Harlequin Special Edition August 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 by Allison Leigh

Author:Allison Leigh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

Jillian and Cooper decided to use the opportunity presented to shower and get dressed for the day. She went first, and while he was upstairs and the triplets were still sleeping, she whipped up some breakfast for both of them.

“Something smells good.” He stood in the doorway, dressed in a light gray T-shirt and worn jeans. Her eyes drifted over him. Cooper’s dark brown hair was still damp and smelling of shampoo, his face cleanly shaven. As he neared her, she caught the faint minty fragrance of his toothpaste and the more masculine smell of his soap.

A thrill swept through her.

Pretending a casual ease she couldn’t begin to feel, she turned away and began crumbling fried tortilla strips and cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into the scrambling eggs in the pan. Gave them a stir. “Migas.”

He ambled nearer, taking in the bowl of chopped tomato, onion, jalapeño, cilantro and lime juice. “You made pico de gallo, too?”

She basked beneath his praise. “Of course.” Realizing what a pleasure he was to cook for, she set a platter of crisp bacon on the table, along with a full carafe of freshly brewed coffee. Then turned the eggs into a serving bowl. “Any word from Desiree yet?”

His phone pinged. They both tensed. “Well, actually, to my amazement, yes...” he murmured.

He motioned her closer. She stood, so she could see his phone. A message appeared on the screen.

Triplets up to date on all immunizations. Medical records with West Dallas Pediatric Group. A phone number followed, with a link to the medical practice’s website. Docs there should be able to tell you whatever you need to know.

Cooper’s tall body sagged in relief. Thanks, he texted back. When will you be home?

Bubbles appeared on screen that indicated the other person was typing, then abruptly stopped.

Jillian froze, and he swore beneath his breath.

Then the bubbles started again. Stopped. Started. Finally, a new message appeared.

Cooper, I know you don’t understand. The truth is, you never did. But I have to focus here. We’ll talk when we see each other again.

Frowning, he typed back, And when will that be exactly?

Nothing.

He waited. Waited some more. Then finally put the phone down and turned it over so he could no longer see the screen.

Able to see how disappointed he was, Jillian sat opposite him. They filled their plates and began to eat. She felt compelled to offer some comfort. “It’s still pretty early. Barely six a.m.”

Cooper nodded, his expression closed.

She swallowed. The breakfast she had taken such care to make now tasted like sawdust in her mouth. “Desiree may have just woken up...”

Cooper put down his fork, then sat back. “Why are you making excuses for her?” he growled.

Beginning to see for herself how complicated and demanding motherhood was, never mind for a woman trying to do it all on her own, Jillian turned her hands, palm up. “Because I’m trying to give her the benefit of the doubt.”

“And...?” he prodded, sensing there was more.

Jillian sighed and picked up her fork again.

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