“Good, Cass. How are you?”
“I'm doing well. Thanks.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Brody hand Jessica the small box of books and watched as she went over and placed them on the shelf that held all my other republished titles. He came up behind me and wrapped his arm around my waist.
“Ray,” he nodded.
I hadn't seen Ray since the night he had been at the store. He had written me a letter explaining he had retired from working on vehicles at his garage and was taking on more of a managerial role, scheduling and looking after the books. Once that transition had taken over, Ray sold his house and decided to move down south for a while with a couple of his friends. I had heard recently he was back in town and living in a condo just off the water.
“Brody. I ran into May earlier today. I wanted to come by and congratulate you both.” He handed me a bag, a yellow teddy bear peaking up over the edge of the bag.
“Thank you.” I gave him a gentle smile.
I walked around the counter and gave him a hug. I didn't hold any bad feelings toward him anymore. Brody and I had talked about the whole situation. I had decided that if Ray was back for good, Brody needed to know it was important to me to have Ray in my life in some way.
“Don't be a stranger, okay? We want to have you over for a barbeque after the baby is born,” I whispered.
“That sounds good, Cass, I'd like that.”
He let me go and looked to Brody. “Make sure you take care of her.”
“Always, Ray.” Brody held out his hand to Ray. They shook hands for the first time, and Ray headed back toward the door.
I watched as he walked outside and back down the street. Brody came up behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders.
“What do you say we head home for the night?”
I nodded, grabbing his hand with mine. “Jessica, you okay to lock up tonight?”
“Of course, Mrs. Thompson. I’m good.”
I grabbed my purse from the back room and hand in hand, we walked out to Brody's truck and headed home to celebrate.
Connor Jackson was born just shy of midnight a couple of weeks later with Brody at my side, coaching me every step of the way. Together, as we looked down into that innocent little face, nothing had ever felt more complete.