Chapter Twenty – Lilibeth #2
“Water’s perfect. I think I just need a few more minutes and some crackers, then I’ll be fine.”
“Coffee?”
I quickly shook my head. “No. The smell makes me sick.”
“Noted, no coffee for Lilibeth.”
“You don’t have to sit here. I’m sure you have things to do.”
“Today is a work-from-home day. I’ve got to get caught up on some paperwork.”
I nodded, nibbling on a cracker.
“So…are we going to talk about what’s next?” Caden asked.
Drawing in a deep breath, I exhaled. “If I move in here, I don’t want the master bedroom.”
He started to say something, but I held up a hand.
“This room is perfect. We can put the baby in the next room.”
“How will I hear them crying if you’re up here?”
I raised a brow. “How would you hear it if I’m downstairs and you’re up here?”
Laughing, he replied, “That’s a fair point.”
“There is also this thing called a baby monitor.”
His smile grew bigger.
“This is going to be a big adjustment, Caden. You’re getting an instant roommate, and in a matter of months, both of our worlds are going to be completely different.”
“Speaking of that, what are we going to do once you go back to work at the store? As much as I want our little one on a horse as soon as possible, I don’t think a newborn would enjoy it.”
I chuckled. “I was thinking of the pros and cons of daycare versus hiring a nanny. Maybe having a small room closed off upstairs at the store and turning it into a nursery. It would be more cost-effective to put the baby in daycare, and there’s an amazing place in town.
However, if I breastfeed, I’ll want to have him or her close by.
So I considered hiring a nanny, who’d only be needed when I was working at the store.
It’s more expensive than daycare, but the baby would be close to me. ”
“I’ll support whichever decision you want to make. We’ll split everything fifty-fifty.”
I took another bite of a cracker. “We’ve got time to keep looking into it.
Hopefully by the time I give birth, I can have someone trained on the perfumery side, and I can take more time off.
Honestly, if things don’t get better soon with me feeling sick from the smells, I may have to get Moreen to handle that part of the store. ”
Before Caden could say anything, his cell rang. He pulled it out and frowned. “It’s Gatlin. I better take it.”
“Thank you for this,” I said as I held up the cracker.
“Leave the tray. I’ll come back for it.” He quickly left the room, softly shutting the door behind him.
I wasn’t sure how long I sat there staring at the door before I finally got up.
I needed to get home, shower, and change so I could get to the store.
I made the bed, cleaned the toilet in the en suite, and grabbed the tray.
As I headed down the steps, I could hear Caden from his home office, which was right next to his bedroom.
“We need to inspect the pens, alleys, and head catches once we get some of the snow melted. I want to make sure they’re all in working order. Has John done a stock of the tags, vaccinations, and calving equipment?”
I smiled as I made my way to the kitchen.
I cleared the tray, loaded everything into the dishwasher, and wiped down the counters.
I glanced at the coffee in the pot, and for a hot second, I almost poured myself a cup before I remembered it made me feel sick, just the smell of it.
Instead, I headed out of the kitchen and to Caden’s office.
He was still on the phone with someone I guessed was still Gatlin. I glanced around his office and smiled. It screamed Caden. Dark green paint covered the walls, which were adorned with paintings of what appeared to be the ranch. I’d have to ask him who painted them. They were beautiful.
His large desk faced windows spanning nearly the entire wall, leading to a covered deck.
The view was stunning. A large lake sat directly behind the house, and beyond that was pastureland that led straight to the mountain range.
It was a clear day, so the mountains were reflected in the water.
It was a sight to behold. No wonder Caden had his desk facing out that way.
There was a huge chair in the corner, with a small table and lamp beside it.
I pictured myself sitting there with a blanket and a book.
It looked so comfortable. On the other side of the room stood a massive bookcase, with glass shelves above and drawers below.
Family pictures were on most of the shelves, along with a few other things that looked like little trophies.
Caden turned and saw me standing in the doorway. I raised my hand and mouthed goodbye.
“Gatlin, I need to call you back. Yeah, bye.” He hung up and set his cell on the desk.
“That’s one beautiful view you’ve got there.”
Caden glanced over his shoulder before focusing back on me. “It is, but there’s something about being out there, seeing it from the back of a horse. Sitting here at a desk can’t compete.”
I nodded. “I didn’t mean for you to get off the phone. I was just letting you know I’m heading home.”
He made his way toward me. “We haven’t talked about when to move you in.”
Looking everywhere but at him, I said, “We’ve got time.”
He placed his finger on my chin and lifted it so our eyes met. “Is everything okay?”
I closed my eyes, and after a few moments, I nodded. Looking at him, I smiled and shrugged. “It’s just going to be…”
Drawing me into his arms, he rested his chin on my head. “I know. The attraction is there for me as well. But I swear to you, Lili, I’ll respect your wishes.”
I squeezed my eyes shut to keep from crying.
Why couldn’t Caden even try to open up his heart?
Of course, now things were so complicated.
I didn’t want him to want me because of the baby.
I wanted him to be with me because that’s what he truly wanted.
And even if that was a possibility—which it wasn’t—how would I know the difference?
Damn you, Rachel…whatever your stupid last name is. Damn you.