Part 15 (1/2)
”I don't want to feel like I'm being kept. The free cabin doesn't work for me. I'll pay rent, the way any
other tenant would.”
Feminine pride, he thought, noting the tilt of her chin. He hadn't expected that.
”What about the job?”
She tasted her tea. ”It interests me. I think it's a wonderful opportunity.”
”Good.”
”There's more.”
”All right.” He leaned forward. He sensed this was the part making her nervous, the condition keeping
her awake at night.
”I agree that we should concentrate on being friends. But if things don't work out, I want the option to go back home.”
His chest tightened. ”I'm on probation?”
”No. That's not how I mean it.” Her voice turned soft. ”I'm really happy that you want to help raise the
baby, and that's why I'm willing to move here. But I can't guarantee this situation will work. It's such a
monumental change.” And she was apprehensive. Because of their awkward relations.h.i.+p, he decided. Because of the one-night stand neither of them could seem to forget. ”It will take some time, Julianne.”
”I know. But I just want you to understand how I feel.” He merely nodded. Their situationhad to work. The child needed them. Both of them. He summoned a smile. ”We're going to be great parents.” She smiled, too. And when she drew her legs up, the cropped pajama top rode a little higher. He wondered when it would be appropriate to touch her tummy. When he could ask without it seeming s.e.xual.
”What should I do about my car?”
He cleared his throat. ”Your car?”
”I can't drive it toTexas. I don't want to tackle a trip like that. Not by myself.”
Of course not, he thought, realizing they had details to discuss. ”I'll hire a company to transport your car.
I'll arrange for the moving van, as well.”
”Thank you. I don't intend to bring much. I'll probably put most of my furniture in storage.” She paused and glanced around his cabin, as if envisioning the one she would be living in. ”I want to get settled first.”
”That makes sense. You can always send for things later.” He glanced around the room, too. ”I'm sorry I can't show you the place you'll be living in. It's still being occupied.”
”That's all right.”
Should he tell her more about the cabin that was to become her home? Or should he wait until she moved in?
He would wait, he decided. And then he would mention it casually. He didn't want her to know how much emotional effort it took for him to invite her to stay in his old house.
The bright, roomy cabin he had shared with his wife.
”Do you have someone to help you pack?” he asked when he caught her watching him.
She nodded. ”My cousins.”
”How long will it be before you come back, Julianne?”
”A few weeks. Maybe a little longer. I'll call you when I'm sure.”
”Okay.”
They talked for a while longer and, finally, he rose, knowing it was time to leave.
She came to her feet and walked him to the door. When she glanced up at him, his heart went soft. She still looked a little pale. Tired yet somehow pretty.
”Thank you,” he said.
”For agreeing to move here?”
He nodded. ”And for choosing to have my child.”
She took a breath, wrapped her arms around her middle. ”I've always wanted a baby.”
”I know. But I'm still grateful.”
”You're welcome, Bobby,” she said after a beat of silence.
He met her gaze and they stared at each other, the uncertainty of their future stretching between them.
”I'll keep in touch,” he told her.
”Me, too.”
He walked out onto the porch, anxious for her to return toTexas.
And, G.o.d willing, to stay.
Chapter 8.