Page 76 of Perfect Together
“You really think so?” she asked, her hand already cupping her belly in a protective gesture he’d seen with his sister.
“I may not be an expert on love, but I know my brother. It’s going to be okay.”
She swallowed hard, eyes glistening. “You’re right. I don’t know why I’m so emotional.” She wiped at her damp eyes.
Sam rolled his eyes. “Do you really need me to explain?”
That earned him a smile. “I probably don’t need to take that test,” she muttered. “But I will. I’ve been carrying two of them around with me for a week.”
He squeezed her hand. “That’s more like the Cara I know. Always prepared and ready for anything.”
“Well, I’d better be, right?” She glanced down at her stomach, hidden beneath baggy sweats, and her expression softened.
“Better?” he asked, hoping he’d helped her come to terms with things.
“Yeah. I’m glad we didn’t lose our friendship when I married your brother.”
“No chance of that happening.”
She smiled, seeming more at peace. “So I think I’m going to go home and do this before I lose my nerve,” she said.
He rose as she stood. “Good luck.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek, watching as she made her way to the front door of the restaurant.
Sam headed out after her, arriving at work in time to discover there had been an assault downtown, and the case took over the rest of his week, including most nights. His hours were erratic, which meant he didn’t see Nicole despite living next door. She hadn’t called him in the time they’d been back, and he gave her the distance he assumed they both needed.
The natural separation ought to be a relief, given the intensity of the weekend they’d spent together, but damned if he didn’t miss her. In a few short days, he’d grown accustomed to another warm body in his bed. He liked waking up to her snaked around him, as if they shared a twin bed instead of a double. He hadn’t even been bothered by her female stuff all over the bathroom, and his toothbrush at home looked lonely by itself.
Pathetic.
But true.
***
With work keepingSam busy, he was grateful Mike had taken charge of the situation with Tyler. He had a patrol car doing drive-bys of Nicole’s house and the bakery, where she was preparing for opening. He didn’t mention it to her. She was wary enough. But with the art show over, Serendipity had gone back to normal, and anyone new would stand out. Tyler stayed in the city, catching up on work and taking the opportunity to look for evidence that could implicate his father or, even better, the bigger fish the feds were after. So all was quiet for now.
If and when things blew up, Mike would let Sam know to be ready.
Sam finally found time for himself late Saturday. Instead of heading home, he walked from the station to Nicole’s bakery.
The door was unlocked and he let himself in. The smell of fresh paint assaulted him first. A cheery yellow replaced the original gray, and a royal blue trim bordered the white ceiling. Both Lulu’s and her welcoming personalities were clear everywhere he looked. They’d accomplished a lot in a short time, and a feeling of pride filled him at the sight.
No sooner had the bells rung overhead than Lulu greeted him at the entrance, her long gypsy skirt sweeping the floor as she walked. “Well, hello, handsome.”
He grinned at her lack of formality. “Hello to you too. How are things going?” he asked.
She smiled wide. “Amazing, as you can see. We’re on track for a grand opening in two weeks!”
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m thrilled for you.”
She reached out and pinched his cheek. “I bet you are. Your girl is putting down roots here.”
His throat constricted as Lulu used the same words his brother had used recently to describe Nicole. “Where is she?” he asked, changing the subject.
“In the back. I was just heading out for the night. I’ll lock the door behind me.”