The Cowboy's Christmas Baby by Cathy McDavid

Author:Cathy McDavid
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2019-08-12T20:15:32+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

JEWEL SAT IN the recliner, Ava on her lap. After a few seconds of back patting, the baby let out a very unladylike burp.

“Well. I take that to mean dinner is officially over.”

Ava gurgled in response.

Cradling her in one arm, Jewel stood and went over to the quilt she’d spread on the floor. Laying Ava on her stomach—it was way too early for bed—Jewel watched as she batted a stuffed frog. Quickly bored, the baby tried rolling over onto her side.

It wouldn’t be much longer before she succeeded. Once that happened, Jewel would have to watch Ava even more closely. And what about when she started crawling? Or walking?

The changes were happening practically daily. Changes Jewel would be sharing with Tanner.

A warm glow filled her as she remembered their last conversation. He was innocent! He hadn’t tried to cheat.

Just as quickly, concern dampened her glow. If only everyone knew the truth. She understood his desire to wait. That didn’t stop her from wanting to shout the news. He’d promised her they’d work things out. She had to believe him. Their future and Ava’s depended on it.

As she watched, Ava stopped trying to roll over and grabbed for a bright yellow rattle. Fingers crossed, she’d stay occupied and awake until Tanner arrived, which should be soon.

The O’Malley-Foxworthy family portrait was scheduled for this evening at six thirty. Emily had decided the glittering Christmas lights would make a nice background, and Jewel agreed. She had her eye on the Christmas tree in the foyer with its angel topper, or possibly the gorgeously decorated veranda.

To fill the time until Tanner arrived at around six o’clock or so, Jewel tidied her quarters and checked on her refrigerated supply of expressed breast milk, satisfied there was plenty on hand for Ava’s bedtime feeding should the photography session run late.

She was just finishing when her phone rang from its place on the counter. The “Grandma’s on the line” ringtone let her know the caller’s identity.

“Hi, Mom.”

“You sound in a hurry.”

“Just cleaning up before Tanner gets here to babysit.”

“Tanner’s babysitting!”

“Well, he is Ava’s dad.”

“Last you said, you weren’t comfortable with him watching Ava.”

“He’s proving himself to be pretty reliable.”

More reliable than her mother knew. She so wished she could tell her mom that she and Tanner were taking small steps forward. But then she’d have to reveal Tanner’s innocence, and she’d agreed to say nothing for the time being.

“I’m glad, darling. I hated the idea of you two being at odds.”

“Me, too.”

Jewel’s mood had been soaring all day, and not entirely because of Tanner’s news. Their warm embrace continued to linger in her mind and on her lips. With very little encouragement, she might have kissed him. Might have.

Without meaning to, she let out a contented sigh.

“One of us is in a good mood,” her mother commented.

“I am. Aren’t you?”

“Very much. Your dad and I have picked ten homes to look at while we’re there.”

“Ten. Wow!”

“I’ll probably pick out ten more before we arrive next week.

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