Chapter Seventeen
Adam
Brian made a left turn onto Oak Lane, which turned out to be an appropriate name because the street was canopied by mature oak trees, making it look like something out of the movies.
The neat craftsman houses of varying sizes and colors lined both sides of the road.
It was a picture-perfect example of life in an American small town.
It reminded me a lot of Lancastle.
And while I missed my family, I could see myself staying in Haven Springs. Especially if I lived on a street like this one.
We pulled into the paved driveway of a moss-green one-and-a-half story bungalow featuring a second-story balcony. Red brick pavers and stairs led up to a wrap-around porch lined with rose bushes. The mahogany double door with six individual panes of beveled glass was a statement piece itself.
“Wow, Brian. Your place is gorgeous.”
“Thanks. I just bought it last fall. It’s got five bedrooms and four baths, so it’s where I want to raise my family.”
“You got a baby mama picked out yet?”
He was quiet for a second too long before he replied, “No, not yet.”
If we were better friends, I’d bust his balls. But, since I’d only known him a day, and he was letting me crash in one of his five bedrooms, I decided not to push him.
“Thanks again for letting me stay.”
“No problem. As you can see, I’ve got plenty of room.” He opened the driver’s door. “Come in; let’s get you situated before I head back to work.”
He walked me through the house that was as stunning on the inside as it was on the outside.
The dark oak floors gleamed and were decorated with large plush Oriental area rugs in warm colors throughout.
The pocket doors, beamed ceilings, mahogany built-ins, and brick fireplace were just a few of the designer touches, along with an updated chef’s kitchen with quartz countertops and an island a family of eight could eat at.
“This place is amazing.”
“I lucked out. I bought it from the original owners. It was their pride and joy. Then one day they decided they wanted to move to a retirement community, and because they knew I was looking for a place, agreed to sell it to me without even putting it on the market.”
“Life in a small town, huh?” I quipped.
“There’s nothing like it.”
I would agree with that.
He waved his hand, indicating I should follow him. We passed the staircase and kept going down the hall.
“I thought it’d be better if you slept in the guest room on the main floor. You probably shouldn’t be climbing stairs for at least a few days.”
He opened a solid wooden door to reveal a simple guest room with a queen size mattress.
The Queen Anne-style headboard, footboard, and dressers all matched, and the stark-white comforter and throw pillows with varying shades of blue provided a nice contrast to the cherry wood.
Two smaller Oriental rugs with blue hues lay on either side of the bed, along with one at the foot of the bed, underneath a blue velvet-upholstered bench.
Sheer white curtains framed a picture window that provided a view into the backyard.
I placed my backpack on the bench and walked toward the window to get a better look at the grassy area.
“I’ve been told the bed’s comfortable, so hopefully you can get some rest like Dr. Williams suggested. But, feel free to roam around. My pantry isn’t bare, but it’s not what I’d call “well-stocked.” If you can find it, you can eat or drink it.”
I laughed. “Lainey said that exact thing to me last night.”
“Must be a Haven Springs thing. Anyway, I need to make a few rounds of patrol through town before I swing by the hardware store for Lainey’s locks.
After I’m done at her place, I’ll stop at Publix for our steaks.
” He glanced at his watch then pulled out his phone.
“I should be back around six-thirty but give me your number so I can let you know in case I’m going to be later. ”
I rattled off my number. Seconds later, I felt my phone buzz in my pocket, and Brian said, “And now you have mine.”
I laughed again. “And I literally told Lainey that same thing yesterday.”
There was a glint in his eye when he replied, “It’s almost like you belong here,” then walked out the door.
Did I?
It kind of felt like it.
I shook my head. I couldn’t stay. Lainey was too big a temptation. Or I was too weak. Either way, I needed to head to Lancastle where I belonged.
Away from my dead friend’s girl and their baby.
****
Lainey
Saturdays were usually slower, so Paulina had been able to manage the clean-up on her own while I got the baking done for Sunday’s half day.
After she left and Conor had been fed, instead of letting my little guy fall back asleep, I pulled his baby bather seat out and put him in the sink.
He squealed and thrashed his arms and legs.
I laughed out loud at his startled face when the water splashed his face.
I think my shirt was more soaked than my child when I pulled him from the makeshift tub a minute before Brian texted that he was at my door.
I unlocked the lock and turned the knob, announcing, “Perfect timing!” as the door swung open.
Brian’s face lit up when he saw Conor wide awake in my arms in nothing but a hooded towel that was supposed to make him look like a seal.
“There’s my godson!” he exclaimed as he held out his hands.
It wasn’t official yet, but I’d agreed to let Conor be baptized in the Catholic church in October.
I knew it was important to Shawn’s family, and frankly, it wasn’t a hill I cared to die on as long as they honored a few of my requests.
Brian was going to be his godfather, and Jade, my sister, his godmother—something Kristy was still salty about.
I would do it for the O’Briens and make them happy.
I owed them that. Hugh and Teresa had been so kind to me, making me Shawn’s beneficiary even though they hadn’t had to, throwing me a baby shower, and just stopping by with unexpected presents and food at least once a week.
And I knew they were anxious to spend more time with their grandson, which they could do once he took a bottle.
I transferred Conor into Brian’s waiting hands, and he immediately brought his nose to the baby’s cheek.
“God, I love how babies smell! Especially after a bath. There’s something about the scent of baby shampoo.”
“I know, right?” I waved a pink bottle at him. “And lotion.”
“Oh, let me do it!”
“I should put a diaper on him first. You probably don’t want to go to your next call smelling like baby pee.”
He grinned as he handed my son back to me.
“Meh, there’s worse things I’ve smelled like.”
While Brian washed his hands, I laid Conor on the couch and had his diaper on by the time Brian sat down in the living room chair.
“You’ve got this mom thing down,” he commented with a low whistle.
“I’m doing my best,” I remarked as I handed the baby back to him, along with the lotion bottle.
Brian’s features were animated while he talked to Conor and applied the lotion.
My little man cooed in response, making the burly sergeant light up like a Christmas tree.
“I can’t believe how big he’s already gotten. Before we know it, he’ll be walking.”
“Hold on there, mister. It’s like the saying—he needs to crawl before he can walk. And actually, he needs to roll over before he crawls, so don’t go planning his first day of kindergarten yet. First things first.”
“I’m really glad you decided to stay in Haven Springs. I wouldn’t want to miss out on him growing up.”
“Where else would I have gone?”
“I don’t know. You could have gone back to Charlotte, finished school, and stayed there. Or you could have even moved to Savanah to be close to your mom and dad.”
“For the record, I am finishing school—I promised my parents. I’m just doing it online.”
“Good. I’m glad you’re getting your degree, and I’m glad you’re staying here.”
“My sister’s here and so are all my friends, not to mention the O’Brien’s. I know it’s important to be close to family.” I smiled at him. “New and old, chosen and blood.”
Brian tickled Conor’s chin as he nonchalantly replied, “Speaking of new, chosen family… what do you think of Adam?”
Oh dear. This felt like a trap. I knew I needed to tread carefully with my response.
“He was very kind last night,” I quickly added, “And respectful. I never felt uncomfortable or anything. Shawn always had nice things to say about him in his letters. I think trusting him to make sure I got the engagement ring says a lot about what Shawn thought of him. And Conor seems to love him. He slept past his feeding time this morning when Adam was holding him.”
“I liked that he was able to help you. And, I agree, Shawn obviously thought a lot about him; he wouldn’t have given his safe combination to just anyone.”
I tilted my head. “Why do I feel like there’s a ‘but’ in there?”
“No buts. I actually hope he stays in Haven Springs. I’m just trying to figure out how he’ll fit into our lives if he does.”
This seemed like a fishing expedition on Brian’s part, so I shrugged and said, “Same as all our friends, I suppose.”
Brian didn’t look away from Conor’s face when he replied, “Yeah, I suppose.”
Chuckling, he commented, “The little man can’t keep his eyes open,” and stood to hand the baby back to me. “Thanks for keeping him awake so I could see him.”
I stood as well. Sure enough, Conor was asleep.
“Of course. Anytime you want to stop by, give me a heads up, and I’ll try to keep him awake after he nurses.”
“Awesome, I will.” He pointed toward the window. “I’m going to check the locks on all those, then I’ll add another deadbolt to the door leading to the outside stairs and the one to the bakery.”
“Do you really think that’s necessary?”
“Probably not, but it’ll help me sleep better, so humor me.”
I kissed his cheek. “Thank you for looking out for us.”
“Of course. You’re family.”
“Thank you, Bri. That means a lot.”
I noticed he cast a look at my ringless fingers but didn’t say anything as he went about checking the windows.