A Mother's Homecoming by Lisa Carter

Author:Lisa Carter
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-03-11T01:44:04+00:00

Chapter Eight

Thursday evening, Maggie taught the Baby Mama class at the rec center.

Designed specifically for mothers-to-be, the class combined prenatal Pilates stretching and core strength training. Her goal was to improve their cardiovascular health with the added bonus of building their stamina for labor, delivery and recovery after childbirth.

She’d battled anxiety and depression during her own difficult pregnancy. If only then she’d known about the benefits of stress-relieving exercises.

After ending the class, she walked Callie out to the parking lot. “Before long, you’ll be holding your little one in your arms. It’ll be worth all the aches and pains.”

Callie stopped on the sidewalk. “I can’t see my feet anymore, Mags. I feel so huge.” She shook her head. “I certainly don’t look like the girl Jake married.”

Her stomach distended with twins, Maggie knew firsthand what huge really looked like. The last trimester she’d resembled a bloated whale.

Spotting Callie’s husband in his truck, Maggie waved. “You look beautiful. And I’m sure Jake thinks so, too.”

“You probably think I’m being r-ridiculous.” Callie’s voice hitched.

She sympathized, but she couldn’t tell Callie how well she understood. “I think it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the changes happening to your body.”

Yet it was hard not to envy Callie.

Callie was so in love with her adoring husband. A situation as different from Maggie’s pregnancy as night from day. It made her sad to think she’d never know what that was like. Something must have shown on her face because Callie took hold of her arm.

“We lost touch when you went off to college, but I can’t tell you how much your friendship has meant to me since you came back to town.”

Maggie swallowed.

“People tell me I’m a pretty good listener, and if you ever need to confide in someone...” Callie’s gaze bored into hers. “I’m here for you.”

Maggie’s eyes swam. One of the best decisions she ever made had been coming home. Yet how could she even begin to share what had happened to her with Callie? She still wasn’t sure she understood it herself.

Over time, the nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder from the attack had faded. She knew there was healing in the telling. But she couldn’t face it. Not yet. Maybe she never would. Perhaps some pain went too deep for anyone but God.

She hugged Callie. “You’ll never know how much I appreciate your friendship.”

Callie swiped her eyes. “You’re coming to the baby shower this weekend, right?”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

A month ago, she wouldn’t have felt the same.

Calling goodbye, Callie slipped inside the truck. Maggie headed toward her own vehicle at the end of the row. She liked to park close to the gym in a well-lit area.

Despite the long hours of summer light, tonight it had gotten dark earlier than she’d expected. Clicking her key fob, she popped her trunk and stowed her gym bag.

Opening the car door, she felt the first drops of rain splatter her arm. Lifting her gaze, she spotted dark clouds building on the distant mountain horizon.

Jake pulled the truck behind her car.

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