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He then picks me up and carries me into the sitting room. Everyone comes in to visit and have some tea. Ian finally shows up as we’re all getting settled in the sitting room. Joshua pulls me sideways on the sofa, pulling my feet into his lap, and rests his hand on my belly. I don't think I'll ever get used to this.
“Sorry I missed the homecoming, lassie. I was taking a shower after I woke up.”
“Oh, that's okay, Ian.” I smile at him as he hugs me to him. Again I feel Joshua tense up and I look over at him. He just smiles back, and I know I'll ask him later about this.
“Ian, mate, I've something from the doctor for you.”
“Bugger me, I didn't even flirt with her and she wants me. But you know I don't do doctors.” Joshua hands him the letter. He opens it and skims it, then immediately stuffs it in the pocket on his cargo shorts. He looks pissed, but I don't say anything.
I know he and Derek have some major secrets. Derek's talked to me a little about his. All I know is Ian used to have a drinking problem that turned into a monthly bender with a bottle of scotch, and the guys took turns taking care of him. Now he doesn’t drink, but I know he prefers to be alone a lot.
“Okay, everyone out, Ana needs to rest,” Joshua announces in a loud voice after we've finished our tea.
“No, Joshua, I'm fine. How about you use the help and get the furniture put together in Isabella's room?” I smile at everyone.
“Only if you stay seated with your feet up.” He smiles at me.
“There's a rocker in her room I can sit in.” Everyone agrees to help.
“Okay, Angel.” He picks me up and carries me up the stairs.
“Which room is hers?” he whispers in my ear. His lips against the shell make me shiver.
“Next to the last on the right, my room has an adjoining door.”
“Someday it will be our room,” he whispers in my ear again, this time I hear his groan as I shiver. He carries me into Isabella's room and stops.
“Angel, did you do all this?”
“Yes. Maya painted the main lilac color. I sketched the cherry blossom tree, birds, and leaves, then she helped me paint.”
The nursery is a play of soft lilacs and shades of pink. There are cherry blossoms around the room and a glider rocker in lilac, the rest of the furniture is in boxes still or partially pulled out. “I tried to set up the changing station myself. It didn't go so well.” I smile at him.
“Angel, this is beautiful. Thank you, Maya, for helping Ana with this project.” He looks at Maya and down to me.
“No problem, least I could do for my niece.”
He sets me down, and the guys all get started on pieces of furniture. Maya hands me clothes I've washed and folded, waiting for the dresser. About an hour in Derek looks fried.
“I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow, Ana. Good day and welcome home.” He walks out before I can say anything. Maya follows behind him, and returns shortly, looking upset.
“Maya, what's that all about?” I ask her quietly.
“Not my story, Ana. Besides, I don't know if now’s the best time to talk about it,” she says cryptically.
A few moments later we hear Derek's motorcycle start up and take off, in the quiet you can hear it from a distance like an animal growling low.
“Okay, but please let him know. I'll listen and I care.”
Duncan walks over and whispers something to Maya. She looks up and smiles at him, and he bends down to kiss her. She's holding something back from me, I know about her meeting Derek in counseling, but I don't know why he was there.
Helen brings up lunch for everyone and a bowl of porridge for me. I'm starting to get tired, but I don't want to leave. The furniture I picked out is all maple. The crib, changing station, dresser, and bookshelf are lighter than the hard wood flooring. I love her room. Joshua walks over to me and squats beside me.
“Angel, you're tired, let me carry you to bed. When you wake up all her furniture will be done. It's almost done already. Just the changing station is left.”
“No, I love it in here, it's peaceful and calming. I can't wait until Isabella's here in this space.”
“You did this, Angel, you made our baby's room a work of art.” He leans into me and kisses my cheek.
