Baby in Her Arms (9 page)
Authors: Judy Christenberry
Tags: #Romance, #Contemporary, #Historical, #Nonfiction, #Series
Josh pulled into the long, elegant driveway that led to Kate and Will’s beautiful home, a sigh easing its way through his tired body.
Sam had given his testimony and was feeling quite proud of himself. Don and Pete were going to escort him home in the morning after spending the night in a hotel. Will had done his part safely and had returned home.
Now it was time for Josh to collect Ginny and, he hoped, Maggie. He’d just asked for her to stay until today, but he didn’t want her to leave. Because he cared about her.
And because he liked having her in his life.
Just because of Ginny, he assured himself. After all, he knew better than to get involved with a woman. But his daughter needed Maggie.
Parking, he got out of his car and knocked on the door. He was surprised when Maggie was the one who answered. Unprepared to see her at once, he went with his instincts and swept her up into his arms, hugging her tightly against him.
“Are you and Ginny okay?” he whispered, his face buried in her hair.
“We’re fine. How about you?” She pulled her head back to examine him. “No one shot at you?”
“Nope. The shooting the other day was rare, Maggie. It’s the first time I’ve ever been wounded on the job, I promise.” He didn’t want her thinking he was some gunslinger, endangering himself at every turn.
She ran a finger over the scar still visible from the glancing blow he’d sustained Friday.
He let her slide down his body until her feet reached the floor. But he didn’t let her go. A man needed a little comfort, a little reward, after a hard day.
And that was the only reason he kissed her, of course.
“Come on in,” Kate called from somewhere behind Maggie.
Josh reluctantly lifted his lips from Maggie’s and eyed her sister. He hadn’t actually spoken to her before, but he had the idea that she wasn’t happy with him.
“Uh, hello, you must be Kate.”
“Yes, I’m Kate. Maggie’s sister.”
He glanced at Maggie, a half smile on his lips. She shrugged her shoulders at him, as if saying she couldn’t stop her sister from asking him questions.
“I’m glad to meet you. Will was certainly a help this morning. He’s talked to you, hasn’t he? You know he’s safe?”
“Yes, he called a little after ten. Would you care for a cup of coffee, Josh?”
“I thought Maggie and Ginny might be ready to go home.” He knew he was. He wanted to be alone with Maggie. After all, he had to find out what had caused her to cry this morning.
“You can spare the time for Josh to have a cup of coffee, can’t you, Maggie?” Kate asked insistently.
Maggie smiled at Josh. “You may as well accept it, Josh. Kate is going to cross-examine you.”
Her smile made even that prospect acceptable. “I have nothing to hide.”
Kate lifted one eyebrow, as if she didn’t believe him, then turned and led the way into the kitchen. “I hope you don’t mind being informal. We all prefer the kitchen.” She and Maggie sat down.
“Me, too. Where’s Ginny?” he asked Maggie as he seated himself.
“She’s asleep upstairs,” she replied. “Kate’s nanny, Angie, has helped take care of her today. She’s been very happy.”
“Good. Is Angie looking for a job? I could hire her away from Kate,” Josh said, grinning at Kate to let her know he was teasing.
“No, she’s not looking for a job. But I can give you the name of the agency who sent her to us,” Kate said. “After all, you can’t count on Maggie as a permanent solution.”
Her words were only what Josh had told himself, but he didn’t like hearing them. “Of course not. Maggie’s been more than generous with her time.”
“So, when are you going to hire someone to take care of Ginny?” Kate pressed.
“As soon as we get back to the apartment, I’ll start making calls,” he promised, trying to hide his resentment that Kate was pushing Maggie away from him.
“Kate, this is none of your business,” Maggie warned.
Josh started to speak, to assure Maggie that he understood Kate’s concern, when Kate spoke first.
“Maggie, you don’t even have a job anymore because of this man and—”
“What? What happened to your job?” Josh demanded. “Was that why you were crying this morning? What did those people do?” He was half out of his chair, ready to slug someone for being mean to Maggie, before he even realized it.
She tugged on his arm. “Sit down. Everything’s fine. I’ve decided it was for the best.”
“What happened?” he repeated, his jaw clenched.
“My boss told me I couldn’t have any vacation days this week, and...and I quit.”
He stared at Maggie, turned to look at Kate for confirmation, and faced Maggie again. “You quit your job for Ginny?”
“No. I quit for myself. I haven’t been happy with my job for some time, Josh. You and Ginny were the catalyst, but I did what I wanted to do. It was my decision, and you’re not to blame.”
“But what are you going to do? Will you look for another accounting job?”
She explained about her idea to build a small firm, doing books for small companies.
“Hey, I could use your services.”
“I don’t need charity. I’ve already told Kate that. I’ll be just fine,” Maggie assured him.
“Of course you will,” he agreed. “But I’m serious. I’ve recently started thinking about hiring someone. The paperwork is taking up too much of my time.”
“Josh—we’ll talk about it later,” Maggie said, shaking her head no.
But her words were an encouragement to Josh. He was pleased that she at least intended to talk to him after today. He didn’t want to lose contact with her.
“So,” Maggie continued, “I’m free to care for Ginny for a couple of more days if you need me.”
“Maggie!” Kate protested.
“Of course I need you,” Josh said at the same time. Then he and Kate glared at each other.
Will’s entrance into the kitchen eased the tension a little. “Greetings. How’s everyone doing? The rest of the day go all right, Josh?”
Josh said hello and assured Will that their adventure had ended well.
“If that’s true, then why are you and Kate shooting daggers at each other?” Will asked.
Kate didn’t wait for anyone else to answer her husband. “Because he’s still taking advantage of Maggive.”
“I’m not taking advantage of her. She offered.”
“Maggie spends too much time taking care of everyone else,” Kate protested. “Someone should be taking care of her!”
“I’m willing to take care of Maggie!” Josh returned, continuing to do battle with Kate.
“Please! I’m not an incompetent doofus!” Maggie said, rising to her feet. “If I choose to spend some days with Ginny, to give Josh time to find appropriate care, that’s my business, Kate.”
Her sister looked somewhat contrite, though not completely convinced. “He’s never going to find anyone to give Ginny twenty-four-hour care, unless he marries someone.”
“I know, but—”
Kate’s words reminded Josh of the idea he’d had earlier. He didn’t wait to consider his impulse. It felt too right. He cleared his throat and took the plunge. “So, will you marry me, Maggie?”
Chapter Nine
“Y
ou’re in love with Maggie?” Kate demanded, a beaming smile on her face.
ou’re in love with Maggie?” Kate demanded, a beaming smile on her face.
“No!” Josh retorted, leaping to his feet. “No, I’m not. I’m offering her a marriage of convenience. I’ll take care of her, and she’ll take care of Ginny.”
His answer didn’t please Kate. “How dare you! How insulting to my sister. She doesn’t have to settle for that kind of marriage!” Little did Josh know that Kate had almost “settled” for that kind of marriage herself—but happily she and Will had become enamoured of each other and ended with a love match.
“Honey, you’re not the one he’s asking,” Will said quietly. But he frowned at Josh.
Josh looked at Maggie, fear filling him. Would she react the same way? Would she walk away from him, not even giving him the couple of days she’d promised? “Maggie—”
“How soon do I have to answer?”
Her quiet question brought a response from all three adults.
“Maggie, don’t be too hasty,” Will warned.
“Mary Margaret O’Connor, don’t you dare accept that lukewarm offer!” Kate insisted.
“Take all the time you need, sweetheart,” Josh said softly, hope filling his heart. “But it would work. You’d have a place to live while you started your business. You could stay home with Ginny while you worked. And... and we’ve done pretty well the past few days.”
“Maggie!” Kate protested again.
Maggie stood. “I think we should go now. I’ll call you tomorrow, Kate.”
Josh rose, too, but Will stopped him. “Have you checked your condo since this morning?”
“No, I was too anxious to get to Maggie and Ginny.” He couldn’t believe he hadn’t thought of that necessity. What kind of private investigator was he? “Maggie, would you stay here while I go see if it’s inhabitable?”
“Yes, but you shouldn’t go alone. I’ll leave Ginny here for a few minutes and go with you.”
He really didn’t think there was any danger, so he held out his hand to her in acceptance.
“No!” both Kate and Will exclaimed. Then Will added, “I’ll go with you, Josh. Just in case there’s a problem.”
Josh would’ve preferred Maggie’s company, though he had nothing against Will. But the man was right. He shouldn’t take any risks with Maggie.
With a brief nod in her direction, Josh headed for the front door. The sooner he checked out the condo, the sooner he’d be alone with Maggie.
The moment they were alone, Kate started lecturing Maggie on the drawbacks of even considering Josh’s proposal. Maggie listened without speaking for at least ten minutes before she put a halt to Kate’s words.
“Kate, I’m a full-grown woman. And I want a family, a chance at happiness, like you. I...I care about Josh. He may not love me, but he needs me. And Ginny is so special.”
“Honey, you can have your own baby.”
“Yes, and maybe I will someday, but that’s no reason not to love Ginny. I have to think about everything. So, let’s change the subject now and talk about something more interesting.”
Fortunately Kate knew when to quit. She began discussing Nathan’s latest accomplishments, comparing her little genius with Ginny, predicting what Ginny would be doing soon, also.
As an interesting topic, it almost topped Maggie’s list. Almost. However, marriage to Josh was number one on her list of interesting topics, so she had trouble concentrating on the discussion.
Josh. What was she going to do? She’d figured out Sunday morning, when she’d woken up in his arms, that she loved him. She hadn’t wanted to leave his embrace.
But she had to. He shouldn’t have moved her to the bed. She’d had to work her anger to fever pitch to let him know that he’d made a tactical error. She wasn’t a plaything for him to use when he felt like it
Without that anger, she would have melted into his arms and encouraged even more touching from him. Now he was offering her a permanent place in his life. Or at least a few years.
But he wasn’t offering love.
Which meant she wouldn’t be in his bed.
Could she live in the same condo with the man and not plead for his touch? She didn’t know. And that was what she’d have to decide before she could give him his answer.
Josh and Will returned almost two hours later.
Kate and Maggie set out leftovers of the meal they’d shared, and the men ate as if they were starved. Since it was almost nine o’clock, Maggie wasn’t surprised.
She waited until Josh’s appetite had been somewhat appeased before she asked the question she already knew the answer to. “Was the condo messed cup?”
“Completely trashed,” Josh muttered. “We called the police, made an insurance report. There wasn’t much else to do.”
“Are we going back there tonight?”
“No,” Will spoke up. “The front door was smashed in. I’ve suggested the three of you stay here. You need to convince Josh that’s what you should do. Going back to the condo wouldn’t be safe. And it’s not easy to stay at a hotel with a baby.”
Kate immediately seconded Will’s invitation.
Maggie knew they had little choice. But she’d hoped to be alone with Josh and Ginny. It would help her to decide what to do. “I think we should stay here, Josh.”
“We’ll do what you want.”
His polite agreement made her nervous. It was as if he were speaking to a stranger.
“Is Ginny already asleep?” he asked.
“Yes. Do you want to see her?”
He nodded and stood. Maggie got up to take him upstairs, knowing the other two were watching them closely.
Josh followed quietly behind her. When they reached the nursery, he crossed over to the playpen where Ginny was sleeping. Leaning down, he brushed her baby cheek with one finger. Then he took Maggie’s arm and left the room.
When the door was closed behind them, he stopped, pulling Maggie to a halt, also. “Do you really want to stay here? I can afford a hotel.”
“It will be easier here.”
“I’m going to buy a house. I can’t afford something this big, but I’ll find us a house in a nice neighborhood.”
Us?
Maggie took a deep breath. “I haven’t made up my mind, Josh. I need a little time. But I’ll take care of Ginny until—”
Maggie took a deep breath. “I haven’t made up my mind, Josh. I need a little time. But I’ll take care of Ginny until—”
“I know you will. But we’re a team, Maggie. My plan works. We both care about Ginny. I can give you good financial support while you get your business started. Ginny can have a loving mom. We get along fine. It’s perfect.”
Maggie tried to remember why she was hesitating. The biggest reason was standing in front of her. She loved him, but he wasn’t offering love in return. Would she ever be able to forget him, to forget the upheaval he’d caused in her life? If not, what would she do if she couldn’t see him every day?
“Maggie? It will work, I promise,” said Josh, leaning toward her.
Taking her heart in her hand, she nodded.
“Yes?” Josh asked, anxiety in his voice.
Did he care? Really care? “Yes,” she whispered. Before he could respond, she turned and ran downstairs.
Josh almost lost his balance. He’d begun leaning forward, to seal her agreement with a kiss. But she’d run away.
He followed her down the stairs. Somehow, her answer had been less satisfying than he’d expected. Why? She had agreed to everything he’d offered.
Because I want more than I offered.
He sternly commanded that inner voice to get lost. He didn’t want more. A marriage that was basically a business transaction was best. He cared about Maggie, of course. But he wasn’t going to give her the power his mother had had over his father.
She wasn’t going to disrupt his life.
When he reached the kitchen, he discovered Maggie had told her sister and brother-in-law her decision. Kate glared at him, while Will seemed to be reserving judgment Great. He and Maggie wouldn’t be staying here any longer than they had to, Josh decided.
It was like taking up residence in the middle of a refrigerator.
Maggie had had second, third, fourth, eternal thoughts about whether she’d made the right decision. Yet every day evidence presented itself that she had.
Finding small businesses that needed her services had been ridiculously easy. With the Lucky Charm and Josh’s company as her main clients, she’d added enough work from smaller companies to double her income at the accounting firm. Plus, living with Josh as his wife meant her living expenses were taken care of. She could save quite a bit of money.
Most important of all, though, she could be there for Ginny.
Josh, though busy with his work, had spent a lot of hours looking for the perfect house. Maggie had expected him to resist moving, based on the strong statements he’d made when she first came into his life. But he seemed enthusiastic about his decision.
Will had taken some time off from work to accompany Josh on his search, surprising both Kate and Maggie.
“Why do you think Will is going with Josh?” Maggie finally asked her sister on Thursday.
“I don’t know. I asked him, but he wouldn’t say much.”
The men were expected home in a few minutes for dinner, and Maggie checked her watch again. “Josh seems eager to buy a house.”
“The man’s got the hots for you, sister. And you thought you should wait until after he bought a house before you married. What did you expect?”
“Kate! Josh hasn’t—I mean, this is a marriage of convenience!”
“Does that mean there won’t be any sex? Because I can’t believe you’ll be able to live together without it. He’s good-looking, you’ll have to admit. And you’re not chopped liver yourself,” she added, grinning at Maggie.
“Thanks a lot. But I’m not in his league.”
“Maggie, think about what you’re doing. He’ll find sex somewhere. You don’t want him sleeping around, do you?”
Maggie closed her eyes. She’d tried not to think about what was going to happen after they married. She wanted Josh. More than she’d thought possible. But she wanted more than just sex.
Besides, since she’d agreed to the marriage, he hadn’t touched her. Not even a casual kiss. Or a hug. Nothing. He’d kissed Ginny, hugged
her
. How terrible to be jealous of a baby....
her
. How terrible to be jealous of a baby....
“Maggie?” Josh’s voice called from the back door.
Maggie’s heart began beating overtime. “Yes?” she called, letting him know she was in the kitchen.
Both men came in from the back door, grinning.
Kate looked at them. “Have a good day?”
“You could say that,” Will said.
“In the morning we’re going to get the marriage license, and then we’ll get married Sunday afternoon,” Josh announced, looking quite proud of himself.
“But we weren’t going to marry until after you bought a house,” Maggie answered, sounding as if she’d run a race.
“I bought a house this afternoon.”
“How soon will you close on it?” She knew it usually took about six weeks.
“Monday. I’m paying cash and it’s empty.”
“You bought it without having Maggie see it?” Kate asked, her voice rising in outrage.
“It’s perfect. She’ll love it,” Josh insisted. “And we’re getting married Sunday.”
“You can’t plan a wedding in three days,” Kate protested again.
“Mother did it in a week, for us,” Will reminded his wife.
“That was different. Maggie?” Kate said, staring at her.
“Maggie?” Josh said immediately afterward.
Essentially they were both asking the same question. Was she willing to go along with Josh’s plans? But Maggie had already answered the question three days ago, when she’d agreed to marry Josh.
“Yes, of course. I have a cream suit I can wear. We’ll get a justice of the peace to marry us.” She smiled at her sister’s stunned expression. “So, Kate, Monday, you’ll be rid of your uninvited house guests.”
“Unless she agrees to keep Ginny for a few days so we can have a honeymoon,” Josh said calmly.
Maggie whipped around to stare at him. “I don’t think a honeymoon will be necessary under the circumstances.” If she wore rose-colored glasses, she’d think that the emotion that flashed through Josh’s eyes was hurt. But she wasn’t that optimistic. “Ginny would be upset.”
“Right.”
“When do we get to see the house?” Kate asked.
“How about after dinner?” Josh suggested. “I’ve got the key, the electricity is on so we can turn on the lights, and it’s not far away.”
The fantasy Josh had been enjoying about his marriage to Maggie shattered when they toured the house. She picked out her bedroom from the five available.
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