Chapter Two #3
“I promise this was my first time.” He paused. “I’m glad I was there for you.”
“Not as glad as I am. I want…” She felt her throat tightening. It was just the emotional aftermath of all that had happened. At least that’s what she told herself. “I want to thank you.”
“You have. About twenty-five times. You’re welcome.”
She shook her head. “No, I really want to thank you, but I can’t think of the right words, and when I try, I get all weepy.
” She shuddered. “I never cry. Seriously, I break down in tears maybe once every four or five years. I cried on the elevator earlier today so that’s it for me for a while.
The thing is, I can’t seem to get my self-control back. ”
“Hey, kid, you just gave birth. I think tears are allowed. Although I’ll admit I’m a normal guy and they’re not my favorite thing to see on a pretty face like yours.”
She knew he meant the compliment in a friendly way. It didn’t mean anything. After all, she knew she was pale and that her hair was a mess, not to mention she was wearing an incredibly unflattering hospital gown. But that didn’t stop a very female flash of appreciation for his kind words.
“You’re a good man, Jim Dyer,” she said.
“Yeah, yeah, and you appreciate everything I did. But you did all the hard work. I only had to catch this pretty girl.” He stroked her daughter’s tiny hand. “I’m glad you’re both fine. Really.”
He wasn’t going to let her say everything she was feeling. It was probably better for both of them because she wasn’t sure what she was feeling. Still, she had to try. “I’m being serious.”
“So am I.” He leaned toward her. “Tell you what. If it will make you feel better, you can name her after me. Jimmy with an ‘i’ or something.”
“What’s your middle name?”
“Michael.”
“That could work.” She laughed. “I’ll give it some thought.”
“Don’t you dare.” His blue gaze settled on her child. “She’s too perfect to be saddled with a name like that. Give her a beautiful name, like yours.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“The two of you are going to be very happy,” he said, then stopped speaking, but she read the questions in his eyes.
Questions about her past and why she was raising this child alone.
Heather thought about answering them but wasn’t sure what to say.
If Luke hadn’t been such a jerk, she wouldn’t be in this position.
But he had been, and she was. She would make the best of it.
“I know what you’re thinking,” she told him. “I’m nervous, but I’m not scared. My mom was a single parent and I think she did a great job.”
“You will, too,” he said confidently. “You’re tough and you’re a fighter.”
“You got all that from one elevator ride?”
“It was the ride of my life.” He squeezed her shoulder. “I need to be going. I’ll check on you later.”
“You don’t have to,” she said automatically. Even as the words came out, she wanted to call them back. She did want Jim to look in on her before she went home. It didn’t make any sense, but they’d shared something deeply personal and she wasn’t ready to let that go yet.
“I want to,” he assured her. “Besides, you might change your mind about the ex-boyfriend. The offer still stands. I’ll beat him up for you.”
It was a ridiculous thing for him to say and the sweetness of his misplaced gesture made her eyes burn with tears. Definitely hormones, she told herself even as she had to clear her throat before speaking.
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m still refusing it.
I’ll admit I’ve learned some valuable lessons in the past few months.
I’m not a man hater, but I’m a little wary of the gender.
I’ve been telling myself it was better to learn about Luke’s character before my child was born and I’ve reached the point where I actually believe that.
I’m better off without him. The baby and I are going to be fine. ”
“I never doubted that for an instant.” Jim bent down and kissed her forehead.
“Get some rest. I’ll see you this evening.
” He pulled a card from his pocket and dropped it on the table next to her bed.
“That’s my number. If you think of anything you need or you want me to bring, just call and let me know. ”
“Thank you. Bye.”
She watched him walk away. For some reason, the spot where he’d kissed her forehead tingled a little. She told herself to ignore the sensation. Men like Jim were too good to be true. He was probably an angel or someone sent to her in her time of need and she would never see him again.
The image of Jim in wings made her chuckle. Then a dull pain shot through her belly, reminding her that she’d been struggling to give birth not so very long ago.
“You surprised everyone,” she told her perfect little girl. “Here I thought I had plenty of time to get to my car and drive home. But you fooled us all. Does that make you happy?”
The tiny infant barely stirred.
“I love you so much. You and I are going to have a wonderful life together.”
Her daughter made a cooing sound in her sleep. Heather felt her heart fill with love and gratitude. Everything had turned out perfectly.