The Baby Plan. Kate Little
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once. Though she couldn’t make out a word of it.
The last thing she remembered was her mother’s carefully polished coffee table, coming closer. And closer…
Then a strange but wonderful sensation as—instead of a crash-landing into solid oak—she felt her limp body being caught and cushioned in the strong embrace of Sam Baxter.
Chapter Two
“Julia? Sweetheart? Are you okay?”
Floating back up to consciousness, Julia heard her mother’s voice. But saw only Sam’s gorgeous face, his concerned expression, hovering above.
She seemed to be lying flat out on the living-room floor. On her mother’s scratchy area rug. Sam was crouched on one side, her mother on the other.
“I’m all right,” she insisted.
She tried to sound normal, but her voice came out shaky. She started to sit up, but Sam rested one big hand firmly on her shoulder. “Not so fast. What’s the rush?”
She felt…mortified to have fainted dead away like that. She wished she could just crawl off into some convenient hole.
“I’d like to sit up now,” she insisted.
Finally, Sam leaned back and let her go. Julia stared down at herself, then hurried to straighten out her clothing. During her flight, the wrap-style sweater had gotten unwrapped, exposing most of her lace-trimmed bra, and her skirt had hiked up to midthigh. She hurriedly covered herself, glancing sideways at Sam as she fussed. A twitch in his stoic expression revealed that he hadn’t missed much.
What else is going to happen tonight? Maybe my hair will catch on fire.
“How about a glass of water?” Lester appeared behind Lucy and handed Julia some water. She took a long swallow, grateful for something to do while they all stared at her.
“I’m okay. Really. Probably just hungry. I skipped lunch,” Julia explained, concocting a quick excuse.
Her mother still looked concerned. “Are you sure that’s all it is, sweetheart? Does it hurt anywhere?”
Lucy lovingly felt Julia’s forehead, the same way she had done all through her childhood. Julia felt a pang of love. How could she admit the real reason she’d fainted?
“I’m fine, Mom. Really.”
“She works too hard,” Lucy told the others. “Seven days a week. A regular workaholic—”
“Why don’t we all just sit down and start dinner?” Julia interrupted, feeling even more mortified by her mother’s diagnosis.
Julia started to stand up. Sam quickly stepped up beside her, slipping one arm around her waist and one under her arm to steady her balance. The contact was brief but electric, making her head spin all over again.
She caught her balance, then took a quick step away from him. But she couldn’t help glancing back over her shoulder to make eye contact. It was hard to tell what he was thinking.
She wasn’t sure she even wanted to know.
“Are you sure you feel up to it, honey?” Lucy stepped closer and put her hand on Julia’s cheek. “Maybe we should call a doctor.”
“No reason for that, Mother. Honest. Dinner is going to be ruined if we wait any longer. I’m sure you’ve been cooking all day.”
Finally, Lucy gave in. “Okay, then. Into the dining room everyone. Julia’s right. The roast will be all dried out if we wait any longer.”
They were soon all seated in Lucy’s dining room. Lucy sat across from Lester, and Julia sat across from Sam. A bottle of champagne appeared, and had probably been stashed somewhere in her mother’s vast refrigerator. Her mother was always prepared for a romantic celebration, Julia thought.
“Let’s start with a toast,” Lester said. “I wasn’t prepared with an engagement ring tonight. But this should make it official.” He smiled as he filled everyone’s glasses.
Julia covered hers with her hand. “No thanks, Lester. I don’t think I can handle it right now.”
She couldn’t handle it physically. Or emotionally. And didn’t want to be a hypocrite. The fainting spell had given her a perfect excuse to pass.
“I’ll say a few words.” Sam raised his glass, tilting it toward Lucy and Lester. “Though this announcement certainly comes as a surprise…and even a shock,” he added, glancing briefly at Julia, “I think you’re both old enough to know what’s in your minds. And your hearts. It’s a rare gift to find love. We need to cherish that gift. And run with it. Lucy, Dad, you’re both very lucky to have found each other, and I wish you every happiness.”
Julia was surprised. His toast was very touching, his words genuine and thoughtful. So, Sam Baxter was more than just a pretty face. She hadn’t meant to do it, but found herself lifting her water glass and joining in.
“Thank you, son. That was very nice. I knew when I found Lucy, my life was complete,” Lester said. “The only wish I have left now, is to see you with a true love of your own someday. Settled down. Giving me a few grandkids to spoil.”
“Oh, me, too!” Lucy chimed in, as if Lester had mentioned that grandchildren were on sale this week at Kmart.
Sam shook his head, a faint blush coloring his lean cheeks. Julia was glad that he was under the spotlight now and not herself. He did look totally adorable.
“Come on, Dad. This is your night. You know how I feel about that ‘settling down’ talk.”
Lester laughed. “I know you tried it once and it didn’t work out. That’s no reason not to try again. Look at me and Lucy.” He glanced at his bride-to-be. “We didn’t give up just ’cause we didn’t get it perfect the first time.”
Julia’s eyes widened. But she didn’t say anything. She wondered if Lester really knew how many false starts his fiancée had under her belt. More than the shuttle launch at NASA.
So Sam had a failed relationship in his past, too. Julia found that tidbit of information interesting. It was hard to imagine a man who looked like that running around unclaimed. But it seemed his father had hinted as much.
Sam didn’t reply. He took another sip of champagne. More like a gulp, Julia noticed.
“Pass the dishes, everyone,” Lucy instructed. “Here, Sam. You start with the roast. And there’s some gravy to your left. Lester…some string beans? I made them with the almonds, just the way you like.”
“Looks delicious, dear,” Lester said appreciatively. “Once we’re married I’m afraid I’ll gain fifty pounds.”
“We have to keep active. That’s the key. You can’t just retire and loaf around. Watching TV all day.”
“Not my plan at all. You know that,” Lester said between mouthfuls.
Julia took some food on her plate and began to eat. Veal roast with tasty herbed stuffing, roasted potatoes and string beans. She was hungry, more than she realized.
“What are your plans, Lester?” Julia asked, curious to know. “My mother mentioned you want to start a new business?”
Lester nodded and dabbed his mouth with a napkin. “I’m going to just follow my bliss. Your mother and I, once we’re married, are going to start a cheese-making business. Artisanal goat cheese. The secret recipe has been in my family for generations. I’m looking around for a good piece of property. Maybe you can help us out with that. I even have a pair of starter goats. Romeo and Juliet,” he added with a grin.
He sent a sugary glance Lucy’s way and they had soon joined hands on top of the table, gazing warmly into each other’s eyes.
Julia lifted her gaze to the ceiling as she struggled to take it all in. So that explained