Fortune's Heart

Colton’s mother and father came to a dead stop as they glanced into the den. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Foster,” she said, rising from the sofa. Colton also rose. “I stopped by with a few of my red velvet cupcakes, and Colton offered me some of your delicious soup.”

“Good for both of you. I’m glad Colton showed you some hospitality. Frank and I heard there was a mishap with the baby at the winter festival today, but couldn’t get the details.”

Stacey chuckled. “I’ll let Colton fill you in on that. I should be getting Piper home.”

“I’ll just say I’ll wash the shirt I wore today twice,” he said.

His father gave a nod. “Been there, done that. It’s good to see you and the baby, Stacey. I hope you don’t mind if I get some of that soup.”

“Not at all,” Stacey said.

“Oops. Sounds as if there might have been a little mess,” Colton’s mother said. “Don’t rush off,” she said as Stacey put away Piper’s baby paraphernalia. “Let me see that sweet little munchkin. She’s growing like a weed.”

Mrs. Foster extended her arms to the baby and smiled when Stacey handed Piper to her. “What a friendly little sweetheart. Your mother says she’s sleeping through the night most of the time.”

“That’s right. We had a rough time the first few months, and she still has her moments. But don’t we all?” Stacey said.

“I can tell you’re a good mother. I always knew you would be. You just seem to roll with whatever comes your way. I know Rachel is going to be upset that she didn’t get to see you and the baby,” Mrs. Foster said. “Are you sure you can’t stay?”

“I really should go,” Stacey said. “I’m hoping for an early night. It’s good to see you.”

“Same here,” his mother said, then plopped the baby in Colton’s arms. “Here. You carry Piper out to the car. Stacey could probably use a little break from hauling around this little chunk of love after today.”

Colton automatically stiffened but soldiered up. He couldn’t disagree with his mother. After his limited experience with Piper, he was surprised Stacey wasn’t exhausted all the time. From what he could tell, branding an entire herd of cattle would be easier than watching over a baby.

He carried Piper to the car and let Stacey fasten her into her safety seat. Piper fussed a little at the confinement. “You just better get used to this,” Stacey said in a kind but matter-of-fact voice. “You’ll be sitting in a safety seat every time you get in the car.” She shook a toy connected to the front of the seat to distract the baby, and Piper quieted down.

“You’re good with her. I’ll say that much. She can be a handful,” he said, shaking his head.

“She’s curious and sweet, but you’re right. She has her moments,” Stacey said.

“That’s when those bubbles come in handy,” he said.

Stacey stared at him and smiled. “So you did use the bubbles that night you kept her for me?”

“Hey, I had to hit the ground running. That diaper bag is like a bag of tricks,” he said.

“You almost sound as if you’re still afraid of her,” Stacey said. “My little Piper couldn’t terrify a big, strong man like you, could she?”

“Of course not,” he lied because the baby did have the ability to scare him more than a fright movie. “I’m just no baby expert like you are.”

“Maybe she’ll grow on you,” Stacey said softly.

“Maybe,” he said. Piper’s mother was growing on him. He leaned toward Stacey and took her mouth in a lingering, sweet kiss that made something inside him fill up and want more at the same time. “I’m glad you came over. I’ll call you.”

“I’m going to be really upset if you don’t,” she warned.

He liked hearing that bit of testiness in her voice. It made him think she wanted him, too. “No problem,” he said and kissed her again. He pulled back. “You’re habit-forming.”

“That’s good to hear,” she said. “I think your mother is watching from behind the curtains in the front room. She may ask questions. That’s what mothers do.”

“That’s okay. I have the perfect answer,” he said, putting his index finger under her chin.

“What’s that?”

“Nunya. Nunya business,” he said, and her laughter made it worth the inquisition he knew he would face when he went inside the house.

* * *

That night, Stacey slept better than she had in months, partly because Piper slept long and hard, and partly because being with Colton just made her feel better about life. He didn’t have to do much. Just his presence made her feel calmer and more optimistic. She didn’t want to overthink his effect on her. Stacey just wanted to enjoy it.

He called her on her cell the next morning, and she could tell he was outside and the wind was blowing. “Good mornin’,” he said.

“Good morning to you. How long have you been out and about?” she asked as she toted Piper around the kitchen.

“Since a couple hours ago. You know the routine. I have to get up early in order the get the heavy chores done so my father doesn’t hurt his back,” he said.

“I wish you could talk him into seeing the doctor,” she said. “It’s as if he’s in complete denial of this health problem.”

“You’re exactly right. He’s in denial until he ends up in bed for a few days. Then he takes it slow. A few weeks after that, he thinks it’ll never happen again. But enough of my crankiness. How would you like to go into town and get a burger at the grill? Early dinner?”

“That sounds like fun, but my parents are going to be at the winter festival all day, so I would have to bring Piper,” she said. When he didn’t immediately respond, she filled the gap of silence. “We can go another time. We don’t have to go today.”

“No,” he said. “Let’s take her with us. What time will work?”

“I’d like to get her back on schedule with her afternoon nap. Is four-thirty okay?”

“Sure. I’ll pick you two ladies up at four-thirty. See you then,” he said and disconnected the call.

Stacey felt a spurt of excitement and danced around the room with Piper. “We have a date.”

She spent the morning entertaining Piper, then ran laundry and cooked a big pot of chili in the afternoon. She changed her clothes three times and might have changed them once more if Piper hadn’t awakened. Her brother Jude must have smelled the chili from miles away because he stomped into the house an hour after she’d put it on the stove. Her brothers were at the family dinner table more often than not, despite the fact that they had their own places to live.

“Thank goodness there’s food,” he said. “I’m starving.” He looked at Stacey and Piper and gave a double take. “You two look as if you’re headed someplace special,” he said.

Stacey resisted the urge to squirm. “Just going to the grill with a friend,” she said.

“Rachel?” he asked as he grabbed a bowl from the cabinet.

She shook her head. “Nope. Do you mind setting that Crock-Pot on low and putting the lid on it if you leave before Mom and Dad get home? I think they should be here within a half hour,” she said.

“Sure,” he said and grabbed a spoon. “Any crackers or bread?”

“Crackers are in the cupboard.” A knock sounded at the door, and her heart leaped with silly excitement. “Gotta go.”

“Hey, you never said who is going with you to the grill,” he said.

“That’s right,” she said, unable to stifle a little giggle. “I didn’t. See you later,” she said, and ran to the door and threw it open.