Baby, Oh Baby! by Robin Wells

Author:Robin Wells
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2010-01-10T09:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Madeline pulled yet another empty pan from the bottom _. shelf of the kitchen cupboard. Ignoring the loud clanging, Annie sat at the kitchen table and concentrated on the leaves at the bottom of Helen's teacup. "An obstacle has been cleared away," she said. "I see new zest and vitality and activity." She grinned up at the older woman. "Everything in your life seems to be on the `. upswing."

The round-faced, snow-haired woman beamed. "It didn't take tea leaves to tell me that, but it's great to hear it all the same." She reached over and patted Annie's hand. "It's so good to be home."

"It's so good to have you back." Ben had brought Helen home from the hospital two days ago, and he'd dropped her off at Annie's house for a visit while he tended the livestock.

A loud clatter made Annie jump. She glanced over at Madeline, who had just discovered the musical possibilities of banging two pots together. The baby giggled in delight and banged them again.

Annie winced. "I'm sure things were a lot quieter at your daughter's house, though."

"In more ways than one," Helen said with a smile. "Sounds like I missed a lot of excitement around here." She helped herself to a blueberry muffin from the basket on the table and looked Annie curiously. "So, tell me— what's this man like?"

Just the thought of Jake made a swarm of butterflies set flight in Annie's stomach. She reached for her mug of coffee. "Well, at first he comes across as curt and abrupt, but then he kind of grows on you. I think his brusqueness is just a protective shell. He's actually very kind. And he adores Madeline." Annie picked up a large box on the seat of the chair next to her and handed it to Helen. "Look what he sent yesterday."

Helen lifted the lid. The box was filled with designer baby clothes from an exclusive children's clothing store in Tulsa. Helen's eyes grew large. "He's certainly generous."

Annie nodded. "When I asked the home nurse for her bill, I learned Jake had already paid it."

"How nice!"

"Of course, as soon as I have the money to pay him back, I will."

Helen leaned forward, her brow furrowed. "That nurse was here to help you care for Madeline. There's nothing wrong with letting him share the financial responsibility, Annie. After all, he's the child's father."

"I know. I just...." She sighed, then looked up at Helen. "I'm just afraid of getting too many strings attached to him."

Helen waved a hand toward Madeline. "I hate to say it, honey, but there's a pretty big string sitting right over there with a pan on her head."

Annie gave a reluctant grin. "You're right. And I know he's going to be a big part of her life. I just don't know how much of a role I want him playing in mine."

"Madeline's life and yours are very intertwined right now," Helen pointed out. "They will be for several years.,,

Annie nodded. "I just don't want to become dependent on him.

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