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Her substantial staff knew Rowan’s pet projects and forwarded non-association charity requests directly to her.
Mary-Margaret did her best to handle most of them but some required Rowan’s authorization or personal input. The assistant walked in with a stack of FedEx envelopes.
“Rowan…”
“I know. I was just thinking the same thing.” She sighed and tugged her lower lip between her teeth. Then she looked at the woman she trusted with her life and said, “Approve it all.” She shrugged. “I know we have a system of vetting requests but we’re going to have to wing it for a while.”
Lowering carefully into her chair, she placed her palms over her rounded stomach. “I can barely think and I’m not sleeping enough to give it the attention it needs. I’ll personally cover any mistakes we make.”
Smiling slowly, Mary-Margaret said quietly, “Focus on big picture shit.”
“Exactly.”
“Bennett trained you well, Rowan.”
“Thanks.”
Putting the envelopes on the corner of Rowan’s desk, she picked up one of her notebooks placed strategically all over the house and started making rapid notes.
“All travel has been cancelled until after the baby comes.” She looked at her watch. “Approximately thirteen days from now. Based on other new mothers, I think you should plan on six weeks of confusion, sleep deprivation, and panic.”
Rowan grinned. “I’ve been around newborns. Miss Jeffries had a teen mom at the house for a few months. I won’t panic but sleep deprivation sounds about right. Only time in school I wasn’t sure I’d pass a class. Fell asleep on my desk every damn day for weeks.”
Mary-Margaret looked up from her notes and arched her brow. “You still passed.”
“Of course. I wasn’t messing up a sterling record.”
“Have I mentioned how much I adore perfectionists?”
“A time or twenty.” Standing, Rowan felt a pinch and returned to her chair. “Moveslower. I keep forgetting.” After a few deep breaths, she stood again and nodded. “Better. I’ll eat a little something then tackle these emails.”
“Uh uh. You eat. I’ll handle these and give you a rundown of anything important.”
“A lifesaver...that’s what you are, Mary-Margaret. Want some coffee?”
“I’ve already had three cups. Save me from myself.”
Giggling, Rowan walked from the room and called over her shoulder, “So...yes on the coffee.”
“Of course, darling!”
As she entered the kitchen, she looked through the big windows at the way the sun came through the trees behind the house. Instantly distracted, she walked out on the back porch. Sitting in one of the chairs with soft cushions, she zoned out on the early morning vibe.
Palms on her belly, she whispered, “Good morning, darling. It’s going to be a beautiful day. Clear and hot.”
Anxious to hold her child, Bennett’s son, every instant of happiness was bittersweet. If Bennett was still with her, she wouldn’t have a child. To have the child, she lost the man.
Sometimes, thinking about it made her want to scream.
James came out and smiled. “Good morning, Rowan. You look like you’re having some deep thoughts. How’s your little passenger today?”
“Complaining about accommodations.” He laughed and sat beside her. “I’ll be glad when this part is done. The waiting is terrible. I’ve never been so clumsy.”
“Let me tell you a story about clumsiness. After Bennett’s second divorce, he went on a drinking binge. Started around noon and didn’t stop until he couldn’t see to pour.”
“I can’t even imagine!”
The two of them talked about Bennett a lot and James helped her remember all the good things instead of dwelling on the devastation of losing him. He loved to regale her with tales of his hell-raising days.
