark. Just enough moonlight crept through the curtains he’d helped hang to silhouette Jack’s perfect sleeping form.

  Bracing his arms on the side of the crib, drinking in the sight of the tiny miracle that’d been growing inside Gabrielle, Dane couldn’t help but wonder if Ben even appreciated what he had.

  The door opened, and Gabrielle put her hands to her chest. “Dane. Jeez, everyone thought you’d gone home.”

  “Should’ve,” he said, skimming Jack’s crazy soft hair.

  “He’s gorgeous, isn’t he?” Standing alongside him, she said, “I can’t get enough of this little guy.” Grabbing the edge of the baby’s fleece blanket, she tucked it under his left foot, which had been sticking out. “Of course, when he wakes at about three in the morning, I’ll probably have other thoughts.”

  “Does Ben ever take turns with you when it comes to late-night feedings?”

  “He’s tried, but it’s kinda tough, seeing how I’m breast-feeding.”

  “I suppose.” Tough, but not impossible. Dane had done considerable reading on the subject, and it was no big deal for the mother to express milk for times when she wasn’t available. “Have you figured out a plan for when you go back to the spa?”

  “I’m going to try taking Jack with me, but if that doesn’t work, your mother offered to help.” Leaving the baby, she strode to the rocker and had a seat. “My feet are on fire.”

  “That was nice.”

  “Having my feet burst into flames?” she teased. Lord, she was a sight to behold. Hair an adorable mess, just the way he liked it. Smile sassy, yet at the same time sweet.

  “I was talking about my mom.”

  “I know.” Closing her eyes, she rocked. Outside of the nursery, the party wound on. Hard rock pulsed through the walls. “It’s a miracle Jack’s sleeping through all of this.”

  “When is everyone leaving?”

  Sighing, she said, “Who knows? Maybe I’ll just take a cue from my son and drag myself off to bed.”

  “Want me to carry you?” Though he’d meant the question to be a joke, it didn’t come out sounding that way. When her smile faded, he said, “Sorry, I…”

  “You have nothing to apologize for.” Easing her fingers into the hair at her temples, she asked, “You ever wonder how we got to this place? I mean, me with Ben, you on your own? It doesn’t feel right. Like I’m going through the motions of life, but not really living.”

  Boy, did that sound familiar. “It’ll get better,” he said. “A couple of times tonight, you and my brother looked cozy.”

  “Jealous?” Even in the shadows, he felt her stare.

  Hell, yes.

  Licking her lips, she said, “I’m sorry. That was inappropriate.”

  He couldn’t disagree.

  Angling his head back, he tried working the kinks from his neck, but no such luck. He feared they were becoming a permanent fixture. “I’ve been thinking lately about resigning. Taking a position with a Little Rock law firm. A friend of mine from college has offered me a partnership. All I have to do is say the word, and it’s a done deal.”

  “But you love being a judge.”

  “It’s all right.” With a sad laugh, he shook his head. Too damned bad I love you more. Because he loved her, he wanted her to do the right thing—and stay with Ben so that Jackson grew up with his true father.

  Chapter Fifteen

  A week after her last conversation with Dane, Gabby still had a tough time forgetting the hurt in his eyes. Her asking if he was jealous of his brother had been unconscionable. She’d meant it as a lighthearted quip. An auto-response. Never had she meant to hurt him—or herself. It no longer mattered that Dane had become an integral part of her life. She was now a parent, and as such, Jackson’s needs came above her own.

  Then you’re admitting you miss Dane far more than you should?

  No. She’d made Ben a promise to work things out between them, and for their baby’s sake, she would.

  Speaking of Ben, she heard him stirring. The sound of the wood floor creaking in the hall. The bathroom taps going on and then off.

  Drawing the covers over her head, she tried not to focus on all of the times she’d listened in on Dane’s morning routine.

  Minutes later, Ben was at her door. “I was talking with my friend Craig and we’re going to the Cotton Bowl. Does that work for you?”

  “Sure,” she said, actually a little relieved he’d be gone. “Where are you getting the money?”

  He shrugged. “I’ve still got a few bucks saved from those commercials I did in L.A.”

  “What about your job leads? Did any pan out?”

  Sitting at the foot of her bed, he said, “None of them really worked for me. I’m thinking about going back to school. Maybe learning a trade. My friend Matt pulls down five Gs a month welding.”

  After taking a moment to let that sink in, Gabby said, “Let me get this straight. You have a perfectly good business degree, yet because you don’t like any of the jobs you’ve applied for, you’re giving up the search?”

  “You’re getting it all wrong.And might I add,” he said with one of his trademark sexy grins, “that you’re looking particularly fetching this morning in those pink pj’s.”

  “Ben,” she blurted, “what�
�s wrong with you? You won’t even try being an adult. Why can’t you just accept the fact that you’re not a kid anymore? You have responsibilities.”

  “Aw, baby,” he said, lying down next to her, smoothing her hair. “Don’t be mad. I’m sorry, okay? I’ll table trade school for now, and just take the car sales job, all right?”

  Groaning, she stared at the ceiling. “I don’t even know what to say to you. The whole reason we’re trying to make things work between us is so that Jack grows up with a father, but you’re more like a younger brother. Last weekend’s party got way out of hand. You’ve been here weeks and still don’t have a job. You hardly help out at all around the house. Tell me, why should I bother keeping you here, because honestly, you cause me more work than pleasure.”

  “If it’s pleasure you need,” he said in a suggestive tone, “then I’ll be happy to—”

  “Just be quiet!” Tossing back her comforter, she stormed out of her room, adding on her way, “And after that, grow up.”

  Unfortunately, Ben followed. “I get it, okay? You’re right, I haven’t done much around here to help you out, and I’m sorry.” Grabbing her arm just before she entered the nursery, he pulled her into a hug. “I know I should get my act together. Maybe you getting all fiery is the kick I needed.” Kissing her cheek and the tip of her nose before moving to her lips, he whispered, “I love you. You’re my Fab Gab.”

  The endearment transported her to a happier time when she’d loved Ben, too. Her life had seemed so carefree then. Like living one big party was a good thing. Now, since having Jack, yes, she still wanted to have fun, but in a different way.

  “I—I’ll give you another chance,” she said, her palms against his chest, “but this is it. Once I’m back at work, I’m going to need help with Jack and cooking and laundry and scrubbing toilets. There’s no way I can do all of it alone.”

  “I know,” he said. “And I’m so sorry for ever thinking you could.” After kissing her again, he said, “You’ll see, from now on, I’m going to be a changed man.”

  “IS HE DOING BETTER?” Olivia asked the Sunday afternoon before Gabby returned to the spa. They were indulging in a sinful brunch at a local teahouse that had been opened in a renovated Victorian house. All of the rooms were decorated in period style with plenty of antique case goods and tables covered in vintage lace cloths. The antique china didn’t match, but provided a shabby-chic flair to go with the delicious homemade soups, sandwiches and pies. Dean Martin crooned familiar love songs. Over peach iced teas, Gabby had told her friend all of the promises Ben had made. It’d been a week since their talk, and to his credit, he had done a considerable amount of laundry—but only items that were easy to fold.

  “He’s great with washing towels, and always does the dishes, so yes, I suppose you could say he’s much better.”

  “But…” Olivia, still a week out from her due date, leaned forward, absentmindedly stirring her tea.

  “It’s somehow still not enough.” Jack slept in his carrier on the floor beside her. He looked so peaceful. Oblivious to his mother’s emotional chaos.

  “Because of your feelings for Dane?”

  Gabby sharply looked up. “What feelings? Dane’s my friend. I really am trying to be with Ben—for Jack’s sake. It’s the right thing to do.”

  “According to Dane, Ben or your own heart?”

  “CONGRATULATIONS!” GABBY SAID Tuesday morning, giving Stephanie a big hug. Jack was spending the morning with Mama Bocelli. Steph had carried her identical twin girls to full term, and they’d both weighed in at a whopping six pounds, three ounces. “Your babies are gorgeous.”

  “Thanks,” Stephanie said. “It was a lot of work getting them here, though.”

  Gabby laughed. “That, I remember all too well.” After setting two teddy bears and a balloon bouquet on the room’s windowsill, she asked, “Do you need anything?”

  “No, thanks. Lisa’s been great. She just left a few minutes ago to take care of her family.”

  Sitting in the chair beside Steph’s bed, Gabby said, “I’ll bet it was nice having your coach for the delivery. You know, so everything went according to plan.”

  “It was, but that still didn’t make it hurt any less.” Brushing her riot of curls back from her face, she asked, “Was it really awful without Dane?”

  “Who knows? I didn’t end up using any of what we’d learned, so I suppose in that sense it wasn’t what I’d expected. Plus, I missed Dane. We had a connection, you know? With Ben, it was like experiencing the most intimate moment imaginable—only with your ex.”

  “I’m sorry,” Steph said. “I missed Michael, too. Don’t get me wrong—Lisa was great, but like you said about Dane, it just wasn’t the same.”

  “Listen to us.” Gabby forced a smile. “We’re supposed to be celebrating, not sitting here commiserating.” She stood and tidied Steph’s array of flowers and other gifts. “Tell me what’s the first thing you’re going to do now that you’re not pregnant.”

  “Mmm…I’m craving a nice glass of merlot.”

  Laughing, Gabby said, “Sounds good. I’ll bring you a bottle.”

  “Bless you.” Once Steph had stopped laughing, too, she said, “So, back to Ben. What are you going to do? Kick him to the curb, or try molding him into the man you need him to be?”

  “Ugh. That’s a question I ask myself at least fifty times a day. In fact—”

  A knock sounded on the door. “Everyone decent?”

  “Come in!” Steph sang out.

  Gabby’s pulse sped up as she saw Dane strolling through the door, part of his face hidden by a dozen yellow roses.

  “Congrats,” he said, setting the flowers on Stephanie’s nightstand before giving her a hug. “You did Michael proud. Those girls are already heartbreakers.”

  Tearing, Steph said, “Thank you. I hope he’s smiling down on them.”

  “He is.” Gabby covered her friend’s hand with hers.

  A nurse bustled in with one baby in a clear plastic cart. “Someone’s hungry.”

  “That’s my cue to leave,” Dane said, reddening. He gave Steph another hug. “You did good.”

  “Thank you.” She wiped away tears. Laughing, she said, “I can’t stop crying.”

  “That’s normal,” the nurse said, handing over the baby. “Your hormones are going haywire.”

  “I guess,” Steph said, while Gabby leaned in for a closer look at the fitful newborn. “I can’t wait for us all to have playdates.”

  “That will be fun,” Gabby agreed.

  “I don’t mean to rush you,” the nurse said, “but our mom has another wailer waiting in the nursery.”

  Gabby made her goodbyes and left with Dane holding open the door.

  Out in the hall, he said, “Long time, no see. How have you been?”

  “Good,” she managed to say, even though her mouth was dry. Just standing near him was a treat. His citrus-and-leather aftershave acted as an aphrodisiac. She wanted to wrap him in a hug and never let go.

  He nodded. “Me, too. Want to grab a cup of coffee?”

  “Love to.”

  With its fluorescent lights and beige walls, the hospital cafeteria wasn’t big on ambience, but seated across from Dane, Gabby didn’t need candlelight to put her in a happy mood. Even though they were surrounded by scrub-wearing employees and other visitors, for Gabby, no one existed but him.

  “Where’s the baby?” he asked, stirring two sugars into his cup.

  “With your mom.”

  He winced. “Poor kid.”

  “Oh, stop,” she scolded. “Your mother’s wonderful. A little bit of a buttinski, but otherwise great.”

  “What’d she do?” He sipped his coffee.

  “Just grilled me about how things are going with Ben.” Gabby added cream and diet sweetener to her coffee.

  “And…how are things?”

  “Better,” she said, wrapping both hands around her cup. The hospital was chilly, and the coffee’s warmth
was soothing. “He’s trying hard to be everything I need him to be.”

  “Which is?” He raised his eyebrows.

  “A little more grown-up.” She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of admitting she wanted his little brother to be more like him.

  “Mmm-hmm. Good luck.”

  “YOU’ RE GETTING PRETTY GOOD at that,” Nana said to Ben, hovering over him while he changed Jackson’s diaper.

  Dane watched from his mother’s living room sofa. Mama had set up a portable crib and changing table in Pops’s den.

  “Thanks,” Ben said, beaming under Nana’s praise. Finished snapping Jackson’s tiny jeans, he scooped him up, flying him through the air.

  “Quit that,” Nana said. “You’ll drop him on his head, and then he won’t see right.”

  Dane had to laugh at his grandmother’s logic.

  Gabrielle was in the kitchen with Mama, helping her clean up. He’d offered, but Mama wouldn’t hear of it, claiming it’d been too long since she and Gabrielle had had a nice chat. Dane couldn’t imagine how traumatic that must be. A part of him wanted to rescue her, another part wanted to forget he’d ever met her. Before Gabrielle, his life may have been predictable and routine, but at least he hadn’t been consumed with constant what-ifs.

  What if he’d gone against his every belief concerning right and wrong and just plunged into a relationship with her? Would he be content with his decision? Or eaten by regrets? Would his family hate him for destroying his little brother’s life?

  “Here,” Ben said, plopping Jackson onto Dane’s lap. “Hold him for a sec. I need to help Mama and Gab with the dishes.”

  “Mom doesn’t want help,” Dane said.

  Ben patted Dane’s shoulder. “You might be older than me, but you’ve got a lot to learn about women, big bro. Trust me, when a woman tells you she doesn’t want you washing dishes, she’s lying.” He walked to the kitchen whistling.