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She tried to smile but couldn’t. They might be getting closer, but so were the contractions.
Chapter 3
“FOCUS, DARCY. Don’t think about the pain or worry about what’s not going to happen. What did you do in Miami? Huh? Sweetheart, talk to me.”
Darcy supposed the situation called for a get-to-know-you info dump because if the baby decided to make its debut, he’d get to know her alotbetter sooner rather than later. He should probably know a few things about her before discovering she preferred hi-cut low riders over the thongs she’d set aside at five months.
“I worked for a couple of privately owned hotels, before that a gym and a hotel chain.” She hesitated, glimpsed his expectant expression for her to fill in the blanks and sighed. “I’m an aromatherapist. I use scented oils in massage therapy.”
She waited, really not in the mood for a snarky comment about her profession. Would he be like other people? Look at her, her belly, and smirk?
“Are you having another contraction?”
He probably thought so because of the way she was grinding her teeth, but grasping the excuse, she closed her eyes and leaned her head against the seat. Let him think what he wanted. She knew all guys weren’t hound dogs, but her experience working in Miami was thatmostguys who dressed like Garret and drove vehicles like this equated her profession to prostitution. Toss in her pregnant, unmarried state and—Well, most men assumed that she’d played sex games with one too many of her clients and was now paying the price.
You’re awfully sensitive, there. This guy hasn’t said a word.
But how long would it be until he did? Stephen’s parents, and Stephen himself, had had plenty to say about the pregnancy. They’d gotten down and dirty in the insult department when she’d refused to do their bidding and abort.
“Have you ever seen snow?”
She wet her lips, relaxing slightly.Thanks for sending me a gentleman, Nana.“I’m originally from southern Indiana, so yeah, I’ve seen snow.”
“And you said you’re moving back there? How’d an Indiana girl wind up in Miami?”
Darcy nibbled her lower lip, her gaze on her hands as they moved over her stomach. “The Indiana girl thought Miami was warm and a great change of pace.”
Another contraction consumed her, heat first, then pain, harder than any of the others. She leaned forward, balling up in an attempt to fight it.
“Easy. Try to breathe.”
“C-can’t.”
“Yes, you can.” He put his hand on her back, rubbing gently. “Come on, Darcy. Listen to my voice. Breathe out, slowly. Good. Now inhale.”
When it was over, she straightened and glared at him. A man should have to experience childbirth.Don’t be so cocky,youhaven’t experienced it yet.“Are we close? Please, tell me we’re close.”
“Getting there. Beauty is a great little town,” he added, pride lacing his voice. “Very low crime, everybody knows each other. I went away to college, but moved back once I graduated because I missed it so much. Some guys want to travel the world, but I knew all along I wanted to stay close to my roots. Wait until you see it and you’ll understand what I mean.”
“It sounds nice. I—I want that for my baby. Roots and stability. That’s why I’m moving back home.” But it wasn’t home. It hadn’t felt like home even when she lived there. Was she doing the right thing?
“Families are good to have around, especially when there are kids involved. I have three brothers and a sister, plus the parents and a huge assortment of aunts, uncles and cousins.”
One aspect of his story stuck out in her mind. “Your mother went through thisfivetimes?”
Garret chuckled, the sound a smooth bass. “Four, actually. My younger brothers are twins.”
At the mention of his brothers, his expression grew…mournful? Whatever it was, something in his tone kept her from asking for more details, much as she wanted to. She was curious by nature and having no real family of her own, she loved hearing about other people’s.
That was the best part of her job. Facedown on the table, some of her clients habitually unloaded their family problems as though she were a shrink. She knew the names of children, grandchildren. Pets. She’d learned when to ask questions and when to keep quiet and let them ramble.
Garret wasn’t rambling. “Is the, um, hospital a good one? Nice people and all? And the baby unit? Are they good with preemies?”
Once again he reached over and squeezed her arm. She felt the heat of his touch through her coat and appreciated the comfort it brought. She wasn’t her mother. She didn’t hang all over men trying to get them to notice her. If anything she kept her distance and waited them out. But Garret’s frequent caresses weren’t creepy or touchy-feely, just…nice.
“You’re not going to have a preemie. We’re going to get there and they’re going to stop the contractions. We’re not far, but I have to go slow or risk driving us over the side of the mountain.”
“I know.” She rubbed her aching head with her free hand. “I couldn’t believe it when I started to slide. I was goingsoslow, but—My car’s really screwed up. It wouldn’t start after I crashed and I don’t know where to get it fixed or when I’ll be able to get back on the road. What if they can’t stop the labor? What if the baby has to stay in the hospital for a while? I need to get settled in Indiana, find a job and get an apartment, but…I could be a mom tonight.”
