1105 Yakima Street - Debbie Macomber [90]
Her answer seemed to please him. When the timer went off, he took the kettle from the stove and emptied the pasta into the strainer. Then he transferred the hot noodles to a ceramic dish she’d set on the counter. She poured the seafood sauce in its olive oil and fresh herb base over top.
Chad carried the serving bowl to the table. “This smells fabulous.”
“It’s a family favorite,” she said. “Corrie served it several months ago and everyone raved about it.”
Chad pulled out her chair. “You know, that’s the first time I’ve heard you refer to Corrie and Roy as family.”
“It is?” That was how she thought of them now, especially since she’d discovered she was pregnant. While Gloria hadn’t been happy when she learned that her father had told Chad about the baby, in retrospect she was glad of it.
Chad took the chair across from her. “You seem more comfortable with who you are,” he said thoughtfully.
Gloria wrapped the noodles around her fork, savoring the scent of basil and oregano. “Yes, I suppose I am.”
“Any particular reason?”
She didn’t need to think about her answer. “The baby. Roy and Corrie have been wonderful and Mack, too.” Then, feeling mildly guilty, she added, “That was him on the phone earlier.”
“Your brother?”
She took her first taste of the pasta and nodded.
Chad tried it, too. “Hey, this is good.”
“Don’t act so surprised. I can cook.”
“Clearly.” He beamed her another of his irresistible smiles.
Gloria needed every ounce of self-control she possessed to pull her gaze away from him.
“More wine?” she asked when she noticed his empty glass.
“No, thanks. I’m driving.”
They finished their dinner and carried their plates to the sink.
“Thank you,” Chad said as he set down his plate. “That was great.”
“Well, you’ve heard the old saying,” she joked. “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”
He shocked her by taking her hand and raising it to his lips. “You already know the way to my heart, Gloria. You always have.”
She could hardly breathe as his eyes held hers. Gloria felt as if her legs were about to collapse. She swayed toward him and his arms went around her, drawing her into his embrace.
Their kiss was magical. Exquisite. Powerful.
When the baby kicked, Gloria broke off the kiss and hid her face in his shoulder. “Did you feel that?”
“I did.” He sounded amused.
“I think he likes it when we’re together.”
“I know I like it.” Chad’s arms tightened briefly. “But…I need to go.”
Looking up, she did her utmost to send him off with a smile. “That’s okay.” She dropped her arms, then retreated a step. “Thank you. For everything.”
He pressed his hand against her face. “I’ll be back to finish the crib next week.”
“Sure, anytime.”
“Wednesday night?”
“That’s perfect. I’ll cook, okay?” He backed away a couple of steps, then rushed forward and kissed her again. By the time he left she was breathless and shaking.
And happier than she’d been in months.
Twenty-Eight
“Oh, this is so much fun,” Charlotte said as she linked her arm through Olivia’s. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon and they were visiting local craft fairs.
Olivia carefully set her pace to match her mother’s.
The biggest fair was at Cedar Cove High School. “Don’t you just admire how clever people are?” Charlotte asked.
“I certainly do,” Olivia said. She pulled up the hood of her raincoat to protect her hair from the drizzle. Still, no weather could have kept her away from the Christmas bazaars. They’d seen a range of crafts and artwork, from quilts and sewing to original paintings, blown glass and jewelry.
“I’ve been looking forward to this afternoon.”
“Me, too, Mom.” With equal parts anticipation and dread. Will would be joining them later, and together brother and sister would once again bring up the subject of their mother and Ben moving into an assisted-living complex.
“I used to enjoy knitting for the charity bazaars,” Charlotte was saying as they moved across the crowded high school parking lot. “I haven’t donated anything in the past few years. I’m not sure why. Time just seems to get away from me.”
“It does