His attention turned to the saleswoman, who was swift to direct them toward a space with nothing but that style of outdoor furniture. A particular suite caught Zoe’s attention. It included a table with a large orange umbrella and four black chairs. Next to them were a matching two-person settee, a lounger, and two chairs with orange cushions and a low table situated between them. The entire set was perfect for Gabe’s patio. Classical, yet functional. Zoe headed straight for it.
“Why don’t you have a seat and see how it feels?” the saleslady suggested. “See how comfortable it is.”
Zoe took a seat in one of the chairs at the table. Gabe sank into an armchair with high sides. It accommodated his large body as if tailor made for him.
“So what do you think?” Gabe looked at her.
“I like this chair. It’s sturdy enough, which you’ll need if it’s going to be outside all the time. But do you really need all of this?” Zoe waved her hand in a circle.
He shrugged. “I have plenty of room for it, so why not? Come try the lounger. You’d use it more than me.”
She lowered her voice so the saleswoman couldn’t easily hear. “I’m not going to use it that long.”
“Please just try the lounger and tell me what you think.” There was a pleading note in his voice.
The saleslady must have picked up on it as well because she said, “I’m going to let you two discuss this. If you need me I’ll be right over there.” She pointed toward the door through which they had exited.
With some annoyance Zoe sat on the lounger, pushed back until she was comfy and put up her legs. It would be the perfect place to read a book, feed their baby. Their baby. When had she started thinking of the baby as theirs instead of hers? She glanced at Gabe, shaken on a disturbing level. How did he think of the baby?
She had to stand. Those thoughts weren’t ones she needed to have. Heartache, disappointment and disagreement were all they would bring between her and Gabe. Zoe shifted on the cushion, moving to get off it.
Gabe quickly rose and offered her a hand. “So what do you think?”
“It’s very nice,” she murmured.
He raised a brow in question. “Should I get it?”
Though reluctant to do so, Zoe nodded. “I think so.”
“Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”
She was grateful he didn’t give her time to respond before he walked off toward the saleslady.
If Gabe furnished the rest of the house as nicely as the patio, their child would have an amazing place to visit. She wouldn’t have to worry about the baby having what he or she needed. Gabe would see to it. In fact, he was quite willing to let her see to it, but she mustn’t give in to that temptation. It would be too easy to think and act as if Gabe’s house was hers as well and, worse, as if he was.
Gabe was kind, caring and generous. He’d be a good father based on that. Even if he didn’t think so. A child deserved both a mother and father in their life. As long as she and Gabe could agree on how the baby should be raised, he or she should have a good life. Not the perfect one like Zoe dreamed of, but a good one nonetheless. What they had to do was remain civil. When their emotions became involved that was when heartache and anger would take over and create strife. She couldn’t let that happen.
Zoe followed Gabe and the saleswoman into the building. As they walked past the nursery furniture, she made a point not to look at it, sighing. It would be nice to bring the baby home from the hospital to a finished nursery, but that wasn’t the plan. When the time was right she’d set one up. Until then, she’d settle for a cradle in her bedroom.
She joined Gabe at the counter where he’d just finished paying for the furniture.
“All done.” Gabe turned to her with a pleased smile. “Thanks for your help.”
The saleslady said as they headed out the door, “It has been a pleasure to help such a nice couple.”
Zoe’s heart caught. A warm feeling raced through her. She looked at Gabe. Was there any chance that one day that could be true? He was an honorable and steadfast person. Just the type of man she’d been looking for...
She started to correct the woman, but Gabe placed a hand at her back and said without missing a beat, “Thanks for your help.” To Zoe he said, “How about an early lunch before we head home?”
* * *
Gabe settled onto a metal chair on the patio of a local restaurant after seeing Zoe properly seated. The sky was bright and there was a slight breeze, making it comfortable outside. They had both ordered a sandwich, chips and a drink. He’d carried it to the table on a tray, thoroughly delighted with their morning together.
Visiting her mother had been difficult for Zoe and he was glad he could be there for her. Shopping, even for something as mundane as furniture, wasn’t high on his list of fun things to do but he’d enjoyed the trip with Zoe. The only catch in the morning had been when she’d resisted sitting on the lounger. She was using the fact she wasn’t going to live at his house long as an excuse to avoid taking any interest in it. He wanted her to feel comfortable while she was there. To his amazement he was in no hurry for her to do so. He would miss her.
Zoe captured his attention when she said, “This is one of those places I’ve always wanted to go but have never taken the time.”
Her light brown hair glowed in the sunlight. There was a touch of color in her cheeks, giving her a healthy look. “Being pregnant seems to agree with you.”
Her look quickly locked with his as her hand moved to her middle. He’d come to expect her to do that anytime the baby was mentioned. “It has been easier than I expected, despite the first few months of morning sickness.”
Something close to guilt assaulted him. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.”
It had better be. His eyes narrowed. “Who else’s would it be?”
“I...uh...only meant there’s nothing you could have done about it.”
“I was just teasing you.” Reaching across the table, he brushed away a stray strand of hair from her cheek with the tip of his index finger. “I know what you meant. I still haven’t gotten used to the idea that I’m going to be a father.”
“You might need to. It won’t be that much longer,” she said softly.
“Have you picked out names?” Gabe watched her closely. Would he like them? Would she care? Or ask for his suggestions? She didn’t have to.
“I’ve thought of a few.” She picked up a chip.
He watched her closely. “Such as?”
“If it’s a boy I’d like to name him either William or
Michael.”
“Those are both good strong names. My father’s name was Gabriel Harold.” He didn’t miss the slight upturn of her lip at the last name.
Zoe said with a dip of her shoulder and an unsure look, “I like Gabriel.”
He grinned. “Not a Harold fan?”
She shook her head. “Not really.”
Gabe took a bite of his sandwich. He’d like his child to have a name from his side of the family. But it wasn’t a demand he believed he could make. “What about girls’ names?”
“I was thinking Laura, Mandy, Maggie. My mother’s name is Sandra. I wasn’t going to make any real decision until I knew the sex.”
“And you’ll find that out when?”
She glanced at him. “This week. I have a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday. I could have known a few weeks ago but I had to push the ultrasound back because of Mother.”
Gabe gave an understanding nod. “What time?”
“What time?” Zoe gave him a quizzical tilt of her head.
“What time are you going for the ultrasound? I’ll need to make sure I don’t have a surgery scheduled.” At her flabbergasted look he added, “I told you I wanted to be there.”
“Is that really necessary?”
Why would she care if he went? “Is there any reason I shouldn’t be there?”
Zoe didn’t look at him. “No, not really, but I can just call you when I’m finished.”
“I’d like to be in on the surprise as well.” Why did it matter to him that he be there for the actual event?
“Okay.” She didn’t sound convinced but at least he wasn’t going to have to persuade her further.
“You know, I’ve never lived on this side of the country,” Gabe said, picking up his sandwich.
Zoe’s face brightened. “You’ll love it here. There’s so much to see and do. Of course, there’s everything in Washington but there are historical homes, battlefields, museums and all the seasonal events.”
“Do you go to see those things?”
“I used to stay pretty busy attending concerts and festivals until Mother got worse. I’ve not got to do much of that in a long time.” Sadness filled Zoe’s eyes.