Chapter 27
The week flew by with Bella keeping Claire busy and Wade never far from her thoughts—or her phone. She sent him pictures, mostly when Bella crawled and made a mess with the movies. Also photos of their outings to baby story time and playtime. Wade texted back almost immediately, asking for updates.
“Where’s your selfie?” He teased when she sent Bella’s photos.
One evening, after Bella’s first bite of real food, mashed sweet potatoes, Claire called Wade to share the milestone.
“Please tell me she splashed it all over your face.” He laughed.
“I’m an expert, Wade. No messes here.”
“Uh-huh.” He rolled his eyes. “Did you at least take her picture?”
“I was about to send them before I called.”
Wade asked about her dad, her day, and whether she’d started gathering design ideas for the week he’d promised to take over Bella duty.
Claire found herself invested in his work and other business ventures.
Though she couldn’t help but feel relieved when he mentioned the press had eased off lately—even in Pleasant View.
Then he sent random texts throughout the day, a heart emoji here, a goofy meme there, a chipper update later. They made her smile and him feel nearby.
She thought about him a lot and wanted to surprise him when she called Novi to help her plan a lunch to be delivered to him. Claire wrote a note, took a picture, and emailed it to Novi to add to the delivery.
That same day, she and Dad toured The Summit for his residency. “I love it here.” He waved at a group of his friends playing cards. “I don’t want to interfere with your marriage.”
“Dad.” She touched his hand and made eye contact. His consideration warmed her, and he’d been happier since he’d been spending more time taking day trips with his friends and less time watching TV. “We’re buying a bigger house. We’ll have plenty of room for you.”
He patted her hand. “If I end up not liking it here, maybe I’ll move back in with you guys.”
Much later, waiting for him and Fern to return before dinner, she played with Bella at home.
On the play mat, she covered her face with a blanket.
“Where did Bella go?” Claire chuckled at the childish play, then uncovered herself.
Bella’s little shoulders shook her purple dress as her giggles threaded into Claire’s heart.
They continued their game of peekaboo until her phone buzzed.
Wade’s face lit up her screen, and her smile radiated from the inside out.
“I loved my grilled cheese and tomato soup. I couldn’t make out the note all the way across, but I thought you could…”
When he held up her note, her smile hurt her cheeks. “It says, ‘Thought you could use a bit of home while away from home. Love, Claire.’”
“Now, you are too good to me.” His voice thickened over the words she’d used before. “Thank you.”
“I just wanted you to feel close. Even when you’re not here.”
“It worked.” His gaze misted. “I miss you already.”
“Me too.”
Bella yanked the phone from Claire, her tiny fingers gripping it before attempting to shove it into her mouth.
“What happened?” he asked.
Claire retrieving the slobbery phone. “Bella happened.” She held it up to show him. “She’s determined to eat the phone.”
She tried putting Bella on screen, but the little one was more interested in gnawing on the device than making a cameo. He chuckled on the other end, and after a few more shared laughs and a promise to see each other on Friday, they ended the call.
The next day, Claire went through the Realtor’s listings and bookmarked ones to show Wade. She finally carved out time to dress shop. Irina joined her, taking a rare afternoon off.
“What do you think?” Claire exited the dressing room.
Irina paused midsip of her Coke—a perk from the boutique’s upscale offerings. Her eyes widened. “Wow. You should take all three. Blue, red, and black. Your skin tone complements them all. Trust me.”
“What about you?” Claire wiggled her brows. “You should try something on too.”
With the personal spending account Wade had set up for her, she could finally give something meaningful back to Irina.
Claire wouldn’t overspend unless it was necessary.
But this event demanded she go all out. By the time they left, they both carried dresses in sleek garment bags.
She even bought an extra dress for future events.
“I’ll have Wade help me decide tomorrow.” She swung her bag as they walked along Main Street, the sky heavy with clouds.
Irina glanced up to the dark sky. “I hope he comes before the snow starts.”
Claire hugged her jacket closer, her fingers clutching her shopping bag. Snow could mean delays, even cancellations. Her stomach churned. Wade had to make it this weekend.
“I don’t know when I’ll ever wear this dress.” Irina pulled Claire from her thoughts. “Unless I come to one of your glamorous Stone parties someday.”
Claire nudged her friend. “I can ask if you can come with us on Saturday.”
“Nah. I’ll stay behind in case Wade’s family needs my help with Bella. Go enjoy yourself.”
“His family has been so generous, haven’t they? I can’t tell you how many times they’ve asked to take Bella even before I’ve needed help. Plus, she adores playing with Eric’s kids.”
“Being around the kids has been good for her. No wonder she’s been babbling more than ever lately.”
That night, Claire lay in bed, restless.
Snow could mean airport delays or all flights canceled, so how could she settle?
She glanced at their photo on her dresser.
This was now his home too. Turning onto her stomach, she buried her face in his pillow, the trace of his scent a fragile comfort.
She’d been clinging to it all week. But it was fading now, and she hated that.
Still, she savored what remained, the only thing making the bed less empty.
Sometime during the night, she stirred. The warmth of an arm settled around her shoulder, the familiar weight comforting her. Half asleep, she loved this dream, his scent and the feel of him so close. But when she turned, blinking in the dim light she always kept on—it wasn’t a dream.
“Wade.” Her pulse raced.
“Didn’t mean to wake you.” Tremors raced through her when he tucked hair behind her ear, his touch tender, his gaze soft.
She reached out, her fingers finding his jaw, the scruff rough yet inviting her touch. “You came back a day early.”
“Heard the first snow is tomorrow.” He snuggled closer. “Wanted to be here with you and Bella to play in it.”
Her chest swelled, her words tumbling out. “I missed you.” Her hand slipped around his waist. How had he already changed into sweats and a T-shirt without her hearing? Had he changed on the plane? Either way, she savored his warmth, his presence, contentment settling over her like its own blanket.
She wanted to say more, to whisper I love you, but the words felt caught, unready to be spoken. Did he feel the same? He’d said he was falling in love with her, but had he fallen completely?
“If sleeping on my pillow is any confirmation”—he nudged her closer and more fully into his arms—“you definitely missed me. I missed you too.”
Claire buried her face against his chest, feeling more secure like this. “I’m glad you’re home.”
“Try to get some sleep, okay?” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. His breath brushed through her hair, and contentment filled her heart to the brim. She was home—with Wade. Did he feel the same? Would he ever find his forever home with her?