For the first time Jessie felt like a Hardin, a real member of the family.
After the brothers left, Cadde said, “You’re not putting that on your vehicle.”
She lifted an eyebrow at his stern tone.
“Please don’t put that ridiculous sticker on your car.”
“That’s better.” She went into his arms and his hands trailed from her back to her pinned-up hair. “Oh, no, mister, I have a lot to do today.” She pulled back. “I have to decide on a color for the baby’s room. I’m thinking creamy pale yellow. What do…” Her hair tumbled down her back and Cadde’s lips blazed a path from her ear to the corner of her mouth. “Cadde, oh…Cadde.”
She forgot about colors. She forgot about everything, but the man holding her, kissing her, driving her crazy. As she gave herself up to a fun afternoon she thought there had to be love in this much happiness.
There just had to be.
SEPTEMBER FADED INTO OCTOBER. Cadde asked that she think about stopping her volunteer work at the center until after the baby was born. She agreed. She didn’t want any stress in her life.
She felt she owed it to Fran to tell her in person. As she suspected, Fran was happy for her and wished her only the best. Jessie stopped short when she was leaving Fran’s office. Nina stood in the hallway, within ear-shot of Fran’s door. Had she heard what Jessie had told Fran?
“It’s not what you think.” Nina immediately went on the defensive.
“I’m not thinking anything. I’m just surprised to see you.”
Fran came up behind Jessie. “The counselor that Nina and Vernon are working with told Nina to leave when Vernon gets in one of his moods.”
“That’s what I did,” Nina said rather hotly. “He didn’t hit me and he wasn’t drunk.”
“I’m glad you found a way to work things out.”
“No, you’re not,” Nina snapped. “You have no idea what my life is like.”
Fran intervened. “Jessie has been nothing but nice to you. What’s with the attitude? Every time you come in here you ask for Jessie.”
“I’m sorry.” Nina wrapped her arms around her waist and Jessie saw she was trembling. “I’m on edge. I need a cigarette.”
“Cathy might have one, but you know the rules. You can’t smoke in here. You’ll have to use the patio.”
Nina turned and walked off.
“What did I do?” Jessie asked, rather befuddled at Nina’s reaction. “She seems to hate me.”
“I think she’s jealous because you seem to have it all.”
“Me?” Jessie asked, more confused than ever. “She doesn’t know anything about my life.”
“She wants to be like you, beautiful, composed and in control.”
Jessie wanted to laugh at the description. She wasn’t in control of anything and any composure she had was pure strength of will.
Fran turned her toward the door. “Go home and don’t worry. You know the women here have big problems.”
But Jessie did worry and she discussed it with Cadde. He was just glad she wasn’t going back to the center. As the days passed she forgot about Nina and concentrated on getting ready for the baby. Cadde kept saying it was too early and she needed to slow down. Against every instinct in her, she took his advice. But she couldn’t resist the occasional outfit or toy. Mainly because she spent a lot of time in baby stores. Rosa had knitted enough blankets to last the baby’s lifetime.
Cadde and Kid painted the baby’s room. She wasn’t allowed to smell the fumes. One wall was a soft yellow and another a pale mint-green. They had to paint the yellow wall four times before they got it the color she wanted.
Kid pointed the roller at her. “This is it, woman. I’m beginning to look a little yellow.”
They all laughed and Jessie knew this was what it was like to be a part of a family—a real family.
NOVEMBER ARRIVED BEFORE they knew it. Cadde wanted to spend Thanksgiving at High Five ranch so she could meet all of his extended family. Rosa and Felix went to visit Felix’s sister in San Antonio. They hadn’t seen their families in years. Myra reluctantly agreed to go with them.
Meeting so many people at one time was overwhelming, in a good way. Everyone was so nice, especially Aunt Etta and Uncle Rufus. They made her feel welcome. They made her feel at home. She met Chance’s wife, Shay, for the first time and they instantly formed a connection. They planned to meet for lunch one day.
She was drawn to the kids like a magnet and she carried Skylar’s and Cooper’s one-year-old son around as long as he would let her. Soon he wiggled out of her arms to play with his cousins.