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“Diane Michelle. My mom’s name is Diane and the Michelle part is for Michael.”
He stared at her, his expression stunned. She could read his thoughts as easily as if he spoke them aloud. “You didn’t have to do that,” Jim said quickly. “I was teasing you about naming her after me.”
“I know, but I wanted to do something meaningful to thank you. I wouldn’t have been able to get through giving birth to her if you hadn’t helped me. You did more than I could ever have hoped for. You made something that could have been scary and awful into the most wonderful experience of my life.” She paused. “I picked Michelle because I couldn’t come up with a female version of James that I liked as well.”
He stared at her a long time. She looked into his impossibly handsome face and told herself that while he might look very silly with wings, this man was definitely an angel.
“Thank you,” he said. “I’m speechless, which, my friends will tell you, is a rarity.” He glanced down at the baby. “Hello, Diane Michelle. Welcome to this world. Don’t you ever forget how special you are.” He handed the baby back to Heather and sat back down. “She’s so small. I can’t believe they’re letting you take her home tomorrow.”
“She’s nearly seven pounds,” Heather informed him. “That’s plenty big.”
Jim didn’t look convinced. “How are you getting home?”
Heather knew exactly what he was asking, but she decided to pretend ignorance. “By car.”
“You have a friend to take you?”
She didn’t have to see his face to know he was worrying about her. If she told him the truth—that she planned to call a cab—he would be offended. While it would be nice to be fussed over for a while, it was better for her to begin as she meant to continue, and that meant being responsible for herself.
“I have made arrangements, but it’s very sweet of you to worry.” She flashed him her best smile, hoping it would be enough to distract him.
It wasn’t.
His gaze narrowed. “What are you hiding?”
“Nothing. I have a ride. I’m fine.” She nodded at Diane. “We’re fine.”
“Right. I’ll be here at eleven in the morning.”
“Jim, no. That’s silly.”
“Then give me the name of your friend.” When she hesitated, he muttered something under his breath, something she was reasonably confident was unfit for a child’s ears. “You were going to take a cab, weren’t you?”
She’d never been very good at lying. Even now, she could feel color creeping into her face. “I didn’t want to impose. I’m not your responsibility. In fact, we don’t know each other at all.”
He stiffened in the chair, then straightened. “You’re right. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude. I can see why you would be concerned. Under the circumstances—”
“Stop,” she interrupted. “Please.” She could read the truth in his withdrawn expression. “I did not mean to imply that I’m worried you’re an ax murderer or that you have some evil designs. When I said we were strangers, I meant I didn’t have the right to inconvenience you. If you were an old friend or family, then I would impose at will. I swear, that’s all I was trying to say. Just that I don’t want you to feel obligated.”
“I don’t feel that way. I only want to help.”
He had an honest face. Based on what she’d learned about him during their short acquaintance, she knew he was a good man. She’d met enough of the other kind to be able to recognize the difference. Part of her was wary, though, not believing he could really be all that he seemed, but as she had no intention of getting involved with Jim Dyer, what could it possibly hurt to accept his offer?
She drew in a deep breath. “To be honest, I hated the idea of taking a cab home. So if it wouldn’t be too much of an imposition, I would appreciate a ride. Eleven is perfect. We’ll be ready.”
Jim smiled then, a dazzling smile that set up a chain reaction all the way down to the pit of her stomach. He rose to his feet.
“I should let you two get your rest. It’s been a challenging day. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“Okay. Thanks for coming by.”
“My pleasure.”
She had the oddest feeling that he was about to bend over and kiss her cheek, but all he did was wave and walk out of the room. As she settled back on the bed, Heather couldn’t figure out why she suddenly felt disappointed and very much alone.
* * *
Jim pulled up in front of the hospital at ten minutes before eleven the next morning. He was pleased that Heather had decided to let him take them home. He didn’t want to think about her having to carry anything heavier than the balloons. This way, he could take care of any lifting or moving of Diane and her car seat.
