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But fortifying myself once more, I press on with determination. “No, but I’ve done nonprofit work with food drives, community bake sales, and the like.”
“Someone who’s not afraid to work to improve her community. I like it.”
“I can give you the number of the event coordinator if you would like a reference,” I offer.
“Oh, sure, that would be great.”
Mallory watches me as I scribble down Starla’s contact information on a loose sheaf of paper she hands me. I hand it to her with a smile, holding my breath because this is the closest I’ve come to success, and I don’t want to have it all fall apart now.
“How soon can you start?” she asks, accepting the paper and pen.
“As soon as you want me?” It sounds more like a question than an answer.
“Is tomorrow too soon?”
“No!” I rein in my enthusiasm. “No, that should be fine,” I add to smooth it over.
Mallory flashes a bright smile. “Great. I’ll give this Starla a call,” she says, raising the piece of paper. “But I’ll expect you here at nine so we can fill out the paperwork and start your training.”
“You mean… I’m hired?” I ask tentatively.
Mallory releases a deep, earthy chuckle. “Unless Starla warns me away.”
“Oh my gosh, thank you!” I gush, relief washing through me. “I’ll see you at nine tomorrow morning,” I confirm as I rush toward the door, determined to escape before she can change her mind.
Mallory’s mirth follows me all the way through the door, and as soon as the door closes behind me, I release a squeal of excitement.
“I have a job!” I tell myself as I start to make my way down the street. I’m giddy from the sense of accomplishment, and I press my hand to my belly. “We did it, little one,” I say, unable to contain the joy within me.
Something flutters beneath my palm, and I stop in my tracks.Was that my own butterflies, or did I just feel the baby?I can’t be sure, and I don’t feel the sensation again, but my smile widens as I imagine our little baby girl doing a cheer for me.
6
Winter
“Canwe pick up groceries on the way home?” I ask as I sling my leg over the back of Gabe’s bike. “I have an idea for dinner.”
“Sure,” he says, his tone mildly surprised. “How’d your day go?” he asks as he waits patiently for me to get settled and put on my helmet.
“Good,” I answer vaguely, not wanting to give too much away. I’ve spent the last hour googling recipes for dinner so I can reveal the exciting news in some kind of special way.
He seems to wait an extra beat to see if I’ll give him more, but instead, I simply wrap my arms around his waist, signaling I’m ready to go. After another moment, Gabriel complies, revving his motor and rounding the corner so we can head to the little grocery on our way home.
It doesn’t take us long to find everything I’m looking for as we make our way through the aisles of the tiny store, and we’re ringing up the items in no time. I bite my lip, watching the bill rack up as we check out, but Gabriel doesn’t seem to mind as he swipes his credit card and collects the grocery bags.
“I have a surprise for you,” he says as we head back outside.
“Really?” My heart skips a beat. I hope whatever it is didn’t make too big of a dent in our savings, but I love the devious smile that spreads across his face. “What is it?” I ask enthusiastically.
Gabriel chuckles, his blue eyes twinkling. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a very good surprise, now would it.”
I can’t help but laugh. “I suppose not. But when do I get it?” My tone sounds impatient, almost whiney.
“As soon as we get home,” he promises.
“IthinkI can wait that long,” I say reticently.
Of course I can, seeing as the remainder of our drive takes less than five minutes. That’s the convenience of living in a small town and riding a motorcycle with Gabe. Even when we’re going a few short miles, he still manages to speed.
