Rachel Laine (The Women of Merryton Book 3) (21 page)

I
sat and watched Taylor open gift after gift. The baby was set for the next year,
at least for new clothes. Taylor seemed both delighted and overwhelmed. And
twenty-some of us did our fair share of oohing and aahing at all of the
adorable items.

“So,
have you decided on a name?” Abby asked Taylor.

Taylor’s
smile gave off a feeling of serenity. “We’re going to name her after both of
her grandmothers. Tessa will be her first name, after my mother, and Marie will
be her middle name, after Easton’s.”

“That’s
lovely,” Abby commented. Everyone else nodded in agreement.

Both
of their mothers had passed away. It was a sweet way to remember them, especially
Tessa, since her life had been nothing short of tragic. Taylor’s family had also
found itself subject to the grapevine as well. But at least Taylor had found
peace.

I
had a feeling my peace would be vanishing soon.

Andrew
called late that night after I had put Drew to sleep. It had taken him a while
to calm down after all of the soda Easton had let him drink.

“You’re
quiet tonight. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s
wrong, per se, but I’ve been thinking about what everyone is going to think and
say about me when they find out I’m involved with you.”

“They’re
going to think you’re the luckiest woman alive,” he teased.

I
sighed.

“Rachel,
you know I’m not serious. It will be the other way around.”

“I
don’t know. Think about how it will look. You knew my sister; in the most
intimate way you
knew
her.”

“You
didn’t need to clarify. I
knew
what you meant.”

“Well,
how do you think it’s going to look from the outside? What kind of sister does
that make me?”

“You
don’t know how many times I’ve wished it was you that I had met, and not
Sydney.”

“I
wouldn’t have slept with you.”

“I
know.”

“And
who’s to say you would have even liked me then, anyway.”

“I
say. There’s no doubt I would have been taken with you.”

“What
about Heidi?”

“Since
knowing you, she hasn’t been a second thought. I know the way we came to find
each other is unconventional, and you’re right, it might not sit well with
people, but no matter how we came together, I’m happy we did. You don’t have
anything to be ashamed about. You have been, and still are, loyal to your
sister.”

For
a moment, I sat quietly on my end, trying to take in everything he had said.

“So,
tell me how the baby shower went,” he interrupted my thoughts.

“It
was perfect. Now we wait until she has the baby.”

“Do
you want to have more children?” he asked.

“Yes,”
I said with no hesitation. “How about you?”

“Is
that an invitation?” he asked.

“No.”

“Maybe
someday it will be.” I could hear the seduction in his voice.

“So,
do you want more children?” I asked.

“Yes.”

I
was glad to hear that. I had wondered if we felt the same way on that subject.

“Children,”
he said, “were one of the reasons Heidi and I kept breaking up. She never
wanted any.”

“And
you always have?”

“Yes,
but I wanted to wait until my baseball career was over. It’s difficult to be on
the road so much and raise a family. I’ve seen how hard it was on some of my
teammates’ families. I didn’t think it would be fair to my wife or children.”

“Children?
So you wanted more than one?”

“I
wanted a couple. How about you?”

“I
would probably have a whole house full if I could. I love being a mom.”

“A
house full, huh?”

“Maybe
half a house.”

“That
sounds more manageable. We’ll see what we can do.”

“What
do you mean
we
?”

“You
need a man if you want to have all of those kids.”

“And
you’re volunteering?”

“Let’s
just say I’m putting in my application.”

I
laughed at him. “Just so you know, any approved applicants must supply a ring
and a date with my pastor.”

“I
love when you laugh. And don’t worry, I know the entry fee.”

“I
should probably go, our late night calls are catching up to me.”

“I
can’t wait until it’s in person,” he responded.

“Me,
too. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,
beautiful gorgeous.”

I
went to sleep with a smile on my face. I woke up with an idea for a present for
Andrew. The baby book Taylor had received last night got me to thinking, and I
decided I was going to make Andrew a scrapbook of Drew. I also planned on
calling Evelyn to get some other ideas. I thought the book could be from me and
the other gifts could be from Drew. I also wanted to get Evelyn something as
well. I would like to make her a book, too, but I wouldn’t have the time. I was
already running behind. I was trying to get the office in order before I left on
vacation for Arizona to be with my parents, Drew had Christmas programs he was
participating in and class parties, not to mention I had some Christmas
shopping left to do. ’Tis the season.

Drew
and I must have been on the same wavelength that morning. “Mom, can I get
Andrew something for Christmas? I have some birthday money left over.” He was
the sweetest kid sometimes.

“I
think that would be a great idea. I can pitch in if you want.”

“I
want it to come just from me,” he responded.

“Okay,”
I said with a smile. He must really like Andrew; he usually held on to his
money tighter than Scrooge.

“If
you hurry and get ready, we can drive to Denver and do some shopping.”

His
face lit up. Again, that was saying something—he normally dreaded shopping.

“Do
you think we could see Andrew?” The excitement to shop was explained.

I
ran my hands through his bed-head hair. “Honey, not today. Remember what Andrew
said about his job?”

He
nodded with a frown.

“I
know it seems like forever to you, but you’ll see him again before you know
it.” I was saying it as much to comfort me as him. I wasn’t prepared to miss
him the way I had. He had infiltrated our lives.

“Will
he come watch me play baseball?”

“I’m
sure he’ll come to as many games as he can.” I pulled my little man to me and
hugged him tight. “I love you infinity.”

“I
love you infinity plus one.” He shook me off and ran upstairs to take a shower.

I
took advantage of the time and called Evelyn. “I hope I’m not calling too
early.”

“Not
at all. My body has a bad habit of getting up before the crack of dawn,” she
responded.

“I
know the feeling. I was calling to ask for some suggestions on what we could
get Andrew for Christmas.”

“That’s
a tough one. He’s one of those people who, if he wants it, he buys it for
himself.”

“That
makes sense being a single guy. Is there something besides camping that he and
Oliver loved to do together? Something he would love doing with Drew?”

“If
it was outdoors, they loved it. They took whitewater rafting trips, they hiked,
fished, and skied.”

“Hmmm,
I’m not sure if I’m ready to send Drew down a raging river, yet, but maybe
skiing could be fun. They might be able to sneak in some spring skiing if I
bought him some lift tickets.”

“You
better make that three. I have a feeling Andrew will want you to come as well.
I hope you know how fond he is of you.”

“I’m
beginning to see, but it’s a little overwhelming for someone like him to be
interested in me. I’m a small town girl who likes the quiet life. I’m not like
the other women he’s dated.”

“No,
you’re not, and that’s a good thing,” Evelyn said.

“I
hope so. I worry about some of our incompatibilities.”

“Every
relationship has those. It’s a not bad thing. Oliver’s and my incompatibilities
actually made us better. He got me out of my comfort zone, and I was able to
help him take a step back when he needed to.”

“You
didn’t like being in the spotlight?”

“Not
at all, but my husband and son being who they were and are, I learned to cope and
say no when I needed to. I didn’t want to attend every event, but Oliver loved
having me by his side, and I loved him, so we made a deal. For every event I
attended in a year, that’s how many days we would spend in some tropical
location, just the two of us.”

“That
sounds like my kind of deal.”

“It’s
not all bad, you know. I met some great people along the way, and helped more
people than I would have ever been able to before.”

“Well,
we aren’t really dating yet, so I guess we’ll cross those bridges if and when
we need to.”

“I
hope you don’t mind me saying, but I’m hoping for when.”

“Thanks,
Evelyn. Do you think I could drop off Andrew’s gifts to you before we head to
Arizona?”

“I
would love to see you and that grandson of mine. Name the day.”

“I’ll
let you know. And just so you know, you’re welcome here anytime. I want Drew to
get to know you.”

“Thank
you, Rachel. You don’t know how blessed I feel that you are my grandson’s
mother. I know I’ve said it before, but a lot of women in your situation would exploit
this.”

“I
would never use Drew in that way. And like I said, I like the quiet life.”

“And
like I’ve said, I think we will be the best of friends.”

“I’d
like that.”

“Me,
too, dear.”

So,
lift tickets and scrapbooks it was. I decided I would make the time to make one
for Evelyn, too. I wanted to do something nice for her. I liked her a lot, and
I even thought my mom would like her. I could see them being friends and hoped they
would be. I also hoped my parents could accept Andrew. I knew they weren’t
going to be happy when I told them about us. I was waiting until I could talk
to them face to face, but I wondered if my mom already knew. Every time I
talked to her on the phone, she kept saying I sounded different. She kept
asking me if anything unusual had happened.

This
situation was definitely unusual. It sounded like a good
Lifetime
movie
plot.

“Mom,
look who’s on TV.”

I
looked up from dinner preparations to see Andrew, front and center. I wiped off
my hands and walked into the great room. “Will you please turn that up, bud?”

Andrew
looked stately and handsome in his dark suit and tie, surrounded by supporters
and several members of the Denver media. If I wasn’t mistaken, I noticed some
national sports and news outlets. I guessed being who he was, it made sense.

“I’m
honored today to accept my party’s nomination as the next state representative
for District 43. We have a time-honored tradition of being one of the leading
districts in education, employment, values, and technology. I look forward to
continuing to lead the way in this great state and district of ours …”

“Mom,
what is he talking about?” Drew interrupted his father’s speech. That was okay.
It was like every other politician’s speech. Not that I was going to be saying
that to Andrew.

I
turned toward my son, smiled, and prayed he never wanted to follow in his
father’s political footsteps. “You know in school how you’ve been learning
about state government?”

“It’s
sooo boring.”

I
smiled some more. “Well, Andrew is running as a state representative. He will
get to help make the laws in Colorado, and help the people he represents where
he lives.”

“He
gets to make laws?”

“He
gets to help.”

“That’s
cool. I hope he makes good ones.”

“Me,
too,” I laughed.

“So,
can he come and see me now?”

“As
soon as the election is over. He’s going to be really busy for the next few
months.” I turned back to the TV in time to hear one reporter ask him how he
felt running for his father’s old seat.

“He
left big shoes to fill. If I can do half as much good as him, I will consider
myself successful. I think there are few things that would make him prouder than
knowing that another Turner will be serving the great people of District 43.”

He
had all the right answers, and he looked pretty when he smiled for the cameras.
This was all surreal for me. I couldn’t believe this man called me every day to
tell me how beautiful I was, and that he missed me. Well, his calls were hit
and miss this past week; sometimes I only got texts. He had been out of pocket,
preparing for this day and the next few months.

I
was about to change the channel when the following question piqued my interest:
“Mr. Turner, can you tell us how a single man with above average means can
really relate to the issues that face the constituents of District 43?”

He
knew this one was coming, and he had asked for my advice on how to handle it.

“That’s
a great question, Carol.”

That
was a good move, using her name.

“I
have lived my whole life in District 43. It is a great place to raise a family,
or be single if that’s what you choose.”

There
was a smattering of laughter from the crowd. He was charming.

“Many
of my closest friends are doing both. And whether they have families, or live
alone, we all care about the future generations that will inherit this great
state and area. And yes, I was lucky enough to have a career that has afforded
me a good life, but I believe where much is given, much is required. It has
been—and will continue to be—my pledge to give as greatly as I have received.”

Nicely
done
,
I thought. I told him he needed to flip it around on them. That not only people
with families counted. I suggested he try not to let them divide the community
into married and unmarried. His answer was compelling enough that if I could, I
might vote for him.

Later
that night I texted him.
You did well today. Congratulations. Drew said he
would vote for you. I’m still on the fence. By the way I gave your Christmas
presents to your mom today. I’m sorry we couldn’t give them to you in person.
I’ll text you when we get to Tucson tomorrow night. Goodnight.

I
mentally began to go over everything we needed for our thirteen-hour drive
tomorrow. Normally we flew, but with a dog and a new bike coming home with us,
driving seemed the way to go. I had been packing and preparing for days. Drew
and I would be spending ten days at the small home my parents rented in Tucson.
I was looking forward to the seventy-degree weather, not to mention seeing my
mom and dad.

At
9:30, my phone rang.

“Hey,
I thought you were in a strategy meeting?”

“I
was, I am. We’re taking ten and I wanted to call you. How are you?”

“I’m
good.”

“How’s
Drew?”

“He’s
excited about Christmas. The next five days can’t go fast enough for him.”

There
was a pause. “Hey, Rachel?”

“Yeah?”

“I
feel terrible that I didn’t have the chance to get you or Drew anything for
Christmas. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. I meant to.”

“It’s
no big deal.”

“No,
it is. You’re both a big deal to me. I dropped the ball. Can you give me your
parents’ address? I’ll see what I can send.”

“Really,
it’s okay. He’s going to be spoiled rotten.”

“Regardless,
will you please text me the address? I want him to know I’m thinking about
him.”

“I
will.”

“I
hate that we aren’t spending Christmas together. I’ll make it up to you next
year.”

“You
keep saying that.”

“I
know. I mean it, though.”

I
rubbed my forehead. “Okay.”

“You
sound like you don’t believe me.”

“I’m
just worried.”

“Not
about how I feel about you or Drew, I hope?”

“I
worry your intentions will be overridden by your life.”

“Things
will settle down. Nothing will get in the way of us being together. Please
drive safe and let me know when you get there. I’ll call you on Christmas Eve
when I get to my mom’s and we’ll talk for hours.”

“I’d
like that.” I wanted to keep talking, but I heard voices in the background.

“I’m
sorry, I need to go. Goodnight, gorgeous.”

I
texted Andrew my parents’ address before turning off the light and sliding
under the covers. I wondered if our relationship would ever get to move past
phone calls and texts. I reminded myself I was planning on being single for a
long time, so it would be all right if it didn’t work out. But now that the
door had opened, it was hard to close it, and I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted
to. I was tired of being alone. I wanted a partner.

We
woke up bright and early. I wanted to be on the road by 6:00. My phone rang at
5:30. I expected it to be Andrew and had a twinge of disappointment when I
realized it wasn’t him, but I recovered quickly.

“I
wanted to let you know we’re on our way to the hospital,” Taylor informed me
through labored breathing. No pun intended.

“I’m
sorry we won’t be here. We’re headed out this morning.”

“I
know. Be safe. I’ll text you some pictures when I’m all dolled up afterward.”

“I
bet you took a shower and did your hair and makeup already, didn’t you?”

She
laughed. “Guilty. Easton was freaking about it.”

I
heard Easton disagree in the background.

“Slow
down, honey,” Taylor suggested to her obviously nervous husband. She said he
was a wreck when Ashley was born. It was hard to believe, since he delivered
babies for a living. “Anyway, I feel a major contraction coming on, so drive
safe.” She hung up without another word.

I
was excited for her, and a tad jealous. I wanted another baby. I guess I could
adopt again. That was a thought. I put a pin in it.

Andrew
called as soon as I got the final suitcase loaded. I suddenly felt better.

“Have
you left yet?” I could hear the tired in his voice.

“We
will in a few minutes.”

“I
forgot to say thank you last night. Your insight really helped me field questions
yesterday. I know I keep saying this, but you’re amazing.”

“You’re
welcome, but I think you would have done all right for yourself without my
help.”

“I
did sound good, didn’t I?”

I
laughed at him.

“I
looked good, too,” he added.

“I
see you’re still stocking up on arrogance bran.”

“It’s
all natural.”

“Have
a Merry Christmas, Andrew.”

“Don’t
go,” he pleaded unexpectedly.

“Andrew—”

“We
can meet at my mom’s house.”

He
didn’t know how tempting the offer was to me. “We have to go. My parents are
expecting us, and besides, the press is all over you now. We can’t risk it.”

“I
know you’re right, but I’ve never missed two people more in my life. And I
don’t want to miss another holiday with my son.”

“I’ll
have him call you on Christmas.”

“It
won’t be the same.”

“No,
it won’t.”

“I
checked the roads. They look good. Keep both of you safe.”

That
was kind of him. “I always do. Do you want to talk to Drew?”

“Always.
Bye, beautiful.”

I
walked inside from the garage and handed the phone to a sleepy Drew. “Hey, it’s
Andrew.”

That
woke him right up. They hadn’t talked in a couple of weeks.

I
ushered Drew and Jake out to the car while Drew and Andrew caught up on the
phone. I wanted to get going. We had a long day ahead of us.

I
don’t think Andrew got to say a word for the first fifteen minutes. Drew had
been saving up a list of things to rattle off to him. First he told him all
about his holiday program at school where he played a reindeer, then it was expectations
about what Santa was going to bring him. He expressed his excitement about my
dad’s promise to take him golfing when we got there. Finally, Drew took a
breath and said, “I saw you on TV.”

I
didn’t hear what Andrew said, but Drew responded, “I wish you weren’t on TV so
you could come see me.”

It
made my heart sink.

He
followed up with, “I bought you a present with my own money.”

I
hoped Andrew’s run for office was worth this.

Drew
handed the phone up to me when the call ended. “Andrew said he’ll call us later
to check on us. He said he sent my Christmas presents to Arizona.”

“That’s
nice.”

“Yeah,
but I wish he could come.”

“You
and me both, bud.”