Hidden in the Heart by Catherine West

Author:Catherine West [West, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

~

She pulled up outside the old Victorian home just a few blocks away from the house she and James owned, and put the car into park. Her heart thumped out a slow rhythm, but Claire forced her hand to open the car door. She moved slowly up the walkway, took the four steps up to the porch and waited outside the green front door.

Maybe she should have called.

Just as she was about to knock, the door flung open and Melanie stood there, her face lit with a smile. “Claire!”

Too late.

“Surprise.” Claire managed a grin before her friend pulled her into a tight embrace. “Um, a little air, Mel.”

“Sorry.” Melanie laughed and brushed away tears. “What are you doing here? Why didn’t you call? Are you back?”

Claire grinned, her joy at seeing Mel looking so well and happy overwhelming speech. She cleared her throat. “Maybe you could let me in first?”

As she stepped into the foyer after Melanie, Claire caught a glimpse of the white bassinet in the corner of the living room. Her throat tightened but she gathered her strength, looked at Melanie and smiled. “How’s Jaclyn?”

“She’s good.” Fresh tears filled Melanie’s blue eyes.

“Don’t start with the blubbering. Just show her off already.” Claire took slow steps into the room. The smell of baby powder tickled her nose and brought an unfamiliar longing. “Is she sleeping?”

“No, she’s awake, I just put her down.” Melanie hurried over, bent over the pink bundle in the bassinet and glanced Claire’s way. “Are you okay?”

Claire nodded. Surprisingly enough, she was.

Melanie picked up her daughter and Jaclyn turned big blue eyes on Claire. A gurgle stuck in her throat and her rosebud lips moved into the tiniest smile.

Claire let out her breath. No shaking. No noose around her neck…just…peace.

“Oh, Mel. She’s beautiful.” She reached out a finger and stroked the baby’s soft cheek. “Can I hold her?”

Melanie cradled the baby in one arm and reached out to give Claire’s hand a squeeze. “Absolutely.”

Claire sat on the couch with Jaclyn while Melanie went to the kitchen. She studied the baby’s features, talked to her in low whispers and marveled at her shock of thick auburn hair.

“Just you wait until you’re older, you and I are going to have some fun,” Claire put on a mock whisper as Melanie came in with their tea. “I’m going to take you shopping and buy you whatever you want.”

“We’ll see about that.” Melanie’s face glowed but at least she wasn’t crying anymore. “I can’t believe you’re here. Happy Birthday, by the way.”

“Thanks.” Claire laughed as Jaclyn made a face. “I came down to see my Dad. We had a nice lunch. I might stay another night. I…wanted to come see you before I left for Maine the first time, Mel, but…”

“It’s okay. I know it was hard.” Melanie poured their tea and set Claire’s down on the coffee table beside the couch. “So. Tell me everything.”

Claire took her time going over the events of the last few weeks, letting it all sink in as she laid it out for Melanie.

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