Читать книгу Their Secret Baby Bond - Stephanie Dees - Страница 16

Chapter Four

The next afternoon, Latham was back in the cottage, taking some notes of his own. He let the tape measure slide into place with a snap and turned to his notepad on the countertop to write down the measurements. Wynn’s idea of building a loft was actually pretty doable if he opened up the attic space.

A few industrial touches, a coat of white paint, and this shabby old place would look completely different.

The door behind him slowly swung open. Latham turned around to see a little boy around five or six years old, maybe, standing in the doorway, his thumb stuck in his mouth, a dirty bandage on his knee. Big brown eyes missed nothing as they perused the room.

“Hey, buddy, whatcha doin’? Anybody know where you are?”

The little dude still didn’t say anything. Latham looked out the door toward the farmhouse to see if anyone was coming. No one was in sight. “So, you want to see what I’m doing?”

A nod. Communication established.

“I’m measuring because I’m going to build something that needs to fit in here. You want to help?”

Another solemn nod.

“Okay, I have one more measurement I need.” Latham handed the end of the measuring tape to the little guy. “You take this over to that wall and we’ll see how wide the room is.”

The boy didn’t respond, but he took the measuring tape to the wall and held it there. Latham made a quick measurement, which he would have to redo, but it did give him a basic idea. “Thanks, bud. You’re a good helper.”

Joe Sheehan appeared in the door. “Here you are, Matthew! I’ve been looking for you. Claire wants you to come back to the kitchen and finish your breakfast.”

The little boy started for the door, but turned back to wave shyly at Latham.

Latham stuck his hand in his pocket and pulled out a small flexible measuring tape, no sharp edges. “Hey buddy, you take this one and see what you can find to measure inside.”

A grin spread across the thin face, and Matthew grabbed the tape measure out of Latham’s hand and sprinted for the house.

“Cute kid.”

“He is cute. Also a total escape artist. Can’t turn your back on him for a second.” Joe walked to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottled water, tossing one to Latham and opening one for himself.

Latham took a long drink. “Thanks. You off work today?”

“I’m home today, but I’m learning I’m never completely off work. I’ve already fielded about four phone calls.” Joe Sheehan was Wynn’s older brother and moved back to town after an injury in the line of duty. Joe became the police chief of their little town, shortly after he’d fallen for Claire Conley.

The top cop looked around the small cabin. “I think I’d blocked out the neon green paint in the bathroom. It’s really awful, isn’t it? I hope Wynn’s planning to repaint.”

Latham grinned and leaned back on the kitchen island. “White everywhere. I wonder if she knows how many coats of paint it’s going to take to cover that green.”

“I could answer that, but I’m not going to. A year of marriage under my belt has taught me that keeping my mouth shut is often the wisest policy.” Joe laughed as he paced the length of the room, pausing to look out the window and take in the view of the farmhouse across the pond. He cleared his throat. “So, now that Wynn’s back in town and you’re helping her with the cottage, are you planning to ask her out?”

Latham didn’t move, just kept his eyes trained on Joe’s face and tried not to smile. “I haven’t really thought that far ahead. Right now we have a business arrangement between friends. If things change, I could update you.”

“Sure. She was dead set on leaving Red Hill Springs when she graduated high school. Now things are different. Maybe you should follow through on that crush you had on her in high school.” He looked around. “Wow, I forgot how quiet it is down here.”

While Latham was processing the newfound knowledge that Joe had known about his infatuation with Wynn in high school, the door slammed open and a girl around seven years old came bursting through the door. “Joe! Claire said to come quick. Penny’s little brother got his head stuck in the banisters again!”

Joe sighed and shot a look at Latham. “So much for quiet.”

As Joe swung the little one onto his shoulders, he was rewarded with a pure, sweet giggle, and the look on his face was anything but annoyed. Yeah, Red Hill Springs’ police chief definitely had a soft side. Latham remembered when all the mamas in town warned their kids to stay away from Joe. He’d turned out pretty good despite all the dire warnings.

They’d all changed since they roamed this small town as kids. Maybe those changes were for the better, maybe some not so much. He wondered again what brought Wynn back to Red Hill Springs. And if she was really going to stay.

Latham shrugged into his coat and stuck the tape measure in his pocket. He followed Joe around the trail to where he’d parked his old truck in the driveway. As he drove home, his ideas for the cabin turned in his mind. He could almost imagine the space the way it would look after the reno. Wynn would be at her easel in the loft studio, maybe a pot of coffee on in the kitchen.

It was sentimental, sure, but he always tried to think about the people he was building for. A house wasn’t a home until someone made it one. The tables he created in his barn workshop were only wood and nails until they became the centerpiece of a family kitchen.

Latham turned into the drive on his property, his mind on a big fire and a cup of coffee. He’d stayed longer than he’d meant to at the cottage, and the shadows were long over the gravel road. He hoped Wynn wasn’t too bored. Maybe he was asking too much of her. Although, now that he’d seen how big the job she had in mind for him was, he wasn’t as worried about that.

The dogs barreled around the corner of the house as they heard his door open. He gave them a quick scratch and hurried to the door, pushing it open to find Wynn at the kitchen table putting Scrabble tiles into their velvet bag.

She looked up with a smile. “Well, hey. Your pop was just starting to get worried about you.”

“Was not.” Pop’s voice came from around the corner.

Latham shook his head. “He wasn’t too much trouble?”

“No, he was not.” The grumpy voice came from the living room again.

“Maybe he’s hungry?” Wynn suggested.

Pop stuck his head back into the kitchen. “Yes, as a matter of fact, he is hungry.”

Latham ignored his unruly grandpa. “So he was okay today?”

“He was great. He beat me at Scrabble. Apparently, I need to brush up on my vocabulary.” Wynn walked into the kitchen, lifted the lid on the slow cooker and stirred something that smelled amazing before grabbing her purse and jacket from the counter. “I guess I’ll see you guys tomorrow. Bye, Pop.”

The grizzly gray head popped back into the doorway. “See you tomorrow, Wynn.”

Latham, still in his coat, followed her out the door, Teddy bumping his legs.

Frank dropped a grimy ball at Wynn’s feet, and with a smile, she bent to pick it up. “You’ve got my number, don’t you, Frank?”

With a quick movement, she hurled the ball into the yard and Frank tore off after it. “He knows I can’t resist his goofy grin.”

“Please stay and eat some of the dinner you cooked. It’s only fair.”

She paused on the walkway. “I’ve got to head home tonight, but rain check?”

Across the yard, Frank scooped up the ball and ran full speed across the yard. Latham could see the trajectory of his path, and the seventy-pound dog was bearing down on Wynn, like a runaway train.

Just as Frank reached them, Latham dove between him and Wynn, grabbing the dog and spinning so that he landed on his back and not on top of the dog. Frank scrambled away.

Wynn rushed to his side, tripped over his boot and landed on his chest with a rush of air.

His arms closed reflexively around her, and her eyes locked with his. “Wynn—”

Frank dropped the nasty, wet tennis ball by Latham’s shoulder, and somehow understanding he had a captive audience, slurped a big kiss into Wynn’s ear.

She squealed and rolled to the ground on her back, laughing when Teddy joined Frank in planting wet, slobbery kisses on her face.

Latham shooed the dogs, who were highly annoyed that their plan to lick Wynn into a puddle of laughter had been thwarted. He pulled Wynn to her feet. Her hair was scattered over her shoulders, her cheeks pink as she leaned over to scratch behind the ears of his two misbehaving dogs.

She was laughing.

He was poleaxed.

How was it that he hadn’t seen her for years and as soon as he did, the feelings he thought he’d squelched years ago came roaring back?

He cleared his throat, forcing his brain to make words as she found her car keys again. “Sorry about that. Pop’s companion calls them hooligans, and they really are.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow around noon. Hope you and Pop have a good night.”

He waited to make sure her car started and gave her a wave as he turned toward the house. Teddy bumped his leg and whined. “I know, Ted. Believe me, I know.”

* * *

Wynn paused in the driveway at Red Hill Farm when she heard her name called. She’d spent the morning in her new home and had a sketchbook full of ideas to show for it. Was it nesting if it happened before she even had a baby bump?

Jordan, in jeans and riding boots, hugged the fence on an enormous brown horse.

“I was hoping you’d be here today!” Wynn walked to the fence. The big horse sniffed her hair and snorted.

Jordan laughed. “I’ve had Rocco here out for a run. He’s here on a trial basis so we can see if he’s a fit for our therapy program.”

“How’s it going?”

Jordan slid to the ground and scratched under the horse’s mane, laughing when he leaned in to her touch. “He’s amazing. Really calm and responsive. I’m a little concerned about his size, especially with the kids, but we could probably make it work.”

As Jordan took the tack off Rocco, Wynn crossed her arms on the top bar of the fence. “I’ve been making notes about the cottage. I can’t wait to have it ready to move into. I love being at Mom’s, but if I’m going to figure out my life, I need to be in my own place.”

“I heard from Ash that you’re working for Latham, taking care of his pop.” Jordan plopped the saddle onto a stand and rolled her shoulders.

“Yes. He asked if I could help, and we made a deal—his carpentry skills for my time with Pop. I definitely got the better end of the deal. Pop is awesome.” Wynn grinned. “And I have a really long list of things for Latham to do out here.”

“I also heard there was something between you and Latham, you know, once upon a time.” Jordan stopped brushing long enough to give Wynn a long, speculative look.

Wynn was going to kill her brother. “You heard wrong. Mostly wrong,” she amended. “Besides, it wouldn’t matter. I’m not the person I was back then, and I’m not sure he would like the person I am now.”

“Hey, you’re working on it. None of us is perfect. It’s like this horse. He’s going to make a great therapy horse, but I wouldn’t put a kid up on him right now for a million dollars. He’s got the temperament, but developing the skills takes time.”

“You’re comparing me to a horse?”

With a shrug, Jordan laughed. “Hey, I work with what I’ve got. Plus I like most horses better than most people.”

“So it was a compliment.” Wynn laughed and grimaced as she looked at her watch. “I’d love to stay to see what kind of farm animals you’ll be comparing me to next, but I promised Mom I’d be home for dinner tonight. She’s testing out a new recipe for the café.”

“Don’t suppose she needs any more testers?”

“You know she always makes enough food for an army. Come on over.”

“I’ll text Ash and see if he and Levi want to meet me there.” She snapped her fingers, and Rocco rolled his eyes back at her. “I almost forgot, do you think you could keep Levi for me tomorrow?”

“Absolutely, if I can take him to Latham’s with me.”

“Yeah, that’s no problem. Just make sure the space is baby proof. He’s into everything now.”

“I love that. And, of course, I’ll make sure the place is totally Levi-proof.” She started for the car. “Text me if you’re coming to dinner and I’ll set three more places.”

“Look, I know you didn’t ask my opinion.” Inwardly, Wynn sighed as Jordan tied Rocco off and walked to the fence. “Being pregnant doesn’t make you a bad person, but hating yourself can cripple you.”

Tears flashed in Wynn’s eyes. She swiped them away. “Yeah, thanks for activating the pregnancy hormones.”

Jordan didn’t smile, but her eyes were soft with sympathy. “I have some experience with a lack of self-confidence. Have you told Latham about the baby?”

“No.” Wynn looked at the ground, resisted the urge to kick a tuft of grass. “I just...don’t want to.”

“Tell him. He’s going to hear it from someone else if you don’t.”

“I know. And I will.”

Jordan made a face. “Sorry for telling you what to do. It’s a familial hazard, so I guess you’ll get used to it.”

“Not a bad deal since you come along with the advice.”

Wynn walked to the car, her thoughts tumbling in her mind. She’d had a lot of acquaintances in DC, but no one she’d call a friend. She was lucky that her brother picked someone she wanted to be friends with.

Jordan’s words nagged at her, too. She saw Latham every day, and the longer she waited to tell him, the more awkward it was going to be. She had to tell him tomorrow, and just thinking about the conversation made her stomach churn. In a few short days, she’d come to depend on him. What if telling him meant the end of their renewed friendship?

* * *

Latham knew they were home because Wynn’s car was in the driveway. There were embers glowing in the fireplace, so he knew they’d been in the family room where Pop was usually holed up, if he wasn’t in the sunroom minding his “store.”

He walked out the back door and found them on the porch. The sun had started to fade, but the two of them stood outside, Wynn apparently having forgotten the lesson she learned about playing fetch with his dogs.

She threw the ball, and the two big dogs took off. Latham heard an infectious giggle and realized that Ash and Jordan’s little boy was there, too. He was bouncing in Pop’s arms and laughing at the dogs as they tore across the yard.

Latham had to stop and collect himself for a second. Not only was Pop not inside in his chair dozing through life, he was actually participating in it, holding little Levi with a smile on his face. Signs of life, the doctor would’ve said. Latham had nearly given up on ever seeing them again.

He slipped back into the house to make a pot of coffee.

A few minutes later, the door opened. Pop came in, still carrying the little boy, talking to Wynn over his shoulder. “If you get Levi some juice, I’ll sit in the rocker with him.”

“And for you?”

“I wouldn’t mind a little sip of juice, myself.”

“Hey, I didn’t know you were here.” Wynn joined Latham in the kitchen. She uncapped a sippy cup and rinsed it in the sink.

“I just came in, but I didn’t want to interrupt. Pop seems really engaged.”

“He was really present today. He and Levi hit it off, so I think that helped.” She poured juice into the cup and capped it before pulling another plastic cup out of the cabinet and filling it with juice also.

A second after she’d taken the cups into the family room, she motioned for Latham to join her. He peeked around the corner and saw Pop sound asleep in the recliner with Levi asleep on his chest, one small pudgy arm wrapped around Pop’s neck.

“I’ll just put these in the fridge for later.” Wynn’s smile lingered as she walked back into the kitchen.

“Join me for a cup of coffee? It’s decaf this time of day.”

“Sure.”

As he poured the coffee, he laughed. “I was thinking the other day about the time you hid under Ash’s bed and tickled his face with a feather every time he started to drift off. Joe and I were watching through a crack in the door and finally woke him up because we were laughing so hard. You were an evil genius.”

“Me? What about the time you and Joe set off the smoke alarm with a cigarette and blasted Ash with a Super Soaker when he came running out of his room?”

He slid the mug in front of her. “One hundred percent Joe’s idea.”

“Whose idea was it to hide Jules’s cat in the dishwasher?”

Latham choked on his coffee. “I had no part in that!”

“Me, either.” She crossed her heart in the air and took a tentative sip of coffee. “We had some fun times, though.”

“We really did.”

“I had such an awful crush on you that I could barely stammer. It made me so mad because when have I ever not been able to speak my mind?”

He was quiet, spinning the mug in slow circles. “Why’d you come back, Wynn? Ever since high school, all you could talk about was leaving. Why come home now?”

The coffee burned in her throat, the question she’d been dreading hanging in the air. Latham’s house was cozy, the fire burning low in the family room, the lights glowing warm against the gray winter afternoon sky. She longed to stay right here in this moment, before she answered the question he asked.

“It’s okay, Wynn,” he said, gently. “If you don’t want to talk about it, it’s fine.”

She looked up from the black coffee and into his face. His eyes on hers were warm and safe, like his home, like him... They lingered on hers with a hint of curiosity but mostly understanding. The thing she hated the most was to see that look fade from his eyes.

Unblinking, she blurted. “I’m pregnant.”

A horn honked outside. Levi woke up with a start, wailing in Pop’s arms. Wynn hurried into the family room to pick up the little boy.

Jordan blew into the house like a whirlwind, Levi diving into her arms. They were gone almost as quickly as she came, Wynn swept along with them, stopping only long enough to grab her keys from the counter and send Latham an apologetic look.

Following Jordan’s dust trail down the long driveway, Wynn took in a deep breath, her window down, letting in the bracing January-cold air.

A person who wasn’t a coward would’ve stayed for the conversation. But Wynn had seen the shocked expression on Latham’s face when she told him she was pregnant.

She didn’t need to hear the disappointment in his voice.