Authors: Cindy Kirk
“Can we play with fishes?” Connor asked, a gleam in his eyes.
“You may watch but not touch them.” Mary Karen looked from one boy to the next. “Understand? No putting your hands in the water.”
Mary Karen still remembered the day she’d stopped by to drop off something for Travis. In a matter of sec
onds Connor had climbed onto a chair and “caught” a large Angel fish.
“No fishing,” Travis said. “Understand?”
The boys looked at each other and nodded solemnly.
After getting the children settled in the waiting room, Mary Karen slipped to the back with Travis.
His meager attempt at light conversation didn’t fool her. Over the years she’d learned that the tiny muscle along his jawline jumped when he was stressed. It was doing a good Mexican jumping bean imitation now.
The checkup and ultrasound went quickly and when Travis cracked a joke, Mary Karen relaxed.
“Looks good, M.K.,” he said. “No signs of an impending miscarriage.”
“Then why does my back hurt?” Mary Karen had done an OB rotation when she was getting her RN but that had been a long time ago. And her last two pregnancies had gone by without a hitch.
“A couple of explanations might fit.” Travis took her hands. “But I think I’m to blame.”
Mary Karen cocked her head.
“Stress,” he said. “Caused by me.”
At first she thought he was joking until she saw the guilt in his eyes.
“Oh, Trav,” she said. “You make things easier for me. You don’t stress me out.”
“The car thing,” he said. “I totally overreacted.”
Mary Karen put her hand on his sleeve. “We
both
overreacted.”
“It’s just that I’d wanted that particular vehicle for so long and—”
“You don’t have to explain it to me.” While Mary Karen believed Travis loved her, she wasn’t about to test that love on such an unimportant issue.
“So we’re cool?”
Mary Karen smiled. God, how she loved this man. “We’re cool.”
He slipped his arms around her. “I had a good time today.”
“Really? You wouldn’t rather have been with Leila and the others?”
“Absolutely not,” he murmured, kissing the edge of her mouth. “How ’bout we go home and I give you a back rub?”
Mary Karen raised her hands and rested them on his shoulders. “Just a back rub?”
“That will be totally up to you.”
His lips closed over hers and the flame ignited. Passion flooded every part of Mary Karen’s body, making her squirm to get closer.
When he stroked her lower lip with his tongue, she parted for him, eagerly anticipating his more intimate kiss.
“See, Cal, I told you they’re not mad at each other.” Connor’s tone was filled with satisfaction.
“How do you know?” Logan asked.
“Cuz they’re kissing again, stupid,” Connor said.
Mary Karen turned in her husband’s arms and smiled at the three little boys standing in the doorway.
“You were kissing him,” Caleb said. “Is Connor right? Are you happy?”
Mary Karen leaned back against Travis’s chest and smiled up at him. “Very happy.”
M
ary Karen stared up at her bedroom ceiling. She listened to the sound of running water, trying to decide how she was going to act when Travis joined her in bed.
Even though he said he loved her, she couldn’t shake the doubt. After all, Steven had said all the right words, too. Yet in the end he hadn’t meant any of them.
If only I could be sure Travis loved me….
“That’s a pretty big sigh.” Her husband pulled the comforter back and slipped into bed beside her. His hand moved to her belly, touching her tentatively at first, then with more sureness when she didn’t push him away. “By Christmas they’ll be in a crib down the hall and all we’ll have to worry about is getting some sleep.”
Even in the dim light she saw the affection in his eyes. Her heart sighed. Travis was clearly trying to make
the best of the situation. “I’m going to do everything in my power to make you happy.”
She realized she’d spoken louder than she intended when his eyes widened at her outburst. Then he smiled.
“You already make me happy.” His fingers, which had been gently caressing her belly, moved upward skimming the edge of her breast. “Every minute…of every hour…of every day.”
She fought the flames of desire his touch ignited. “Will you promise to let me know if you ever feel overwhelmed with me or the children?”
Through the silky fabric, his thumb brushed across the sensitive tip of her nipple.
Mary Karen gasped.
“You were saying?”
“If I don’t know how you’re feeling, I can’t make it better,” she stammered.
“You’ll always know what I’m feeling,” he said, moving even closer, his hardness brushing against her leg. “Like now.”
Her breath caught, then began again. “I—I’m serious.”
“So am I.” He scattered kisses up her neck.
Though Mary Karen wanted nothing more than to give in to the desire ravaging her senses, she forced his head up. “Promise me.”
His expression turned serious. “On one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“You promise to do the same. If you don’t feel I’m pulling my share, you’ll let me know.”
Mary Karen hesitated. It should have been easy to agree, but some of her and Steven’s biggest fights had occurred when she’d asked for help. According to him,
his job was providing for the family financially, hers was to take care of the house and children.
“There isn’t anything you can’t say to me.” His voice, soft but insistent, broke through her thoughts. “Anything you can’t do to me.”
She leaned forward and kissed him boldly, slipping her tongue into his mouth.
He reached for her and she went to him, reveling in the feel of his hands on her body, his lips against her skin, knowing no one could love him as much as she did.
“You make me so happy,” he murmured.
Mary Karen pulled the gown over her head and tossed it on the floor. Somehow, she’d find a way to make sure he stayed that way.
Mary Karen glanced from the stone fireplace where orange flames danced in the hearth to the large floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of Jackson Hole. “I know I’ve said it before but this is a beautiful home, Lexi. It’s stylish and comfortable at the same time.”
“Thanks. We like it.” Lexi handed Mary Karen a glass of club soda. With effortless ease the beautiful brunette, dressed in a multicolored sweater and black pants, took a seat in one of two leather chairs flanking the fireplace.
Looking at her, Mary Karen would never guess that her friend had given birth less than two months ago. But the baby sleeping upstairs in a fashionable nursery said it was true.
Mary Karen smoothed the front of her red maternity sweater and fought a pang of envy. In the past month, she’d “popped.” Her belly—once as flat as Lexi’s—now
resembled a beach ball. Graceful was no longer a word used to describe the way she moved. Still, the babies were growing and thankfully, so far it had been an uneventful pregnancy.
“David tells me that you and Travis are planning to build nearby.” With one finger, July stroked the cheek of her baby son while he nursed. Her sleeping one-year-old lay curled up next to her on the loveseat.
“We met with Joel last week and looked at some plans.” Mary Karen remembered Travis’s excitement. Okay so she’d been excited, too. A master suite with its own bathroom and huge walk-in closet? What wasn’t to love? “Nothing definite has been decided yet.”
“Steaks are almost done.” Travis sauntered into the room and leaned over to kiss Mary Karen’s cheek, his hand sliding down her arm in a possessive gesture. “I bet you’re getting hungry.”
“I’m doing okay.” While Mary Karen tried to moderate her intake, the calories needed to feed two growing babies kept her grazing all day.
“How about these little ones?” Travis rested a hand on her belly and one of his babies responded with a solid kick.
He grinned. “Definitely a linebacker.”
“Or a female kickboxer,” Mary Karen said with a laugh.
The invitation to the Labor Day barbecue had indicated lunch would be served at noon. At the last minute the weather had taken a chilly turn and Nick and Lexi had moved the party indoors. The men, not to be dissuaded by a brisk north wind, had decided to brave the elements and grill outside.
“Your wife and babies are in good hands,” July as
sured Travis. “Lexi brought out this fabulous cheese and cracker tray. We’ve been snacking and sipping.”
“On soda,” July added with a sigh.
Even though most sources said there was no problem with nursing mothers having an occasional glass of wine, both July and Lexi had deemed alcohol off limits.
“Join us.” Mary Karen patted the empty space next to her on the sofa. “Like July said we’ve got soda. And these yummy snacks.”
“Tempting.” Travis didn’t even glance at the cheese tray. The heat in his eyes told her it wasn’t food on his mind.
His continuing passion for her was one of her greatest joys. Of course, as her belly had grown bigger, out of necessity their lovemaking had grown more creative. Last night had been off the charts.
Desire coiled low in her belly. She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. “Perhaps later?”
Travis’s smile widened. “You can count on it.”
“Are you sure you can’t stay and keep us company, Travis?” July’s green eyes held a decidedly impish gleam. “I’ll let you burp the baby.”
“Ah, thanks July, but unfortunately I have to pass. I promised the guys I’d bring back some beers.
After
I made sure my wife was okay.”
Contentment ran through Mary Karen’s veins like warm honey. The past couple months had been the best of her life. She and Travis had begun to build a life together, a wonderful life centered around home and family.
Sometimes it scared her just how easy it was to be his wife. He didn’t yell and scream like Steven. The minor issues that had come up had been resolved with conversation. Not only that, the boys had accepted him
as their father and his consistent discipline had reduced the chaos in their home.
“Daddy, look here,” Logan called up from his position on the floor. “I built me a fort.”
Shooting Mary Karen a wink, Travis moved to the boy’s side and squatted down, carefully inspecting the lopsided log structure. “Good job, son.”
“I’m gonna build a house now. A big house.” Logan flung his arms wide. “Just like the one you and Mommy and me and Caleb and Connor are gonna live in. And the itty bitty babies, too.”
“I can’t wait to see it.” Travis tousled the little boy’s hair then glanced back at Mary Karen. “The twins?”
“They’re downstairs,” Lexi answered. “Addie is keeping an eye on them.”
“Sounds like you ladies have it under control.”
The back door pushed open. “Hey, Trav, did you fall off the mountain? How ’bout those beers?”
“Call me if you need anything, M.K.” Travis’s gaze met hers and for a second time stood still.
Mary Karen had known this man her whole life, but what they shared now was different, more profound.
After brushing a kiss across her lips, he grabbed three longnecks from the refrigerator then headed outside. She watched until the door closed behind him. When she turned back her friends were staring, knowing smiles lifting their lips.
“He adores you,” Lexi said.
“I know,” Mary Karen said happily. “I adore him, too.”
“What’s this I hear about you celebrating Christmas in a couple of weeks?” July raised her infant son to her shoulder and gently rubbed his back.
“It’s true.” Mary Karen reached forward and grabbed a cracker.
Lexi cocked her head. “Christmas in September?”
“It was actually Travis’s idea.” Mary Karen nibbled on the cracker. “With the babies due around Christmas, we knew December would be crazy. He didn’t want to shortchange the boys so we decided to do the tree and a gift exchange this month and celebrate the real meaning of Christmas in December.”
“What a fabulous idea,” Lexi said.
July’s baby burped his agreement and his mother chuckled.
“We already have the tree up.” Mary Karen smiled. They’d all enjoyed the adventure of tromping through the woods, picking out just the right one and cutting it down. “When we get home tonight we’re putting up the rest of the decorations. On the twenty-fifth, we’ll unwrap the gifts.”
“If I knew the sex of the babies, I could pick up a little something for them to go under the tree,” July said, a sly look in her eyes.
Lexi stared at Mary Karen with an expectant gaze, ignoring the outside door swinging open and the men entering the kitchen.
Mary Karen wasn’t swayed by the pressure. Her parents had used virtually the same tactic. It hadn’t worked for them. It wouldn’t work now. She lifted her hands. “I really have no idea. Travis and I want to be surprised.”
“Surprised?” Nick placed a large platter of steaks, burgers and hot dogs on the kitchen counter. “About what?”
“The sex of Mary Karen and Travis’s babies.” July pretended to pout. “She won’t tell us.”
“Because we don’t know,” Mary Karen emphasized.
“My extensive medical training tells me they’ll either be girls or boys,” Travis said. “Or perhaps one of each.”
“Gee, thanks, Trav,” July drawled. “That narrows it down.”
“You know, bro, not knowing is driving my wife crazy,” David said.
“An added bonus.” Travis shot a teasing look in July’s direction.
The banter that followed filled Mary Karen’s heart to overflowing. Next to her parents, these people were her support network. Like her, Travis had been part of this tight-knit group of friends for years. Being with him now as part of a couple was an extra blessing.
“Is the food ready yet?” Nine-year-old Addie stuck her head into the kitchen from the door leading downstairs. “The boys are getting wild.”
“Bring ’em up.” Travis motioned. “We’re ready for them.”
Utilizing the sofa’s armrest, Mary Karen awkwardly pushed herself up to a standing position. “What can I do to help?”
“You can sit back down and rest,” Travis said firmly. “I’ll get the boys their plates.”
“Travis, would you mind first making sure the grill is turned off outside?” Lexi asked.
“You got it.”
Mary Karen watched his retreating back and swallowed a sigh. She did love the way her man looked in a pair of jeans.
“I still can’t believe that the biggest player in Jackson Hole has turned into such a family man.” Lexi shot Mary Karen a teasing smile.
“To think if I hadn’t given him a push in the right di
rection, it might never have happened.” David chuckled and took a sip of beer.
“Give it up, David,” Lexi said. “Those two were meant to be together.”
July made some flippant comment about her husband, the consummate matchmaker, and everyone laughed. Everyone except Mary Karen. She couldn’t get his comment out of her head.
Push in the right direction?
What did it mean?
With a casualness she didn’t feel, Mary Karen crossed the room to where her brother stood. “Hey, David, could I speak with you in the other room, please?”
Without giving him a chance to ask any questions—or to turn her down—Mary Karen wrapped her fingers around his arm. She pulled him down the hall, only stopping when she was certain they were out of earshot of the others. “Tell me about this ‘push in the right direction.’”
She hoped he would laugh but the shuttered look in his eyes told her he had something to hide. “It’s nothing. I was just joking around.”
His mouth said one thing, his eyes something different. Before she could press him for answers, the sound of pounding footsteps echoed on the hardwood.
“Mommy, can I have two hot dogs?” Connor slipped between Mary Karen and his uncle. “Addie said she gets two.”
“Why don’t you eat one first, then see how hungry you are after that?” Keeping one eye on her brother, Mary Karen smoothed a blond curl back from her son’s face.
David shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. From the look on his face and the
longing glance he cast down the hall, her brother would rather be anywhere but with her.
“Tell me,” Mary Karen ordered.
“I told you, it was nothing.”
“If it’s nothing, the story shouldn’t take long to tell.”
“David,” July called out. “I need you.”
“Sorry, sis.” David turned and headed down the hall, not looking sorry at all.
“Just remember, I know where you live,” Mary Karen called after him, only half joking.
Still, she told herself that perhaps it was for the best. Now wasn’t the time or the place for such a discussion. She’d get the truth out of her brother. Soon. Very soon.