Clearwater Romance (13 page)

Tessa sank into the couch and put her feet up, she couldn’t believe the day she’d had. Her feet ached, but in a good way it had been too long since she had some girl shopping time. Before her appointment, Chloe took her into Jackson Hole to do a little maternity shopping, it had been one thing she had been dreading thinking she’d been stuck in elastic waistband pants, and too girly shirts for her tastes. Chloe surprised her by taking her to a small shop that catered to young pregnant woman, with clothes that would bring out the pregnancy glow.

She found so many different outfits that she just adored, and in doing so she found out Chloe and her had a lot in common, besides shopping. When Cameron returned from his deployment, it would be hard to leave behind the first female friendship she had formed in years.

“I put the last of the bags in the bedroom. You email your sweetie and let him know the good news, while I go check on Winterbloom then I’ll be back to help put the stuff away. I’ll talk to Jordan and see what he has planned for next Friday, and we can go do some baby shopping.” Chloe’s hand rested on the doorknob as she turned towards Tessa one final time. “This is so much fun. I can’t wait until I’m pregnant. Maybe it’s time to start nagging Jordan to build our cabin, he’s only been planning it for months. I think it’s time he breaks ground. Then we’ll have our own privacy and can start a family, can’t have screaming babies all night in a bed and breakfast.”

Tessa laughed, at the thought, and powered on the laptop. Chloe had such excitement about Tessa’s pregnancy, she was sure it wouldn’t be long before she too was expecting. Chloe and Jordan would be good parents, their love was strong and true, and they both had hearts of gold, or they wouldn’t have opened up their lives and home to her. There was no doubt in her mind they’d be excellent parents.

Cam,

The email you’ve been waiting for is finally here…maybe I should draw this out, teasing you, but I won’t. The reason isn’t that I’m too good to tease you, no it’s more selfish than that. I want to rub it in I was right…we’re having a baby girl. Yeah that’s right, I was right. Seriously, though, I know you wanted a son, I hope you’re not too upset about it.

Chloe was there with me when I found out, but I couldn’t stop myself from wishing you were there.

She looked up from the email and pulled out his extra set of dog tags that she wore around her neck. They were normally hidden beneath her shirt, next to her heart, giving her a senses of comfort. She fiddled with them for a moment.
In a way, you were there.
She kissed the tags, praying he was safe.

She’s beautiful. I’ve attached the sonogram picture. I can’t believe I still have four more months before I can hold her in my arms. That’s not as bad as thinking of how long until you’re home.

I apologize to cut off quickly but Chloe just returned. We’ve got to put away my new clothes. Yes, we went maternity clothes shopping today, and had a girl’s day out. So unlike me I know, but it was fun. We’re going to do it again Friday, but this time shopping for little girl clothes. Finally, I’m going to have my own little princess to dress up.

Stay safe. Missing you,

Tessa

She reclined on the bed folding the last of the clothes, while Chloe made use of the closet space. “I still can’t believe I’m having a girl, a daughter.”

“It’s exciting.” Chloe hung up the last item and stepped back to the bed, sitting down on the edge. “Jordan can handle things at Winterbloom Friday after breakfast so we can go shopping. I just have to be back in time to cook dinner. That was the little catch that he threw in, but we won’t be gone that long. You’re still supposed to be taking it easy.”

“It’s really great to have a friend like you. Thank you for all you’re doing for me.”

“There’s no need to thank me. I’m glad to help, I’m enjoying it.” Chloe patted Tessa’s leg and rose. “I better get back before Jordan thinks I’ve run off shopping again. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Tessa was debating about calling it an early night when her cell phone rang. Each time it rang, she hoped it would be Cameron, he called once so far but it seemed so long ago. Her soul longed to hear his voice again, while her body longed to feel his touch, to feel his lips pressed against hers. Even with all that, she didn’t have to look at the caller id to know it wasn’t him, something inside her told her she didn’t want to answer the phone yet she had to.

She picked it up, pushing the talk button as she raised it to her ear. “Hello?”

“Damn it Tessa. Where the hell are you?” There was so much anger and hostility in Tony’s voice, it sent chills up her spine.

Even with the miles that separated them, she couldn’t forget the temper Tony had. She chose her words carefully, as she had done many times before, to not make him angrier. He never physically harmed her but the temper was always something that seemed to boil under the surface. “Tony, there’s nothing left for us any longer.”

“You had no right to marry him. You’re mine! I want you back here now. I’ll start the paperwork to get it annulled.”

Shit, how did he find out?
“I don’t want it annulled. Even if I did, I wouldn’t come back to you. You’re married. I won’t be the second woman. It’s time for us both to move on. If you’re not happy with your wife you can find someone else, but as for us it’s over.”

“Tessa, if I have to come and find you, you’ll regret it.” Venom dripped from every syllable.

“Things are over between us, if you come near me I’ll call the police. Goodbye Tony.” She moved the phone away from her ear but she could hear his screaming.
You’re mine, I’ll find you!
She refused to give in and have the last word. She would no longer be his doormat. If he called again she’d get a new cell phone number.

She tossed the phone beside her on the comforter, and got up. Rubbing her hand over her growing stomach, she was pleased how much she had changed in a few weeks. Opening her dresser drawer wanting comfort, she pulled out one of Cameron’s t-shirts instead of the normal tank tops she favored to sleep in.

Quickly she changed out of her clothes, tossing them in the hamper for the laundry woman, and slipped into the t-shirt. Her stomach was growing so quickly the shirt was beginning to become snug around her body, giving her the feeling of being wrapped in his arms, his cologne still clung to the shirt, making her only miss him more.

Crawling back into bed, ready to sleep her cell phone rang again. She grabbed it without looking at the screen.
This is his last warning.
“If you call me again I’ll get a restraining order…”

“Tess, what’s going on?” Cameron’s voice was full of concern.

Damn it! She mentally kicked herself for not checking the phone screen before she answered. “Cam…it’s so good to hear from you. Did you get my email?” She tried to pretend she didn’t start the conversation off on the wrong foot.

“We’ll get to that in a moment. Tell me what’s going on? Who did you expect to be calling?”

She let out a deep sign, her shoulders sinking with the knowledge she was adding to his worries, but not telling him would only serve to make him more concerned for her. “Tony…he found out we got married. He must have read it in the paper. None of that matters…”

“It matters to me. I knew he had a temper but you always said he never touched you and I believed you. But I won’t have him threatening you. He’s dangerous.” Sorrow touched his voice. “He’s a lawyer so he could have the connections to find out where you’re at. I doubt he’ll go through the trouble, but just in case I want you to let Jordan know, he’ll protect you until I can. Also if he calls again I want you to get the restraining order.”

“Cam, don’t worry. I was just overreacting…”

“Don’t argue with me. I want you safe, I’m sorry I can’t be there to protect you myself.” There was a deep sigh, before he continued. “I got the email. I called to tell you those three words I know you’re dying to hear…you were right. We’re having a baby girl.” The happiness now replaced the sorrow she heard in his voice only seconds before. The emotions in his voice changed so quickly she had a hard time keeping up with them.

“I know you wanted a son, you’re not upset?” She curled into bed, cupping her stomach.

“No, we can have a son later. We’ll need to set down some ground rules, such as no dating until she’s thirty.” He teased.

“You’re going to be one of those dads who scares off all her suitors, aren’t you?”

“Until the perfect man comes along for her, yes.” He laughed. “I wanted to call and tell you not to worry. I’m happy to be having a daughter, and she’s beautiful.”

Under her fingertips, her little girl was active, doing summersaults and kicking. “She’s being very active this evening.
She must know I’m talking to her daddy.”

“What does it feel like?”

She thought about it for a moment, trying to put the sensation into words. “At first it felt like butterflies expanding their wings for the first time, but as the time goes by it gets stronger. Now, it’s almost like popcorn popping, especially when she kicks.” There was some movement on the other end, Cameron said something to someone but she couldn’t make it out.

“Sweetheart, I’m sorry I’ve got to go, a mission dropped on us. Get some rest and take care of my daughter. Start thinking of names.”

“Stay safe.”

“Don’t worry. I will, I have something to come home to.” With that, the line went dead.

She kept telling herself he was a trained Marine one who had fifteen years of experience. He’d be fine. It did very little to calm her nerves.

Tessa was adding a touch of lipstick when Chloe hollered from the front of the cabin. “You ready?” Their baby-shopping trip was about to start, and she couldn’t wait. Now that she knew she was having a little girl she could pick out all the cute little outfits she had been looking at online. Whatever she didn’t find locally, she could always order online.

She took one final look in the mirror, the pale blue cotton sweater hugged her stomach, emphasizing her pregnancy without making her appear fat. She found her hand went to her stomach often, always searching for her daughter’s movements, and it brought her comfort. It was becoming an unconscious gesture. “Coming.” She called, slipping her feet into the ballerina shoes.

“Jordan has asked us to stay in town, to be on the safe side with Tony’s threats. Jennifer Anderson—she’s the owner of Express-Ohh’s the local coffee shop—is going to watch Winterbloom for us on Wednesday and we can do some more shopping in Jackson Hole if you’re up to it.” Chloe explained when Tessa came out of the bedroom.

“It’s fine. I’m sure we’ll find plenty of great stuff at Tiny Treasure
Baby Store, and I can order whatever else I need online.”

“It’s up to you, but we have to go to Jackson Hole anyways. Jordan’s got to pick up supplies to finish remolding the last cabin.” Chloe spun around to head back outside, her red curly hair twirling around her in the breeze.

“Okay.” Tessa grabbed her purse and followed Chloe out. “Thanks for taking me shopping. I sold my car a year ago, because living in the city you don’t really need it. I can catch a cab if I have to and my apartment was centrally located that I could walk anywhere I needed to go. It seemed pointless to keep the car when I rarely used it.” She climbed into the passenger side of Chloe’s SUV. “Here you have to have one. I feel like such a burden.”

“You’re not. It’s great going shopping with you, to have something to do besides run Winterbloom. Jennifer and I are close, we talk on the phone almost every day but we rarely get to go out and do things together. Both of our schedules are too busy, and she’s single. It’s nice to have a married friend.” Chloe spoke as she drove the SUV around the lake, and onto the tree lined driveway that lead to Main Street.

“Winterbloom takes a lot of your time, it’s surprising you have the energy to do anything else.”

“It does, but I love it. I helped Gram run it for many years, and when she passed, it just seemed right I would continue on the legacy. Having Jordan there to help is wonderful, and we always hire someone to help out during winter—our busy season.” Suddenly there was excitement sparking in her eyes. “Jordan’s going to break ground for our new cabin, in two weeks. That will give him time to finish the last guest cabin. That means we can work on starting our own family, and we discussed hiring someone full time as an innkeeper. Winterbloom is very successful and it’s time I stepped back a little from doing everything myself.”

“That’s wonderful. You and Jordan are going to make wonderful parents. I hope you’ll let me have the honor of shopping with you in return, it will be fun to be on the other side.” Tessa couldn’t suppress her frown. She hated the idea of being on the other side of the country when Chloe got pregnant. She’d miss seeing her every day and going shopping together—and the routine they’d fallen into and loved. Returning to North Carolina meant someday she might have to face Tony. It was a large area, but she had a feeling he wouldn’t give up without a fight.

Chloe slid the SUV into a parking space on Queen Street in front of Tiny Treasure Baby Store. Stepping out of the SUV Tessa took in the small shops lining the street, she hadn’t been on Queen Street but she knew it was the main road out of Clearwater, heading towards Montana. Across the street was An Intimate Fit, clearly a lingerie store from the mannequins in the window.
Guess you can shop for your child, and then go across the street and get something sexy for your husband.
She laughed at the thought of wearing lingerie with her ever-growing stomach.

“Want to go there next?” Chloe asked, coming around the stand next to her. “The Intimate Fit…they have the best stuff there. We can find you something sexy for when Cameron comes home for leave.”

“I can’t…” She started to say she couldn’t wear something like that in front of Cameron, their relationship hadn’t progressed to that level yet, but she kept her mouth shut. Chloe thought her unborn child was his and she wasn’t about to explain it wasn’t. “Not in my condition. I look like I’ve swallowed half a basketball.”

“Pregnancy makes you glow, and if Cameron is anything like Jordan he’ll love you no matter what you’re wearing. I say when he comes home you wear only the natural glow of your pregnancy, forget all the silk and lace of lingerie until he’s home for good. Your time will be too limited during leave.”

If only…

* * *

It had just started to rain when Chloe parked in front of her cabin. “Go ahead in, put your feet up, I’ll grab the bags.”

Tessa nodded, and slipped out of the SUV, reaching around to rub her back. Her back was sore, and only grew worse as the day went on. She needed to sit, with the back massager that Chloe brought her a few days ago. It was pure heaven to her sore body.

Inside she found Jordan leaning against the kitchen counter taking a long swig from the beer bottle in his hand. “Everything okay?” She asked wondering why he was there waiting for them.

“Yeah. Chloe and I have a surprise for you. Where’s she?” He sat his beer down on the counter.

“I’m here.” Chloe sat the bags next to the door. “I’ve been anxious about this all day. Let’s show her.”

“What are you two talking about?” Tessa’s forehead knitted in confusion.

“You’ll understand in a moment.” Chloe slipped her arm through Tessa’s and led the way back to the bedroom.

The open window let the cool breeze in, making the bedroom feel cool. She wanted to crawl into the bed, and let the cool wind drift over her body.
The bed?
There were wrapped packages covering it, her gaze drifted over the packages before something larger caught her attention.
The beautiful stained black crib stood near the far side of the bed.

“Jordan made the crib for you. He’s almost finished with the changing table and matching dresser for her clothes…it’s why we’re going to Jackson Hole on Wednesday. He needs more stain to match the crib and you can pick out the handles you’d like.” Chloe grinned, but Tessa was only half listening.

“You shouldn’t have…” She walked around the bed to touch it. There was so much thought and work put into it, the design in the woodwork appeared to be hand carved, adding to its beauty. She ran her hand over the wood; taking her fingertip, she slid it along the carved flowers in the design. “It’s beautiful.”

“The flower design matches the nursery bed set you showed Chloe you wanted if you were having a girl. Once you knew what you were having I was able to add them.” Jordan explained.

“The stuff…” Chloe nodded towards the packages on the bed. “I had specific instructions from Cameron before he left. They’re from him. There’s a note from him with them. I think you’ll want to do that alone. Jordan and I will be outside, when you’re ready, I’ll help put everything away. Take your time.”

They left her, and the silence filled the room, Cameron was many miles away yet he found a way to give her something, to be a part of the pregnancy. She’d never truly be alone with a man like that. He’d always be there for her, even when he physically wasn’t.

She slipped her finger under the seal of the envelope, opening it carefully. The sentiment filled her, spilling her tears down her cheeks.

My Tess,

I’m sorry I can’t be there now, but I hope this gives you some comfort as you prepare for our child. I’ve left Chloe with instructions to find the perfect thing for you and our child, on my behalf. This is just a small token of the love I feel already for our child.

Thank you for letting me be a part of this journey with you. I’ll be home to you both soon.

Cam

Cameron had always been a man of action, instead of words but when it mattered, somehow he always found the right thing to say—or write. She tucked the note into the nightstand drawer, wanting it close to her. She’d save it and add it to her daughter’s scrapbook, but for now her attention turned back to the remaining things on the bed.

She opened the largest package that sat next to her, letting the paper fall to the floor, she found the crib set she had planned if she had a daughter. The white background had large black swirls through it with pink roses, and the edges had vibrant pink trim. It was beautiful, and the silky feel would bring a soothing comfort to her daughter.

She’d surround her in girly things, giving her the true girl experience, the one thing Tessa never had. Tessa’s dad hadn’t left room for the feminine in their house. It wasn’t until she was out on her own that she was able to purchase nice clothes. Before that all she knew had been denim jeans and t-shirts. And she still dressed in them regularly, but when the occasion called for something dressy, she liked to go all out. She did have a fascination with heels, especially boots with heels.

Before she realized it, she had all the packages open, and spread out on the bed. There was everything she’d need for the crib, a beautiful mobile with pink and white roses dangling from it, along with baby blankets, a few small toys, and her favorite a matching diaper bag.

Chloe went through all the trouble to order this stuff so Cameron could be a part of it, which made it more extraordinary. Her fingers went to his dog tags again, as she thought about him, before she rose off the bed and went to find Chloe.

“Oh sweetie, none of this was meant to make you cry…” Chloe rose from the picnic table and came to her when she came out of the house.

“They’re good tears. Thank you.” She hugged Chloe, before turning to Jordan. “Thank you. I love the crib. It’s everything I wanted and more.”

“You’re welcome.” Jordan stayed sitting on top of the picnic table, watching the women.

“Come on, let’s go organize your room while Jordan starts dinner.” Chloe turned them around and started walking towards the cabin.

“Wait a moment…I thought you said you were cooking tonight?” Jordan rose from the cabin eyeing his wife with question.

“Oh love, but the steaks taste so much better when you do it. Won’t you do them? They’re already marinated, and the veggies and potatoes for the grill are on the counter.”

“Fine.” He acted like he was upset that he had to cook, but everyone knew Jordan loved his grill almost as much as he loved Chloe. “Tessa, why don’t you come over to the house for dinner? It will do you good to mingle with the guests.”

“Okay.” Tessa nodded, before she followed Chloe into the cabin.

“We’re going to need to wash the clothes and bedding before we put them away, but we can at least start setting up the other things we bought.” Chloe explained as they entered the bedroom again. “Things are going to be snug with the baby furniture in here, but you’ll make it work. Once the baby is born you won’t have long before you…”

Tessa knew she was about to say before she was gone. They both knew the close friendship they had formed would soon be strained by distance.

“I’ll visit…” Tessa told Chloe when sadness filled the silence, but they both knew visits would be far between. They both had their lives, and commitments. She’d be busy with her daughter, and Chloe with Winterbloom and soon her own family.

“I know.” Chloe smiled trying to lighten the mood. “Don’t worry we have a lot of time left still.”