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Garret nodded his agreement. “I’ll do that. We’ve both been working a lot lately and haven’t seen much of each other.”
“Then that’s probably it. She’s feeling neglected. Everything else all right?”
“Yeah.” He indicated the brown paper sack his father carried. “Are those my cookies Mom promised?”
His dad tossed the sack to him with a smile. “Don’t eat them all at once,” he said, like he always had when they were kids.
“I know.” He pulled out one and consumed half of it in a single bite.
Chuckling, his father headed out. “I’ve got patients to see, much to your mother’s upset.”
“Still wanting you to retire, huh?”
“I’m considering cutting my time down. I don’t have the energy I used to.”
“Are you feeling okay?”
“Fine, fine. Oh, and son?”
Garret tucked the cookie into the side of his mouth. “What?”
“If the girl is trustworthy and safe—”
“She is,” he said, knowing exactly who his father referred to. “I’d stake my life on it.”
“That’s high praise coming from you.”
“It’s true. She pitched in all weekend, trying to make up for us taking her in. The dad’s out of the picture, too. She didn’t say much about her finances but she’s worried about getting her car fixed and getting settled in Indiana before she gives birth. I took it to mean things are tight.”
A medical doctor for nearly forty years, his father sighed. “Always sad when that’s the case. Expectant mothers shouldn’t be stressed, especially so close to delivery. You call Nick?”
“Yeah.” He saw the question in his father’s eyes and wished things were different. “He sounded good. He said Matt was excited about the snow and they were getting ready to go sledding.”
“He’s a good dad.”
“So are you.”
His father shoved a hand into his pocket. “I’ve made more than my share of mistakes. Still, I’m sure Nick appreciates the business.”
“Dad—”
“You’re a good judge of character, Garret. Always have been. If you think this woman is safe and she needs a place to stay while her car is fixed, why don’t you try your grandmother? Gram could probably use the company. It might also get Joss off your back—and your mother off mine when she hears what’s going on.”
That was the best idea he’d heard all day. Darcy would be safe; he wouldn’t worry about her or wonder why he’d reacted so strongly to her. And neither Joss, Harry or his mother could complain. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. Great idea.”
His father tapped his temple with a finger. “Marriage smarts. Don’t forget to call the florist,” he said as a parting shot.
Rounding the desk, Garret dialed the local florist and requested a bouquet be delivered that afternoon. After that he punched in the garage’s number.
“Make it quick,” Nick said. “Business is good at the moment.”
“Hello to you, too, little brother. Did you have a chance to tow the VW I called about Saturday?”
“Just got it in. The driver did a number on the passenger side. The fender collapsed into the wheel, but I don’t know yet if it damaged the axle.”
“How long and how much?” He could practically see Nick running the numbers through his head. The guy was a whiz at math. “Depends on parts. If that piece is damaged, it’ll be expensive regardless. She a friend of yours?”
“You could say that. Pregnant, too. She’s alone and in between jobs.”
