And Babies Make Five / At Long Last, a Bride: And Babies Make Five

“You know,” he said, “you’ve got a lot of things you’re going to need to buy before the baby gets here, unless someone’s going to throw you a shower.”

“Oh. No, I don’t think so. I’m not sure who’d have one for me, but that’s okay. I really won’t need one.”

He supposed she had enough money to purchase everything herself, but his sister and his mother really enjoyed going to showers—for both babies and brides. It seemed to be a big deal to them, and they would “ooh” and “ahh” over the gifts they’d bought. Then they’d make a big deal about getting dressed up for the event.

So Hector figured that Samantha would enjoy having one. But if she hadn’t told people she was back, or if she hadn’t maintained any friendships in Boston, he realized there might not be anyone to host it.

Too bad, he thought, feeling sorry for her yet again.

“Would you like another muffin?” she asked.

“Sure.” While she stood to serve him, he couldn’t help adding, “The baby’s going to be here before you know it.”

“I know, but there’s still plenty of time.”

Maybe only a couple of months, he guessed, which wasn’t all that long. She really needed to look ahead, to prepare for the unexpected, especially since she didn’t have anyone to help her.

“Don’t some babies come early?” he asked, trying to send a subtle message.

“Yes, they do. And mine probably will.” She returned with a plate of muffins, then sat down and reached for the advertisement. As she scanned the vast assortment of baby furniture, supplies and clothing, she didn’t appear to be overly concerned, which he couldn’t understand. Especially if she thought her baby might be one that came early.

He was just about to prod her a little more, when she said, “Maybe I better go shopping this week. With all I need to buy, I want to take advantage of the sale price.”

Good. He’d made his point, so he settled back in his seat.

They continued to eat until the coffee stopped brewing with a tired wheeze.

“It’s ready,” Samantha said as she pushed back her chair and stood once again. Then she went to the cupboard and filled Hector’s mug.

On her way back to the table, she caught him studying her, the swell of her belly. As his eyes lifted, their gazes met and locked. Something warm stirred between them, something that set off a zing in her pulse, and she couldn’t help feeling a little … amazed by it all.

Trying to pretend it hadn’t happened, she asked, “Do you use cream and sugar?”

“No, this is fine. Thanks.” Hector took the mug in both hands, but didn’t take a sip. “By the way, did you ever order that wallpaper?”

“Yes, I got the farm print that we both liked, but it’s on back order. Hopefully, I’ll have it within a week. I also chose the blue paint for the walls and the white for the crown molding.”

“The baby ought to like that.”

“I hope so.”

After Hector had eaten his fill, he picked up the front page of the newspaper and scanned the headlines.

Samantha, too, sorted through the pages until she found the society section, something she’d read daily when she’d been married to Peter but hadn’t given much thought to reading these days.