1022 Evergreen Place - Debbie Macomber [68]
“Oh.” This appeared to be a revelation.
They worked together for the next forty minutes, until Rachel thought Jolene had grasped the concept and could finish a series of problems without help.
Jolene stood and gave Rachel a tentative smile. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
The girl returned to her bedroom, and Rachel moved into the living room, just in time for her favorite cop drama on TV. Bruce came in a few minutes later. “That went well, don’t you think?” he said enthusiastically.
Rachel nodded. This was almost the way it’d been between her and Jolene before the wedding.
“School is out next Wednesday,” she said. She dreaded summer vacation and the changes it would bring into their lives. Jolene was too old for day care and too young to be left alone all day without supervision.
“I’ve got her signed up for that drama camp for the first two weeks,” Bruce reminded her.
Yes, but the expense would be a real challenge to their budget, especially if they had to continue this through the rest of the summer. What Bruce didn’t know was that in a few months she’d need to stop working, which would take a big bite out of their income.
“It’s expensive. And if we have to cover this cost all summer…”
“Yeah, but we don’t have any option, do we?” Bruce put his arm around her shoulders.
In previous summers Jolene had spent one or two days a week with Rachel, the rest of the time at municipal or church programs. But these days, the girl wasn’t interested in attending any summer camp that also catered to “little kids.”
“I…might have a solution.”
“What?” Bruce asked eagerly.
“I could do half days.” She’d been making excuses lately to explain why she was so often tired and lacking in energy. She also worried that it wasn’t good for the baby if she spent too much time around the chemicals in the salon.
If she was at home half days, she could at least keep an eye on Jolene….
He considered that. “But you keep saying Jolene would rather not be around you.”
“She wouldn’t.”
“Then you staying home with her might not be such a great idea.”
“In other circumstances I’d agree with you. But I’m making this suggestion as much for me as Jolene.”
Bruce studied her as if he had difficulty following her line of thought.
“Haven’t you noticed how tired I’ve been these past few months?” she asked.
“Well, yes, but I blame myself for that.” He slid his hand between her thighs. “That’s not why I need to cut back to half days.”
“You’re tired because of all the extra hours you had to put in after Teri quit,” he guessed.
“Well, yes, and…for other reasons.”
“Other reasons? Like what?”
“Bruce,” she said, exhaling softly. “I’m trying to tell you something important here.”
“I’m listening, I really am.”
“I know you are.” She took his hand. “But you’re not hearing me, are you?”
“I’m trying.”
The best way to say this was straight out, Rachel decided. “I’m pregnant,” she told him quietly.
Bruce blinked. When he apparently realized what she’d said, he leaped off the sofa and started pacing. He shoved his hands through his hair. “Did you just tell me you’re…pregnant?”
“Yes.”
“You’re sure? This isn’t a false alarm?”
“I’m sure.”
“Have you been to the doctor?”
“Yes.”
“When?”
“Last month.”
“Last month?” He spewed out the words. “You’ve known this for a month?”
“I found out the night Teri had the triplets.”
Bruce stared at her. “But how—”
“This might be news to you,” she broke in, “but guess what? I didn’t get pregnant all by myself. This baby has a father.”
“Me.”
“No kidding!”
“I’m…not sure what to say.”
“How about—oh, I don’t know—‘Wow,’ or ‘That’s great,’ or ‘I couldn’t be happier,’ or—”
He knelt down in front of her and grabbed both her hands, smiling the goofiest, happiest smile she’d ever seen. “How about ‘Thank you’?”
Rachel swallowed back tears. “That works.”
He placed his hands on either side of her face and kissed her. Rachel flung her arms around his neck and reveled in his love.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” he asked.
“I was afraid,” she