1022 Evergreen Place - Debbie Macomber [69]
“Afraid,” he repeated. “Of what? We both want a baby. We’ve talked about it. Okay, we’d planned to wait, but it happened—and frankly, I think it’s wonderful.”
She slipped her fingers through his hair. “I hoped you’d feel that way. The pregnancy came as a shock to me, a total surprise, and I was afraid it would to you, too.”
“This is the best kind of surprise. I can’t believe you kept it to yourself for so long.”
She looked away. “I had to. Because of Jolene.”
The instant she spoke, she saw doubt pass over his face.
“It was the one thing she asked us to do. To wait. Not to have a baby yet.”
“We can’t live by her dictates,” Bruce argued. He kissed her again with an adoration that made Rachel go weak in his arms.
“I know and I agree, but Jolene has had to deal with a number of significant changes this year. Adding my pregnancy to the mix complicates everything.”
Bruce frowned. “I still think we should tell her right away.”
“No,” Rachel pleaded. “Not yet. Let’s give it a few weeks. Once school’s out, I’ll start working half days. I’m hoping that the time I spend with her one-on-one will allow us to repair our relationship.” Maybe just being together, without Bruce, would make a difference. Maybe Jolene would stop competing for her father’s affection. Maybe she and Rachel could regain the love and trust they’d once shared.
“Well…today was good. She asked you to help her with math.”
Rachel nodded.
“Maybe it’ll work.”
“Well, I want to make the effort.”
He continued to look a bit uncertain.
“Let me tell her about the baby,” Rachel said. “I want her to know what an important role she’ll play as the baby’s big sister. My goal is for Jolene to be as excited about this addition to our family as we are. To welcome this child, prepare for her—”
“Or him.”
“Or him,” she added, smiling, “with joy and anticipation.”
Bruce exhaled slowly. “Fine. I’ll leave it up to you. Tell her when you feel it’s right.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
He sat back down beside her and they watched the rest of the police drama together. Twice she caught him staring at her.
“Bruce,” she muttered the second time.
“What?”
“Try to wipe that silly grin off your face.”
“I can’t.”
“Try harder.”
“Don’t want to.”
Rachel groaned. “You’re going to make this impossible.”
“No, I won’t.”
The credits rolled across the screen. “Are you tired yet?” Bruce asked.
“It’s only nine o’clock.”
He stretched out his arms and gave a loud yawn.
“Bruce,” she chided. If Jolene walked in on them now, she’d be horrified.
“I can’t help it, woman, I’m crazy about you.” Then he chuckled and placed his hand over her stomach. “As this proves right here.”
“Shhh,” she warned.
“My lips are sealed,” Bruce said.
Rachel sighed and snuggled close to her husband. He’d promised not to tell Jolene and she prayed he would keep his word. That he could keep his word and not let it slip before she was ready to tell Jolene. And Jolene was ready to hear.
Nineteen
Gloria parked outside the McAfees’ house and sat in her car for ten minutes before she found the courage to approach the door. She badly needed a mother’s advice, and although she wanted to speak honestly with Corrie, she wasn’t sure she could.
Chad had left ten messages on her phone. She hadn’t answered even one. His final message was that this was the last time he’d contact her. He’d obviously meant it. Gloria hadn’t heard from him in the two weeks since.
That was what she wanted. Wasn’t it?
Yes, she insisted to herself again. It was!
Then why, oh, why, couldn’t she stop thinking about him? She’d spent so many sleepless nights pounding her pillows, fighting to get his image out of her mind, that she was about to go mad.
Yes, he was attractive, but so were lots of other men. The simple truth was: No man had ever affected her as powerfully as Dr. Chad Timmons.
All her life Gloria had been a reserved and private person. She didn’t freely share her thoughts or feelings with others. Yet an hour after meeting Chad, she’d practically spilled out her entire life story. She’d shared her emotions,