If only John were a good man like his son.
“He’s a keeper,” I acted the part of a smitten wife. Now it was time for me to act the part of mommy. I had my first prenatal appointment this afternoon. I had so many emotions about it. I was everything from terrified to excited to lonely. I’d always imagined doing these appointments with my husband. There was no way I could ask Brock, though. Then I worried about the doctor questioning my due date. Still, I couldn’t wait to see the little life I carried inside of me. The reason for making this all worth it.
I looked at the time on my phone. “I have an appointment. I’ll leave you to supervise.”
“I think your husband has it under control.”
“I’m sure he does.” I headed toward the offices to grab my purse.
Erin followed me. “You know, it would be okay if you took some time off. I can’t believe you two haven’t gone on a honeymoon yet.”
I didn’t dare stop to look at her. “It’s been a crazy time. I’m sure we’ll get around to it one of these days.” The lies were coming easier. I hated myself for it.
She tugged on my arm, forcing me to face her. “Girl, has anyone ever told you it’s not your job to save the world?”
I gave her a pressed-lip smile. “I think you might have mentioned that to me once or twice.” But this wasn’t about me saving the world. It was about me saving my world.
“You should listen to me. Book a tropical vacation and don’t leave the room.” She gave me an impish grin. “I’ll take care of our babies here.” Every kid that came through here became ours.
I wrapped my arms around her, so grateful for wonderful people like her. “Thank you, Erin, for reminding me that there is good in this world.”
She leaned away with her brow furrowed. “Honey, if you need a reminder, you only have to look in the mirror. No one does more good than you.”
“I don’t know about that, but promise me you’ll remind me of that. Please.”
She tilted her head. “Everything okay?”
“Yes,” I lied. “I have to go. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I’ll be at Dynetics tomorrow, talking to them about our mentoring program.”
“Right. I would wish you good luck, but I know you’ll persuade them to join the team.”
“You know it.” She winked and walked off.
I hustled to get my purse and rush out to my car before I was late. On my way out, Brock called after me. I stopped at the back door that led to our small employee parking lot.
“Dani. Wait up.”
I paused at the open door, letting the light filter into the dark hall made of cinder block walls. A cool autumn breeze ruffled my hair. “What’s up?” I thought he would still be teaching.
“I gave the kids ten and thought you might like to see how the bookcase is shaping up.” For a moment he sounded like my Brock.
“I would love to but . . . um . . . I have that appointment today.”
His entire body turned rigid, and when he breathed, his nostrils flared like a raging bull. It made my heart sink. How would he ever love my child? Me?
“I’m sorry it bothers you, but I’m not going to apologize for taking care of my baby,” I whispered. “I’ll see you later.” I walked out and let the heavy door close behind me, willing myself not to cry. I marched toward my new sleek silver luxury sedan, courtesy of my father-in-law. A wedding gift, he’d called it. I hated it almost as much as the wedding ring I wore. At least I was able to donate my old car to a former graduate of our program who was working her way through college.
I heard the building’s door slam as I reached the car.
“Dani.” Brock jogged over to me.
I leaned my head against the car, tempted to start banging it against the window.
“I’m trying,” Brock sighed.
“Yeah, I know.” I opened the door, refusing to look at him. “I’m going to be late.”
“Are you still planning on coming to the book signing party tonight?” he hurried to ask.
Brock and Jonah had helped Miles Wickham, our neighbor and internationally bestselling author who went by Taron Taylor, with his latest book. It was a medical thriller, and it was burning up the charts. Brock and Jonah had lent Miles their medical expertise. In all the chaos, I hadn’t had a chance to finish reading the book, but what I’d read so far I was impressed with. It was so weird to have rich and famous neighbors. Though Miles’s wife, Aspen, I knew from high school. She was very down to earth and seemed almost as uncomfortable living among the rich and powerful as I did. It wasn’t that long ago that she’d nannied for Miles. Of course, that caused some talk in Carrington Cove. Miles paid it no heed. He worshipped the ground his wife walked on. Aspen was a lucky woman.