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The woman’s gaze seemed to take her measure, hesitating only briefly on her stomach. “Likewise, dear. Why are we standing here? Come in out of the drafty hall.”
The temperature in the building was anything but drafty. Garret prodded her inside with a hand at her back, and Darcy followed his grandmother into the condo, waiting while Garret brought in her suitcase.
“I’ll get us something to drink. Garret, take Darcy’s coat and make her comfortable.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
As soon as Rosetta was out of sight, Darcy rounded on him. “How could you?”
“How could I what?”
“Notwarnme.” Darcy made sure to keep her voice low. “Your grandmother? You should’ve told me I was going to meet her. I would’ve—” What?
He tilted his head to one side, amusement lighting his features. “You look fine. What does it matter?”
Good question. It shouldn’t matter. It wasn’t as though she was a girlfriend Garret was bringing home to introduce. That position had already been filled. She just hated that Garret’s grandmother’s first impression was of her homeless, jobless and pregnant. “I can’t stay here, that’s why. And why on earth would she even agree to let me?”
“Because I asked her. She knows your situation with the car and the storm, and she wants to help.”
“She doesn’t even know me.Youdon’t know me, not really.”
Garret grabbed her hands from where they rubbed her stomach in fast strokes. “I know enough. Now calm down or the contractions will start again. What’s the problem?”
He was right so she tried to calm her nerves. His grandmother was probably a lovely woman, but she couldn’t imagine staying with a stranger. This wasn’t a snowstorm emergency. “I don’t want to be any more trouble and—Do you not remember what I said about not accepting charity? A motel is fine.”
“Nonsense, dear.” Rosetta appeared behind them, a tray in her hands. “A woman so late in her pregnancy shouldn’t be alone, especially if she’s having problems. And it wouldn’t be appropriate for you to continue staying with my bachelor grandsons,” she told her pointedly. “This is a perfect solution until your car is repaired. You must think of the future. You’ll need to provide for the baby, not spend your money on overpriced lodging. You’ll be much more comfortable here, too.”
Darcy realized Garret had stood there the entire time holding her hands in his, and she yanked them away, praying his grandmother hadn’t noticed.
“I’m quite excited about your staying here. I lived at home when I went to college and I imagine this will be like having a roommate in one of those—Oh, what are they called?”
“A dorm, Gram. They’re called dormitories.”
“Yes, that.” She set the tray on the coffee table, smoothing the ends of her silver wrap back into place when she settled herself on the couch. “Please don’t be angry with my grandson, Darcy. I really do want to help. Things get a bit lonely here this time of year when so many of the residents go south to warmer areas. I have a spare bedroom to offer and insist you think about your little one. Perhaps you would consider your room and board payment for being my companion? I’d love the company.”
Darcy glanced at Garret again, and found him awaiting her response. “Well…”
“Come sit down, dear. Let’s get to know one another. Garret, you go to work and stop by again this evening. Darcy will have made her decision by then, and if she still wants to go to a motel you can take her. How does that sound for a compromise?”
Darcy knew there was little choice to be made. Garret had disrupted his schedule enough for her, and Rosetta had a point. Her options were to stay here with someone who seemed like a very nice woman, or a hotel she couldn’t afford. She took in the homey interior of the condo, then studied Garret’s and Rosetta’s expressions. “That sounds good. Thank you.”
Garret squeezed her shoulder on the way out the door, standing close and smelling heavenly. “Have fun,” he murmured, his breath sending a shiver over her. “Just remember to rest. Gram can be a party animal.”
PAIN STABBED through Jocelyn as quickly as the box cutter had sliced into her hand. She gasped and swore, dropping the utility knife and then jumping back when it clattered onto the floor at her feet.
“Careful, you don’t want Daddy to hear you.”
Pressing on the cut to try to dull the pain, she turned and saw Tobias weaving his way through the boxes and crates that had arrived today. Pottery and glassware carefully packed, a sculpture from Spain. All she was missing were the pieces by a Montana artist she desperately wanted to showcase. Why wouldn’t the silly man call her back?
Tobias’s gaze dropped to her hand. “What the—” He hurried around the last of the obstacles and grabbed a towel she’d been using to dust the pieces after she removed them from their packing. “Give me your hand.”
“That’s dirty.”
“It’s better than letting that bleed.” He took the decision away from her and wrapped the towel around it, pressing firmly.
“What are you doing here?”
His jaw locked. “I came to look at some office space that’s available and thought I’d drop by and see if your help arrived. Looks like I’m just in time.”
