Love Inspired May 2015 #2 (10 page)

She found Grace Hunt following her through the parking lot. The woman, probably near seventy, looked much younger and moved like a fifty-year-old.

Grace smiled as she approached. “You sure were moving at a clip, young lady.”

“I'm sorry. I didn't see you.”

Grace gave Violet's hand a squeeze. “I'm sorry my schedule won't allow me to help Jake with Abigail right now. I'm thankful you were there to support him. The two of you, along with Abigail, look good together. You should stake your claim.”

Violet's breath hitched. “Excuse me?”

Grace's kind eyes told her more than words could. “You're available, he's available. And you seem to get along well. I think you should go for it.”

Go for it.
Violet found herself fighting a nervous laugh. The woman was too perceptive for comfort and probably wouldn't accept a denial. “There's more to the situation than you know.”

“Doesn't matter. You three look good together, like a ready-made family.”

Pain needled its way into her chest. “Besides the fact Jake has no interest in me, I'm not looking to marry and have kids. I'm fulfilled taking care of the children in my practice.”

Grace looked away, waved. “Oh, there's Jake now.”

With a gasp, Violet turned to see if he'd heard the conversation. He was right behind her. She couldn't be certain.

“Hey, you two,” he said with a smile. A big smile.

Violet found it difficult to make eye contact. Had he heard Grace playing matchmaker? “Hey.”

“Violet, I wanted to catch you,” he said, “to let you know you're definitely off the hook. If Kelli's references check out, and I'm sure they will, she's starting tomorrow.”

“Oh, that's great.” Her gaze darted to Grace.

Grace's eyes narrowed, and she gave a tiny, almost imperceptible nod, as if urging Violet to stake that claim. Then she turned to Jake. “That's nice of Kelli. So it'll fit around her classes?”

“Yes. Now I need to find someone to cover mornings.”

“Simone?” Violet couldn't resist asking.

His lip twitched. “I may have to.”

“Or Violet,” Grace said with a grin.

Jake seemed surprised by her suggestion. “She has patients to see.”

“Jake's right, Grace. Patient numbers have been dropping.” She widened her eyes at him, placing the blame. “I need to spend more time out in the community, getting my name out there.”

Abigail, who'd been sitting quietly in her carrier in Jake's strong hands, started to fuss. Violet fought the urge to reach for her.

What if Kelli wasn't reliable? Wasn't capable? What if Jake was forced to use Simone?

What if Simone's hideous perfume was toxic? Surely any fragrance by the gallon would be.

“Does Kelli have experience with a baby so young?” Violet had to ask to try to put her mind at ease.

“Well, I didn't ask for specifics.” His eyes clouded. “But she's worked in the church nursery. That would cover all ages.”

“Be sure to check with the pastor. And watch closely tomorrow to see how Kelli handles Abigail.”

Grace nodded approval, a small smile on her face.

“Will do,” he said. “I've gotta run. I'll see you ladies around.”

As he strode toward his truck, Grace put a hand on Violet's arm. “I know it's early, but I see how you two look at each other. Don't be afraid to follow your heart.”

Afraid? More like scared to death that I'm going to fall for Jake and this child.

“Grace, you're sweet to worry about me. I assure you, I'm happy with my life.”

And she was. She had new opportunities that lay ahead, opportunities for getting to know townspeople, to prove she was a good person, a good doctor.

Yes, she would stake her claim. Not with a man, but with her career, the only thing she'd ever been able to depend on.

Chapter Seven

J
ake walked into Violet's office building carrying Abigail and lunch, his stomach tense.

Today would be a big step. This afternoon, Abigail would have her first day with a regular babysitter so Jake could go back to work—if not full-time, then at least on a better schedule.

Yet a sense of unease hung over him.

What if Kelli wasn't as attentive as he'd like? Did she know infant CPR? If Abigail cried, would Kelli be patient?

Jake shook off the pointless worry. Just inside the door, he walked up to the patient sign-in window. Was that... “Hillary?”

His aunt and uncle's longtime receptionist looked up and then broke into a grin. “Well, will you look who's here? Haul yourself back here so I can hug your neck.”

Jake cut through the waiting room and entered the front office. Hillary was waiting with open arms.

He hugged her and kissed her cheek. “So good to see you.”

“You, too. And is this Remy's baby I've been hearing about?”

He proudly lifted the carrier. “Yep. Meet Abigail.”

Hillary bent over to inspect the baby, to rub her head and pat her cheek. “Oh, she's beautiful! Looks just like Remy.”

“Yeah, that's what I think, too.”

She reached out and patted his cheek as she had Abigail's, the same way she'd always done when he'd come to the office as a child. “It's good to see you, Jake.”

“You, too. I didn't realize you were working here or I would have dropped by during regular hours. I thought Violet let all the employees go.”

“No, that's the rumor that went around. She actually just asked us all to reapply for our positions and opened up the job search to get the best people. I didn't do it at first. Thought I might retire, but I quickly got bored. I've only been back working for a few weeks.”

Once again, he'd misjudged Violet. He needed to undo the damage he'd caused by voicing his doubt about her around town.

“I'm glad you're back, Hillary. Violet's lucky to have you.”

“What brings you by? Is the baby sick?”

His neck heated. “Brought a thank-you lunch for Violet.” He lifted the bag in front of him. “There are probably enough sandwiches for you, as well.”

“Thank you, dear. I would get her, but—”

The phone rang. Hillary held up her finger and reached for the receiver.

“Appleton Pediatrics.”

Jake placed Abigail's seat on the floor and wheeled over an extra chair.

“She's with patients and can't come to the phone right now,” Hillary said into the phone. “Can I take a message?”

Her brows drew downward, and she bit her lip as she listened. “I'm sorry. I can take the information again.” She flipped open the message log and wrote as the caller dictated.

“Yes, ma'am. I'll make sure she gets this.”

She paused, nodded. “I'm certain I did pass it along last time.”

Hillary gave him a sad look as she listened to the caller.

“Okay. I promise.” She hung up and shook her head. “I know it's not any of my business, but Violet's poor mother keeps calling, week after week.”

Jake's heart dropped. Her mother was trying to repair the relationship? Violet hadn't mentioned that. “And she doesn't call her mother back?”

“Not that I can gather. But again, it's none of my business.” She straightened and sucked in a deep breath. “So, you brought lunch?”

He handed her the bag. “It needs to be refrigerated until y'all have a chance to eat.”

“I'll run it to the break room now. Don't leave. I want to visit a little longer.”

“Wish I could, but I have a babysitter coming soon. Need to get back to the house.”

“I'm glad you dropped by. Don't be a stranger.” She gave him a quick hug as a patient entered the front door. She greeted the patient as he headed out.

Was stubborn pride keeping Violet from calling her parents? He didn't know the details of the family dynamics. Maybe they were a negative force in her life.

As he drove home, he remembered Hillary writing down a phone number in the message book. Did the parents have a different phone number from the one Violet grew up with? Or was the mother afraid Violet wouldn't remember?

The thought caused an ache in his chest. For Violet. For her parents.

When he and Abigail arrived at the house, a small, beat-up sedan sat outside. Kelli climbed out, looking like a typical college student who had rolled out of bed and gone straight to class: blond hair pulled into a loose ponytail, no makeup, outfit of loose-fitting workout clothes that resembled pajamas.

He parked and retrieved the baby seat from the back. “You're early.”

“My last class got canceled, so I thought I'd come on over to get familiar with the baby and her schedule.”

Smart girl had just earned bonus points in addition to the good references the pastor and other employer had given her. “I appreciate it. Come on in.”

He took her inside and showed her around. While he was explaining Abigail's schedule, Kelli checked her vibrating cell phone at least four times. He clenched his teeth to keep from saying something rude.

“I'm sorry,” she said. “I forgot to tell my mom and my boyfriend where I would be this afternoon.”

Boyfriend? “I'm afraid I can't allow your boyfriend to come over while you're babysitting.”

Instead of answering him immediately, she glanced at her phone screen once more. “No problem.”

Avoiding eye contact? “No friends over at all. I need your full attention focused on the baby.”

“Definitely,” she said as she shoved her phone in her back pocket and gave him a big smile.

He felt marginally better. “Okay, I've written down a feeding schedule that I'll keep on the refrigerator. Do you know how to make bottles?”

“Yep. I've been babysitting since I was fourteen.”

“Ever watched one this young?”

“Well, no. But I do watch a six-month-old. For the little ones, I know about burping after feeding, supporting her head, putting her on her back to sleep and all that.”

Jake wanted to groan out loud. There was a big difference between a three-week-old and a six-month-old. “It's time for Abigail to have a bottle. How about you make it, and I'll watch?”

A hint of irritation flashed in her eyes. “Sure.” He could imagine the eye roll that might have gone along with her agreement if he hadn't been looking.

And he was looking. Closely. This was his—Remy's—baby they were talking about.

Kelli did a decent job making the bottle. It wasn't exactly as he usually did it, but it was good enough.

“Ta-da!” she said when it was ready. “You want me to do the honors?”

“Please.”

Jake handed over Abigail, and it was like handing off a piece of himself into the big bad world. Abigail had certainly taken over a corner of his heart.

Kelli carried the baby to the living room and sat on the couch. She did a perfectly fine job of feeding her.

So why did he feel so unsettled?

Kelli put Abigail on her shoulder and patted. When she coaxed a burp out of Abigail, she smiled at him. “We're good if you want to go.”

“My phone number's in the kitchen on the counter. And of course you know to dial 911 if you have any sort of emergency—like choking or a head injury or—”

“I know.” She laughed. “You're as bad as my sister after she had her first baby.”

Yes, he was being ridiculous. Yet he hadn't felt this worry at all with Violet. “Call if you need me.”

He forced himself out the door, then climbed into the truck and slammed the door. Time to go to work and let Kelli do her job.

When he arrived at the work site, Zeb came out and shook his hand. “How'd Friday go?”

“Made a little progress. Made a connection to someone who knows where Remy is and found out she's fine.”

“That's good.”

“Wood floors getting laid?”

“Yep. Started late this morning.”

“Thanks.” He nodded and headed inside.

The kitchen looked good. Jake had directed them to repaint in a lighter color, which helped the owner accept the tile she'd ordered and then tried to reject. Last he'd heard, she was happy with the lighter shade of yellow, even if she wasn't happy that he'd been away, taking care of his baby cousin.

He passed through the kitchen, then stuck his head in the large formal dining room. The men, down on their knees with sweat dripping off them, lined up bamboo boards and malleted them in place. “Looks good. Any problems?”

“Hi, Jake. Going smoothly. Should be done early.”

“I like the sound of that.”

As he headed to the garage, his phone vibrated. He quickly yanked it out.

Thankfully, it wasn't Kelli. It was the homeowner, waffling about the refrigerator he'd already ordered for her.

He explained about the custom cabinets they'd already installed to fit the original. Talked her off the ledge. Made her fall in love once again with the one that would be delivered that week.

Something made a noise outside. Sounded almost like a baby.

He stalked out of the garage. Surely it wasn't Kelli with Abigail. He'd left the car seat base behind but had instructed her not to drive Abigail anywhere unless it was an emergency.

He looked around the work site. No babies in sight. Must've been some type of vehicle driving by. Or a squalling cat. Either that, or he was losing his mind.

Zeb stepped outside the garage. “You found a permanent babysitter yet?”

“Part-time, yeah. But she's new, and it's tough not to worry.”

“Turning into a regular mother hen,” Zeb muttered with a grin and shake of his head.

Maybe so. But Jake was the sole person responsible for Abigail and wouldn't apologize.

Had he reminded Kelli to turn on the baby monitor while Abigail napped?

Jake needed to do some paperwork. Make some calls. All jobs that could be done at his home office. “Hey, since it looks like you've got things under control here, I think I'll head to the house.”

“Go ahead, Mr. Mom.”

The affectionate jab didn't bother Jake as much as he would have thought. He clapped Zeb on the back, then drove home.

He felt bad once he'd pulled into the driveway, though. Kelli's family was well respected in town. He knew her from church. She was a smart kid. And so far, dependable. His returning early might hurt her feelings.

Maybe not if he paid her for the full time period.

He unlocked the front door and stepped inside. “I'm back.”

Kelli came from the kitchen, the baby on her shoulder. “Wow, you're here early. Having withdrawal?” She gave him a knowing smile.

With a laugh, he reached out for Abigail. “Yeah, I guess so.” Holding her and breathing in her baby smell reassured him she was okay. “Actually, I have some work I need to do in my office. Can you stay?”

“Sure. I have until four o'clock.”

He gave the infant a quick kiss on her soft head and passed her back to the babysitter. Time to try to accomplish something for the day.

He couldn't spend every day working from home. He had to find child care he could trust that would allow him to get back out to job sites.

The problem was, he couldn't imagine trusting anyone but Violet.

* * *

Violet spread her grandmother's quilt on her back lawn under a large live oak, its graceful branches stretched out as if for the sole purpose of sheltering those resting below. She'd inherited the quilt from her grandfather and appreciated the chance to use it.

The day had been sunny, breezy and a bit less humid than usual. The shade would make a meal outside tolerable.

Trying not to get too excited about the picnic, she set out the hamper she'd packed with food after Jake had accepted her invitation to dinner. Then she hurried inside for the jug of iced tea. When she returned, she found him standing at the edge of the quilt with Abigail in his arms, the bouncy seat in his other hand and a smile on his face.

“Oh, hey. Glad you made it.”

“Thanks for inviting us.”

“It's the least I can do after you so kindly brought lunch to the office today.” Once Jake had secured Abigail in her bouncy seat, Violet sat down to greet her. She tickled Abigail's feet and spoke to her.

“That would make a great shot.” Holding up his phone, Jake took a photo. “I'll email it to Remy through the shelter address. I've already sent her some photos, hoping she'll realize she misses Abigail and want to come back.”

“Have you heard from her?”

He didn't need to answer. Disappointment etched itself into his face. “No response yet. And that's assuming the director of the center forwarded the email to Remy.”

“Ms. Phillips could be sending through only the ones that she feels are helpful.”

“Yeah. And she may consider photos of the baby Remy decided to give up as risky to Remy's well-being.”

Violet rubbed Abigail's downy hair. “How could anyone consider this precious girl a threat?”

When Violet looked up, she found Jake staring at her, biting his lip, his blue eyes serious. Her heart stuttered as a sudden breeze blew her hair into her eyes.

She didn't break eye contact, just swiped the strands away. “What's wrong?”

“While I was at your office today, you had a phone call from your mother.”

Her blood ran cold, her desire to spend time with Jake vaporizing in an instant. “Sounds as if you were being nosy.”

“Maybe. So you want to tell me what's going on with the rift between you and your family? They obviously want to get in touch with you.”

“Yes. But we don't see eye to eye on...well, on anything. I don't have the energy to deal with that right now.”

“So you're not just being too proud to apologize and work through your problems?”