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She’d pushed Matthew away, had shut him out, because she’d been afraid of his leaving her someday.
Only, what if he didn’t ever leave? What if he could love her, really love her, and she could be a real part of their family?
* * *
Matthew wasn’t nearly as enthralled with Zoie as Carrie, but the baby giraffe was growing on him. Which was just as well, since Carrie would have them visiting daily if he’d agree.
Fortunately, some days she was satisfied with online viewing via the Zoie cam—but not today.
“Uncle Matthew, can we get ice cream when we finish visiting Zoie?” Liz asked, tugging on his hand. “Momma says we can if you’re okay with it.”
Matthew shot his sister a Gee, thanks look, then grinned at his niece. “Sure thing, kiddo. If the three of you are good, then ice cream it is. Two scoops, even.”
“We’re always good,” Mandy pointed out matter-of-factly.
Matthew laughed. “Most of the time.”
“Natalie?” Carrie’s surprised question had Matthew turning toward where the child was looking.
Sure enough, Natalie stood a few feet from them, holding a stuffed giraffe and looking uncertain about whether to approach.
“I’ve missed you.” Carrie had no qualms in running over and wrapping her good arm around Natalie. “Did you see Zoie? Isn’t she just the cutest?”
Natalie lowered her gaze to look at Carrie. “She is, and I’ve missed you, too. I bought this for you.” She held out the stuffed giraffe. “I thought you might like to hold her when you’re watching Zoie on your computer tablet—if you’re allowed to use it now,” she added with a smile.
“Thank you. I love her.” Carrie took the gift and gave the giraffe a big squeeze. “I’m naming her Chloe because that rhymes with Zoie.” She made her declaration in a sing-song fashion, then grinned up at Natalie. “We’ve been studying rhymes at school and I like rhymes. All the time,” she added, then giggled.
“I see that.”
“Why are you here?” Matthew asked, since she’d made such a point to avoid him.
“To see Zoie,” Carrie answered for her with a “duh” expression.
“I...” Natalie paused, then met his gaze. ?
??I needed to talk to you about what you said to me, and when I went to your house and you weren’t home I went to your mom’s and she said you were here.” Her face pinched nervously. “So, here I am.”
“You went to my mom’s?”
She nodded. “Did you mean it when you said you were falling for me?”
Matthew sent a look to his sister, who was watching the exchange curiously, as were three little pairs of eyes.
“Girls, let’s go get that ice cream.” A round of cheers went up at Elaine’s suggestion. “I’ll take your little rhymer home with me afterward.” She leaned over and gave Natalie a little hug. “Good to see you again.”
Before Matthew could say a word, Elaine had all three girls rushing off.
“Sorry,” Natalie apologized, looking hesitant as she met his gaze. “I probably shouldn’t have blurted that out.”
Looking around at the semi-crowded zoo exhibit, Matthew raked his hands through his hair and nodded. “Probably not, since it no longer matters. Dr. Luiz called. I know you’re leaving.”
Natalie would be okay with the ground opening up and swallowing her. Surely that would be preferable to Matthew staring at her as if he wished she’d disappear?
“Can we go somewhere and talk?” She needed to speak to him, to explain everything swirling in her head.
Her head?
Ha. More like that wildly thumping organ beating against her ribcage.
