Chapter 14
Amelia
I stepped back, admiring the freshly unpacked living room with a satisfied sigh. The warm glow of the afternoon sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a golden light on the cozy furniture arranged just as I remembered it. The familiar scent of lavender from my favorite candle filled the air, and for the first time in months, I felt like I was truly home.
The contractors had done a great job restoring the duplex to it’s former glory. It was even more beautiful than before.
“Ames?” Teddy's voice rang out as he knocked on my open front door. My heart skittered. This was our first dinner together since I'd moved back next door to him. We’d taken things slow since the Christmas dance last month. I still hadn’t told Blake about us yet. I just didn’t want to deal with his possible fury.
“Hey, Teddy!” I called back, trying to sound casual as I approached the door. “Come on in.”
Teddy stepped inside, his brown hair catching the sunlight as he surveyed my newly restored living space. “Looks like you've managed to make this place feel like home again,” he remarked, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips.
“Thanks,” I said, tucking a stray strand hair behind my ear. “It feels good to be back.” I gestured toward the dining table, where a simple but elegant meal awaited us. “I hope you're ready for an amazing dinner."
“Amelia McKenna, master chef extraordinaire?” Teddy teased, raising an eyebrow. “I'll believe it when I taste it.”
“Watch it, Cranston,” I shot back playfully, folding my arms across my chest. “You're talking to someone who's been perfecting her lasagna recipe since law school.”
“Well, let’s see if it can hold up to my mad salad skills.”
“Ha, no contest,” I laughed.
The warm scent of tomato sauce and melted cheese filled the room as we dug into our lasagna, exchanging playful glances between bites. Teddy's salad was bursting with flavor, a delightful contrast to my rich, savory dish.
“Okay, okay,” I conceded with a laugh. “I'll admit it. Your salad is pretty amazing."
“Thank you, madam,” Teddy said with a fake British accent. “Your lasagna is no slouch either. We make quite the culinary team, Ms. Mckenna.”
As we continued eating, our conversation shifted from light banter to a more intimate exchange. The cozy atmosphere of my newly-arranged home seemed to encourage vulnerability.
“Ames, what do you see for yourself in the next few years?” Teddy asked, taking a sip of his red wine.
I paused, considering my answer. “You know, I'm not entirely sure. After losing my job in Phoenix and moving here, it feels like anything could happen. But I guess I'd love to find a new career that makes me truly happy, maybe start a family one day.” My cheeks warmed at the thought, but I pushed on. Hopefully that didn’t scare him off. If it did, at least I would know where he stood. “What about you, Teddy? What are your hopes and dreams?”
Teddy looked down at his plate, hesitating before answering. “Well, I've always been passionate about gardening,” he admitted, a note of shyness in his voice. “It might sound silly, but there's something magical about coaxing life from the earth, watching plants grow and thrive under your care. In an ideal world, I'd be able to dedicate more time to that. Maybe even open a little nursery or garden center in town.”
“Teddy, that doesn't sound silly at all,” I assured him, touched by his honesty. “I think it's beautiful that you have such a connection with nature, and I'd love to see you pursue that dream.”
“Thanks, Ames. That means a lot,” he said, his eyes meeting mine with a warmth that made my heart flutter.
We were interrupted by the sudden buzz of my phone on the table. Glancing at the screen, I saw an urgent message from Blake: "Amelia, it's time! Baby's coming early. Meet us at the hospital ASAP!"
My heart raced as I quickly relayed the news to Teddy.
“Let's go,” he said, urgency in his eyes. We sprang up from our seats, leaving our half-finished meal behind as we rushed out the door.
At the hospital, the atmosphere was charged with anxious anticipation. My dad was there pacing the waiting room, his face a blend of excitement and concern.
“Hi, Dad,” I said, kissing him on the cheek. “How’s it going?” Ted shook his hand and stood next to me.
“Julia just called me from the back. The baby is in some distress. They have to take Sydney in for a c-section.”
My heart sank. “Is Sydney ok?” They did hundreds of c-sections a month. It was safe. Right?
“Julia said she’s nervous but ok. Blake on the other hand is pretty stressed out. He hasn’t left her side.”
“Where’s Leah?” I asked.
“She’s back there too. Julia said they’d come back to the waiting room once Sydney and Blake go back to the operating room.”
“Okay,” I said, sitting down in one of the empty chairs. Sydney had had a fairly easy pregnancy, minus the Braxton hicks and short bed rest. This seemed unreal.
“Can I get you anything?” Ted asked my dad. They had a mumbled conversation, but my mind swirled with too much worry to pay attention to them. Ted walked away, leaving my dad and me sitting in silence.
When Teddy came back, he handed a coffee cup to my dad and put a giftbag in the seat next to me.
“Teddy, thank you for staying,” I said, touched by his thoughtfulness.
"Of course, Amelia. I wouldn't miss it,” he replied, offering me a reassuring smile.
As we waited together for news of Sydney's progress, I was incredibly grateful for Teddy's presence. Shortly thereafter, Julia and Leah came out to the waiting area.
“How is she?” I stood up, hugging Julia.
“She’s okay. She’s upset her with her body. She wanted the whole natural birth story, but she’ll come around once she sees her new son.”
I nodded and turned to give Leah a hug. She wiped a few tears from her face. “Oh, Leah.”
Ted reached into the gift bag and pulled out a small box. He handed it to Leah.
“What’s this?” she said, opening the lid.
“Just a little something for you,” Ted said.
She pulled out a silver heart keychain with “I’m the big sister” engraved on it. “Thank you, Mr. Cranston. I love it.”
That was incredibly sweet of him to think of her. My heart fluttered. The simple gesture spoke volumes about his kindness and capacity for love.
"Who knew you had a soft side, Teddy?" I teased gently, trying to lighten the mood. He shot me a half-smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
“Only for those who deserve it,” he replied, his voice soft but sincere.
Blake approached us, his brow furrowed as he looked at Teddy. “What are you doing here?” he asked.
"Teddy just came to offer his support,” I explained quickly, hoping to alleviate any tension between the two men. Blake was already stressed out. I didn’t need him to be extra rude and defensive right now.
“Really?” Blake's tone was skeptical, his gaze shifting between Teddy and me. “I didn't realize you two were on such friendly terms.”
“Neither did I,” I murmured, barely audible. Realizing that admitting to our blossoming connection might create unnecessary drama. Keeping our relationship a secret for now was probably best. “But it's a pleasant surprise, isn't it?”
“Sure, Ames,” Blake conceded, though his eyes still held suspicion. "It's nice to have extra support during times like these—even if it is Teddy,” he added with a whisper.
He left Sydney’s bag of belongings with us and kissed Leah on her head before heading back behind the secure double doors. The operating room must be back there .
As we returned to our vigil in the waiting room, Teddy's hand brushed against mine, sending a shiver up my spine. I glanced at him. Was the touch accidental or intentional? Our eyes met, and for a brief moment, the world around us seemed to fade away.
“Everything's going to be okay, Amelia,” Teddy whispered, his words enveloping me like a warm embrace.
"Thank you,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
In that moment, as we waited anxiously for news of Sydney and the baby, I realized just how deeply my feelings for Teddy had grown. Despite our rocky beginnings and the complicated circumstances surrounding us, I couldn't deny the undeniable connection between us that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day.
But what would happen when Blake found out?