“Because we weren’t married,” Nick said. “They feel they can claim her. Luckily, Shelley put my name on Bailey’s birth certificate. She wanted me to be a part of her life.”
“I’m really sorry about your friend,” Mary said as Roger’s phone rang.
“I’ll be right back,” he said glancing at his phone. He stood and left the room.
Nick pushed back from the table. He knew what they were thinking. What most people would think when they heard about Bailey—she’d be better off with her grandparents. “Thank you, but if you don’t mind, I think I’d like to skip dinner tonight. I’m too nervous to eat.”
“Oh, please don’t go. You need to eat. Besides, this way we can talk about our new kitchen,” Mary said, reaching out to touch his arm as he stood.
“I saw all the samples you picked out,” Gillian said. “The granite you chose is beautiful. Nick picked up some brochures for lights and faucets while we were out today.” Gillian dug in her bag and pulled them out, hoping they could salvage the evening. “Come on, Nick. Stay.” She took his hand and pulled gently.
He looked at her and smiled. “All right. I would hate to miss your cooking, Mary.”
Mary beamed. “That’s what I like to hear.” She quickly stood and hurried to the oven. “Oh, I forgot the garlic bread.”
“I’m so sorry,” Gillian said as she leaned close to him.
“Don’t be. I’m going to have to face a lot of questions in the weeks to come. Granite Falls is a small town.”
“Maybe, but you should not have to explain why you deserve to raise your own daughter.”
“Thanks for having my back.”
She gave his hand a squeeze. “Always.”
He was getting too used to touching her and confiding in her. He liked it. It felt right. It felt comfortable, but he’d better be careful, or she’d be breaking his heart all over again. There was no guarantee once she got her divorce, she’d want to stay in Granite Falls or that she’d want to stay with him.
“So, Nick, tell me how are my cabinets coming along?” Mary asked.
“Great,” he said, not wanting her to know he lost his line of credit at the bank. Not yet. “They should be ready to pick up next week.”
“Mom, why didn’t you tell me you wanted to remodel the kitchen? I would love to help you.”
Mary laughed. “Oh, I know how busy you are; I didn’t want to bother you.”
“No, bother, really. Now that I’m here, you’ll have to show me everything you have in mind.”
“Who was that?” she asked as Roger came back into the room.
“Just work.”
They ate and laughed and joked and had a good time. They reminisced about when he and Gillian were kids, all the things they used to do, and how much time they spent swimming in the creek. The memories were nice, safe, and didn’t bring up any old heartaches, but they did remind him how big a role Gillian had played in his life. She’d always been there. She’d been his best friend.
He’d missed her.
He wondered if she felt the same. Her eyes met his and something stirred in his chest. He wished he could reach out and touch her. He wished he could hold her in his arms, even if it was only once.
There was a knock at the door. Roger got up to answer it and came back into the kitchen with Nick’s dad walking behind him. “Look who’s here.”
“Hey, Dad,” Nick didn’t like the drawn look on his dad’s face. “Is everything all right?”
“No. That’s why I’m here. I’m sorry to burst in at dinnertime.”
“Take a seat,” Mary said, pointing to an empty chair at the table. “Have you had dinner? Can I get you a plate? There’s plenty.”
“No, thank you, but I appreciate it. I’m here because I just got the news that a major contributor to our church has canceled their donations. The ones earmarked for the renovations we’ve already pulled the permits for.”
“What does that mean?” Mary asked.