“Do you have a rocking chair?” she asked as he returned with the changing table box in his arms.
“There’s one in the living room.” He set down the box.
“You’ll want it in here for those late-night feedings.”
He left again, then returned a moment later with the rocking chair and put it in the corner where he could see out the window. “I really can’t imagine her being here.”
They put the diapers and baby wipes into the closet along with the baby bath, soap, and shampoo. She could tell he was getting overwhelmed.
“Don’t worry. You’re going to be great, and you have all of us here to help you.”
His eyes held hers long enough that she felt her heart do a little dip. “You have no idea how thankful I am for that.”
She didn’t know what to say. How could she tell him that she was looking forward to spending time with Bailey more than he could imagine? She didn’t want to scare him away. “How about we go look at your shop?”
“That sounds like a great idea.”
She glanced at her phone. “Is it far? My mom just texted. She wants us to join them for dinner.”
“It’s not far at all. I’m using my dad’s shop out back.”
“That’s right. My dad mentioned that.”
Nick took the handles of her chair and pushed her around the back of his dad’s house to a steel building out back. He opened up the side door to reveal a large shop filled with tables and various tools. Along the right wall, a narrow table hanging suspended at a slant was filled with blueprints.
“Those are for your mother’s kitchen.” He pointed to the prints.
“Really?” She wheeled over to the blueprints and examined them.
“My first customer.” He stepped up next to her.
She found herself watching his face more than what he was pointing at. He really loved what he did. His passion, his enthusiasm, was intoxicating.
“We’re waiting for the cabinets to arrive now.” He led her to the table in front of the wall that held various samples—wood, granite, and tile. He held up the granite with its striations of burgundy and gray.
“Oh, that is going to be gorgeous,” she said, taking the sample.
“Thank you. Your mom really enjoyed picking out everything.” His tone grew soft, and they stared at each other for a long moment. “So, this is where I spend all my time.”
She smiled. “You’re right. This job is perfect for you.”
“My dad’s been really great. He doesn’t mind me using the shop, but I can tell he’s concerned about me staying for too long. I think he’s afraid he’ll be stuck with the baby all the time.”
“It’s a valid concern, especially if your business takes off. Have you thought about getting a nanny?”
“Yes, Dad has set up a few interviews for women from his church. They’re older and won’t charge as much, especially since I won’t need someone full-time right away. Or at all, if Belinda has her way.”
Gillian felt determination rise within her. “No one should have to lose their baby because they aren’t rich or well-connected.”
“Maybe not, but it looks like that might just happen. She’s going to destroy my business before I can even get it off the ground.”
“Not without a fight. Come on. Let’s go eat.”
He followed as she wheeled herself out of the shop then down the drive to the road.
“Good thing you’re right next door.” She only had to stay in this chair for another few days. Though she had to admit, she didn’t mind him lifting her in and out of his truck. His arms felt good around her; they felt safe and familiar. She shook the thought away. She had to be careful and make sure her feelings toward him were real and not just a knee-jerk reaction to Paul’s lies and betrayals. Though, if she were honest with herself, her and Paul’s marriage had been over for a long time. She couldn’t even remember the last time he touched her. Not since long before she lost the baby.
That didn’t mean she could go jumping back into a relationship with Nick. Not after the way she’d hurt him. It wasn’t fair to either of them. She looked up at him, and her heart sped up in her chest. Yes, they might have been kids, but the feelings between them had been strong. And they were still there.