1105 Yakima Street - Debbie Macomber [61]
“Whatever she wants, James is supporting her and eating well at the same time.” He paused, grinning. “Even if he stays exactly the same weight.”
Clearly Bruce had been to see Teri. “How are the triplets?”
“Growing like grass in August.”
“And Teri?”
“Great. The boys are sleeping better now and she looks like she’s getting more rest. Bobby, too.”
They’d hired a nanny, whom Rachel had met, but Teri kept a close eye on her sons.
“She said you hadn’t come over or called her in a while.” This sounded a bit accusatory.
Rachel knew that the instant she saw Teri she’d tell her about living with Nate. Teri was her best friend in all the world, but she couldn’t keep her mouth shut. The only solution, really, had been to avoid her altogether. Rachel missed her desperately, so she’d give her friend a call or visit soon. She was feeling stronger and it no longer needed to be such a secret that she was living and working in Bremerton.
“James and Christie are happy, then?”
“Sure seem to be.”
If he noticed the abrupt change of subject, he didn’t comment. Instead, he squeezed her hand and looked directly into her eyes. “Let me come home with you.”
“Bruce.”
“I won’t spend more than a couple of hours.”
She knew what her husband wanted and, frankly, she was tempted. Very tempted. It was too dangerous, though. She was afraid that they’d walk into the house and Nate would be there. And she wasn’t ready for that… .
“I can’t… . I have a roommate, don’t forget.” That probably wouldn’t matter to Bruce, so she decided to elaborate on the truth. Okay, she’d lie. “My roommate’s having a big party tonight… .”
“Oh.”
“So let me go home with you,” she said quickly.
Bruce hesitated.
“I won’t stay longer than…necessary,” she said, and then because it sounded so calculating, she started to giggle.
“What’s so funny?”
“Us. We’re married and we can’t find a place to be alone. This is ridiculous.”
“Jolene’s still at the house,” Bruce said.
“Oh, right. That won’t work, then.”
“It’s my house. I don’t care what my daughter thinks. You’re my wife.”
“Let’s not pick a fight with her now, especially if she isn’t feeling well.”
Neither said anything for several seconds.
“We could always get a hotel room,” Bruce said under his breath.
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
He grinned sheepishly. “I’m not.”
“But…”
“Do you have a better idea?”
Rachel didn’t.
Bruce rubbed his thumb over the top of her hand. “I’ve missed you.”
“Me, too,” she said breathlessly. “Are you sure about this?”
He grinned. “Why not? I want to be with you, and if that means paying for a room, then so be it.” He was already halfway out of the booth.
“Bruce,” she whispered. “We don’t have the bill.”
“Don’t worry, Goldie will get it to us.” He peeled off a five-dollar bill, dropping it on the table for a tip, then extended his hand to Rachel.
She stood and Bruce bent to kiss the side of her neck.
Sure enough, Goldie appeared with their bill mere seconds later. “Anything wrong with the food?” she asked.
Their meals were almost untouched.
“Everything was fine,” Rachel said.
“Do you want a take-out bag?”
“No, thanks.” Bruce placed his hand on the small of Rachel’s back, not hiding his eagerness to be on their way.
“You two still fighting?” Goldie demanded.
“Not anymore,” Rachel told her.
“We’re about to kiss and make up,” Bruce added.
“That’s what I like to hear. Good for you!”
“Yup, good for us.” Bruce grabbed Rachel’s hand. They paused only long enough to pay for their meal.
By the time they were in the parking lot, Rachel felt almost giddy. Bruce backed her against the side of his car and kissed her with a hunger that assured her she’d been greatly missed.
Wrapping her arms around her husband’s neck, she returned every kiss in full measure. “Bruce…”
“Hmm?”
“If we get a hotel room…”
“If?”
She ignored that. “I think you should check on Jolene first.”
“No way. Like I said, I’m not giving her any reason to bring me home earlier than I want to be.” Bruce was far more interested in unlocking his car door while still kissing her.
“Wait,” she murmured, dragging