HAPPY NEW YEAR, BABY FORTUNE! by LEANNE BANKS

Author:LEANNE BANKS, [BANKS,, LEANNE]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ROMANCE
Publisher: HARLEQUIN
Published: 2013-12-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

“Oooh, what a cute baby,” the server at The Grill said, then glanced at Stacey and Colton. “What a good-looking family. I bet you hear that all the time. I’m Maureen, and I’m new here in Horseback Hollow.” Her gaze returned to Piper. “Look at that chin,” she said, tickling it. “Just like Daddy’s. Now, what can I get for you today?”

“Burger loaded and hot chocolate,” Colton said. “What about you?” he asked Stacey.

“Grilled cheese and hot chocolate. Extra marshmallows please,” she added.

“Will do,” Maureen said and turned away.

“Sorry about that,” Stacey said.

“Sorry about what?” he asked.

“That the waitress said Piper looked like you,” she said, feeling extremely awkward. She didn’t want Colton to feel pushed into a relationship with either herself or Piper.

“She said we have the same chin,” he said, rubbing his own chin and glancing at Piper. “I just didn’t know I already had two.”

Relief raced through her, and she swatted at him. “Stop that. She clearly only has one chin, but there’s no denying those chipmunk cheeks. She looks as if she’s packing a load of acorns.” Stacey rubbed her daughter’s cheek. “But you’re gorgeous, anyway,” she said.

“She is. She looks like you. Minus the chipmunk cheeks,” he said.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Stacey said, and Maureen returned with their hot chocolate.

“Anything else I can get you?” she asked.

Colton glanced at Stacey. “We’re good,” she said.

Their food was served just moments later, and Stacey relished her grilled cheese sandwich. Although Piper was well-fortified with cereal on her high-chair tray, she watched every bite that Stacey took.

“She’s getting more interested in food,” Stacey said. “Especially whatever I’m eating.”

“Can’t blame her. What does she get? Dry cereal? She looks as if she wants to reach right over and grab the rest of your sandwich. You’re clearly starving her.”

“Right,” Stacey said, shooting him a mock chastising look. “This is probably more than you want to know, but she’s allowed to have strained and pureed fruits, vegetables and meats.”

Colton made a face. “I didn’t hear hamburger on that list.”

“She doesn’t have any teeth. She’d have to gum it,” Stacey said.

A woman stopped by their table. “Why, Stacey Jones. I haven’t seen you in ages.”

Stacey recognized the woman as a member of her church. Stacey had missed quite a few Sundays since Piper had been born. Truth be told, she’d missed more than she’d attended since she’d gotten pregnant. “Mrs. Gordon, it’s good to see you. How is your family?” Stacey asked as she stood and gave the woman a hug.

“We’re hanging in there. My husband has had a terrible time with gout, but we keep plugging. Look at your baby. She’s just gorgeous,” Mrs. Gordon said, and glanced at Colton in confusion. “Colton Foster, right? For some reason, I thought your fiancé’s name was Joe.”

Stacey’s stomach knotted. “He was. Joe moved to Dallas. But Piper is thriving, as you can see.”

“Yes, she is. And how nice for both of you to have big, strong Colton around,” Mrs.

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