HER BABY'S SECRET FATHER by LYNNE MARSHALL

Author:LYNNE MARSHALL, [MARSHALL,, LYNNE]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ROMANCE - MEDICIAL
Publisher: HARLEQUIN
Published: 2014-01-18T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

ON MONDAY, Terrance showed up to help Jaynie paint her living room wall. He had a gift in tow, and held up a hand to ward off any of Jaynie’s protests.

“The NICU nurses said this is the most creative bed available.”

He pushed the box he held in his arms toward her, so she could read the Australian brand-name. The picture showed a bassinet-size bed hanging suspended by a spring and crossbar from a sturdy steel frame.

“They said that every time the baby moves, a gentle rocking motion lulls her back to sleep.”

Jaynie started to respond, but like a salesman on a mission—a salesman in tight jeans and a black tee shirt—he continued. “And, because it’s slightly upright, it will help if Tara has gastric reflux. And she’ll feel more secure, cuddled in the curve of the bed, than in a large open and flat crib.”

Before Jaynie could say a word, he ripped open the box and fished out the contents, then set to work putting everything together, like a dad on Christmas morning.

“It’s lightweight enough to carry from room to room, so you can keep an eye on her, too.”

Speechless, Jaynie watched. There would be no refusing his gift. Terrance’s gesture of concern for her baby moved her more than she could admit; she shook her head in resignation.

“Why are you doing this?” She’d only meant to think the words, but they snuck out on a whisper.

Temporarily outsmarted by the metal poles, he stopped to scratch his head. He turned to her and, looking earnest as all hell, said, “Because I care.”

She blinked.

Why should you care?

“Well, thank you.” A wave of post-partum nostalgia— surely that was what it was?—threatened to overtake her. She glanced away to toughen up. “I’m very touched.”

He gazed at his feet, then back up, and whispered, “You’re welcome.”

Fearing she could get used to being cared about, she let her gaze dance away. Instead, she forced herself to calculate the steps she’d read for painting a wall—a task she’d never done before.

Desperate to change the feel-good mood in the room, Jaynie spread the drop cloth on the floor and opened the first can of paint, while Terrance distracted himself with setting up the bed.

“So, why are we painting that wall red?” he asked, in a casual, more distant tone. Apparently he’d caught her drift.

Jaynie gave the thick red liquid one last stir with a wooden stick before stopping to answer. “Kim’s grandmother said I needed to bring more of the five energies into my house. This red wall will represent fire.” She put her hands on her jeans-clad hips and glanced across the room. “And I’m bringing in water energy with my indoor rock fountain. See?”

Terrance followed her hand and studied her newest purchase, bubbling and rippling over a slab of smooth black rock. He gave a nod. “Nice,” he said. “Peaceful.”

“And I’m bringing in earth energy with large indoor plants,” she said. “Green is good.” Spurred on by all the extra reading she’d done on the topic, she felt positive.

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