Absentminded Angel(Divine Creek Ranch 20)(53)

“Are you sure, Presley Ann?” Veronica’s other husband, Travis McDaniel, asked. She felt bad that she hadn’t realized he was standing there, probably the whole time.

Dingbat.

Travis said, “I know I’d want to be with Veronica if something like this happened to her, even if she was unharmed.”

Yeah, but your married, er—bonded. It’s different.

“I’m sure, Travis. Thank you.” Regardless of whether or not she felt like she deserved the concern or attention, it felt really nice to be cared about like that.

The beautiful blonde, Charlotta, patted her back and then paused. “You’re shaking like a leaf. That’s adrenaline for you, letting you down not-so-nicely after a big scare. But you and Whit are both okay.” The woman seemed to know what she was talking about and Presley Ann wondered if she was a doctor. Just then, Charlotta made a startled sound and said, “Wow, he is the most handsome little man I’ve ever seen.”

Presley Ann looked down at him and smiled, stroking the back of his silky head as a rush of tears came to her eyes. I could’ve lost you.

Charlotta pressed a Kleenex into her hand, and she felt her cheeks warm up as she blotted her eyes and then wiped her running nose. “Thank you. It’s been one thing after another lately, but maybe my luck is turning at last. Maybe I’m doing something right, after all, because I can’t think of why else I’d be so blessed to have my baby saved like that, just in the nick of time.”

Maybe those scales are starting to even up a little.

Without comment, but with doubt in his eyes, Hank said, “Come into Rudy’s and sit with us for a while, Presley Ann. At least until the shaking stops.” He didn’t look like he planned to take no for an answer, and she had a suspicion if she refused, which she wouldn’t, he’d call Kendry and Jared despite her request he not do that.

“I’m here to get lunch for Leah and myself—I just planned to sit by the front door and wait for the food there.”

“Well now you can sit with us, and wait for it to be brought to our table,” Hank said. She never knew Hank to be so darned pushy. Veronica obviously found it slightly amusing, if one could go by the twinkle in her eyes.

Gazing down at Whit, she thought of how this afternoon could’ve gone so wrong. She looked up at Charlotta, who was tall for a woman, and said, “I hope you don’t mind.” She went up on tiptoe, clutched Jesse and Barry’s bulky biceps, and kissed both of the men on the cheek. “Thanks again. You’re my heroes.”

Jesse and Barry shook their heads as if they wanted to deny the words and glanced at each other, both red-cheeked, all over again. Praise didn’t seem to sit well with them. She could relate a little.

Their girlfriend chuckled, and in a teasing tone, she said, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you two blush quite so much.”

Veronica giggled and gently poked Jesse in the ribs. “They look like they got caught in a blustery winter storm.”

They drew her inside with their party and another chair was immediately placed at the table for her, and the waitress took her to-go order and brought her a complimentary glass of sweet tea.

Veronica leaned forward and said, “I like that sling. At first glance it looks like a fashion accessory. Where did you get it?”

All eyes turned to her, and it was her turn to blush a little. “I made it.”

Veronica said, “Really? It’s exquisite. If I had a small baby, I’d sure want one of those.”

Thinking Veronica would look wonderful in a sling made from fabric in the same color as her violet-blue eyes, Presley Ann got up and turned so they could see the sling better. “Actually, it’s great for toddlers, too. You see how the wrap goes like this around my middle? Well, with a small adjustment, instead of cradling a small infant, you can slip a toddler’s legs through here, and here, to form a seat, and then carry him…or her.” Presley Ann noted the sparkle in Hank’s and Travis’s eyes as they glanced at Veronica and held back a giggle. Maybe someone was planning to add to the Divine baby boom soon.

Charlotta reached out and stroked the silky mesh fabric on her shoulder and smiled. “You use lovely materials. Are you making these and selling them?”

“I am,” she said as she sat back down. “My dream is to turn this sideline into my main source of income. The key seems to be making them from better fabrics, in a large range of sizes, and with finer attention to details. Then I could be a stay-at-home mom.”

Hank raised his glass of tea to toast her. “My money’s on you. I believe you could do anything you set your mind to.” The others agreed and gave her an informal toast.