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“Exactly. So Nick left. He moved out and lived in a storage area above our uncle’s garage.”
“Poor guy.”
He found himself chuckling at Darcy’s description, glad to have something to smile about. “Poor, he’s not. Nick’s done really well for himself. My uncle owns a variety of businesses around town and he gave Nick a job in his garage.”
“Then he’s okay?”
She was worried about Nick? Garret nodded to reassure her, liking her compassion. How many people in her situation would be thinking of someone else? “He’s done better than okay. A few years later Uncle Cyrus had a heart attack and couldn’t work for a while. Nick stepped up to the plate and ran the garage on his own.” He flashed her a grin. “Picture an eighteen-year-old kid bossing around mechanics two and three times his age—and getting away with it.”
“Your uncle didn’t mind?”
“Nah, Uncle C. was so impressed by all the compliments about Nick’s work and business ethic that he sold out to Nick when he retired. That’s why I said Nick’s not a crook. He’s had years to take advantage of people if he wanted, but I’ve never once heard someone say that he’s ripped them off.”
“Sounds like your brother deserves all the praise after working so hard.”
“I think so. He bought the building beside the garage not long ago. It was a gym he went to until the owner started going under because of poor management and rumors of cameras in the women’s locker room.”
“Pervert. So Nick’s a real entrepreneur.”
“Yeah, despite his lack of education, turns out he’s a great businessman. He’s a pretty good dad, too.”
Normally he wouldn’t dream of discussing Nick and his family’s situation with an outsider. Garret couldn’t remember ever really discussing it with Jocelyn, but something about Darcy made him feel comfortable. She wasn’t judgmental; instead she was supportive, acting as though she could relate.
“He’s doing all of that and raising a child?”
Garrett nodded. “He’s got one kid. My nephew.”
“Good for him. He showed the family, didn’t he? He struck out on his own and did well, all the while being a dad. That’s admirable.”
Darcy was obviously a compassionate person, but when she spoke it was as though Nick’s achievements were her own. Because she dreamed of doing the same thing herself? Striking out and being a success while raising her baby? While Garrett applauded independence, he couldn’t help but wonder where the baby’s father was.
Politically correct or not, what kind of man allowed the mother of his child to travel so far alone? He’d noticed her lack of wedding band. How upset would she be if he asked?
It’s none of your business.
“You should be proud of him.”
Hewasproud of Nick. Once his little brother had gotten away from the family, Nick’s confidence and abilities had soared. There was something significant in that.
Garret turned onto the more heavily traveled road leading to Beauty, thankful the salt trucks had already been there. He still couldn’t race to get his passenger to the hospital, but he was able to pick up speed. This close, he wouldn’t have to deliver anything but Darcy into the welcoming hospital doors. “I don’t want to leave you with a bad impression of my family. They’re great, and they love Nick. All of us do. Things simply got out of hand and snowballed.”
“That’s areallybad joke given the weather.” Her breathing picked up as another contraction hit.
He glanced at her repeatedly, wishing he could do more to help.
“Families d-don’t always get along, but th-they should stay close. Don’t you think?”
“Yeah, I do. But what about you? Would you like me to call someone for you? The baby’s father?”
Her curls stuck to her cheek when she shook her head. “No.”
Hurt, anger. Regret or sadness. The multilayered emotions flickered over her face before Darcy’s features smoothed into one of grim determination.
“I’m sorry, Darcy. You would’ve asked if you wanted my help. That’s none of my business.”
“It’s okay. Obviously if I’m in the middle of Tennessee alone, there’s a problem, right?” Her mouth turned down at the corners. “The father and I aren’t together. He signed away his rights so I would leave him alone. This baby is entirely mine.”
Silence followed her words, but he could’ve sworn he heard her whisper,If it makes it.
