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He watched Kelsey's brow go up skeptically.
"So you think you know when to take it to the doctor, and when to simply rock it to sleep. Do you know the measles from the mumps? There's a lot to learn about kids, Kels
ey."
Kelsey's face turned white, then red, "Now see here. Who do you think you are? I'll learn all those things. Every new mother has to learn things. I'll adapt."
"How? Who's going to teach you? How you gonna have time to adapt and work too? I bet you don't even know a lullaby."
"I most certainly do!" She shouted, putting her hands on her hips and glaring at him. "And if, I find it necessary, I'll take a class or something. But I'm sure I can manage just fine, thank you."
"That's not good enough, for my kid." He saw her roll her eyes and her pert little nose go up an inch. He smiled with satisfaction. "Up 'til now, everything has been your way, hasn't it? You want a baby, so you hire a guy. A real dope of a guy. Because none of your high and mighty friends would be stupid enough to do something like this. Would they? No. But the truth is, you don't know one thing about being a mother, do you?"
Turning her hands together in her lap, she hesitated. "Well—no, but, no one does till they experience it. I can read up on it. In fact, I've already bought a couple of books on the subject. I just haven't gotten around to studying them yet."
"That's not good enough." He shook his head. "You told me the baby would be your first priority. Remember? That remains to be seen. Haven't read 'em yet, huh. You haven't gotten around to a lot of things. I'm afraid it isn't good enough, Kelsey."
Dorothy arrived in time to serve them both coffee and leave with a strange look of compliance on her ruggedly handsome face.
Kelsey welcomed the reprieve.
Nick winked at Dorothy.
Kelsey seemed to recognize the fact that Nick had already won over her housekeeper. "Now look Nick, I appreciate the fact that you are concerned about the baby. Really, it's touching. I'm actually very glad you are. It's commendable of you. But don't you think you are going a little overboard?"
"Nope!" He took a sip of coffee and smiled. "Not in the least. I'm here to tell you to your face, that I'm going to teach you how to take care of the baby."
"Well thanks loads, but I don't need your help. Besides, what makes you think you're such an expert?"
"Nevertheless, you're gettin' it. And, no, maybe I'm not an expert, but I've taken care of Tony, and babysat quite a few in my neighborhood. I've been through colic, teething, and ear aches. Have you?"
She shook her head.
"It's no picnic. You don't get much sleep the first few months. Your nerves are on edge."
"I'm sure it isn't but—."
"You don't sound too happy about all of this, Kelsey. Is something wrong? I thought I'd find you on cloud nine. This is what you wanted, isn't it?"
"No. I mean, yes, of course it is." Kelsey responded with a heavy sigh. "But you have a habit of storming me, of catching me unaware. I suppose I'm just a little tired. I've had a lot of morning sickness as I explained to you on the phone."
Nick chuckled to himself. She wanted sympathy, and in truth, he did feel sorry for her. He could tell by the circles under her eyes she had been miserable, but he couldn't give in.
"I'm sorry. Maybe working is too much for you. Maybe you should take some time off. You need to conserve your energy more."
"Not just yet. The doctor said I'm healthy as a horse and should have no complications. Besides, working keeps my mind off feeling bad."
"So you've gone to the doctor? I mean you have a confirmation."
"Yes, I went today after I spoke with you on the phone. According to him, I'm two months pregnant. I'm healthy, the baby is fine and I'm taking vitamins."
Taking vitamins? Why? Was she lacking something? Why did she have to take anything? Two months! Two months, not six weeks. He hadn't realized it had been that long since he'd touched her, smelled the lilacs, and tasted her creamy skin. And he was hungry for more of her right now, but this time he was going to be strong and resist her, and that probably would kill him, because keeping his hands off of Kelsey was the last thing he wanted to do.
But there were other things to consider right now, and he had to keep that in his head.
The baby would be due in February, if his calculation was right…even more months of waiting…of agony.
"I came here tonight to tell you, I'm not giving this kid up, yet." Nick let those words settle into her brain. He was sure he'd here an explosion any minute.
