Fat Fridays (27 page)

Madeleine’s enthusiasm was contagious. Sukie could already envision a sweet little face and imagine holding the baby in her arms. “That’s wonderful! I can’t wait!” She drew a deep breath. “I called to ask you and Rob to dinner tomorrow. There are a couple of people I want you to meet. One, in particular.”

“Is it who I think it is?”

Sukie heard the smile in Madeleine’s voice and the tension in her shoulders loosened. “Cam and Chloe are with me every day now. We’re trying to see if we really have a compatible future together.”

“Oh, I’m so excited! Has he...?”

“I’m taking it one day at a time.” Sukie couldn’t think too far ahead or she might be disappointed all over again.

“Good luck, Sukie! I think it’s wonderful. Of course, we’ll come for dinner. Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.” 

Sukie could have hugged Madeleine for her support. They chatted for a few minutes longer and Sukie hung up the phone tingling with excitement. Her grandbaby was about to make an appearance!

As Sukie finished putting together a macaroni and cheese casserole for Rob and Madeleine, Cam walked through the door with Chloe.

“That for dinner?” Cam asked, before leaning over and giving her a kiss.

“Not this time. We’re ordering in.” Sukie told him about her conversation with Madeleine.

Cam put his arm around Sukie and drew her to him. “Will I have to start calling you MeeMaw?” he teased.

Sukie laughed. “Not if you want to keep living!”

“Look what I got!” Chloe handed Sukie a small paper kite she’d colored at daycare.

Sukie gave Chloe a hug. “Good job. Let’s hang it up for everyone to see.”

Chloe watched as Sukie taped it to the front of the refrigerator. Then she patted it proudly. “Mine.”

Cam and Sukie smiled at each other. It seemed so right to have it hanging there. Sukie gave Chloe another little hug. The sweet little girl had become hers in so many ways. How would her children feel about that?

S
ukie waited anxiously for Rob and Madeleine to arrive for dinner. Betsy’s family had been torn apart by her decision to partner with Karen. Sukie didn’t want that to happen to her family.

Chloe in tow, Cam arrived early. When Chloe saw Sukie standing on the front porch, she shouted Sukie’s name and came running toward her, arms outstretched.

Cam looked on, smiling, as Sukie swept the little girl up in her arms. Observing Chloe in a new pink sundress, with a pretty matching bow in her hair, Sukie’s eyes misted. She kissed Cam hello. “She looks darling. Thank you.”

Cam caressed Sukie’s cheek affectionately. “I know how important this dinner thing is for you. Don’t worry. We’ll all get along. If Rob is anything like his mother, he’ll understand about us.” He put his arms around Sukie and gave her a comforting squeeze. She hoped he was right.

They walked out to the patio. Chloe ran ahead, onto the grass, chasing a ball. Cam and Sukie took seats at the table. Though he acted nonchalant about the evening, Sukie sensed he was nervous too. He’d slicked his blond hair back in a style that made him appear older, though his healthy trim physique indicated a young man in his prime.

At the sound of a car pulling into the driveway, Sukie rose and glanced at Cam. He gave her a thumbs-up sign, and she went out front to greet her guests.

Sukie’s heart squeezed with affection when Madeleine got out of their Jeep looking as if she’d swallowed a good-size watermelon. Madeleine waved and moved toward Sukie in a rolling gait. Rob rushed to her side and held onto her elbow.

“Looks like we have a baby on the way,” he joked.

Madeleine gave him a jab in the side. “You try this, Mister, and we’ll see how
you
do.”

They all laughed, and Sukie gave each of them a hug. “C’mon in. We’re going to have appetizers on the patio. Cam and Chloe are waiting there.”

They were stopped by the sight of Chloe coming around the side of the house.

“Sukie! Wait for me!” Chloe sprinted toward Sukie, her blond curls bouncing, her pink dress puffed out like a balloon. Her eyes glowing, Chloe ran into Sukie’s embrace, wrapped her arms around Sukie’s neck and stared wide-eyed at Rob and Madeleine.

“I guess she couldn’t wait to meet you. This is Chloe.” Sukie turned to her. “Can you say hi to Mr. Rob and Miss Madeleine?”

Chloe buried her face in Sukie’s shoulder and peeked at them coyly.

Sukie smiled. “Oh, here’s Cam now.”

Cam strode toward them. His long legs stretched easily to cover ground in a hurry. Sukie walked over to meet him and they approached Rob and Madeleine together.

Her face alight with pleasure, Madeleine smiled and shook Cam’s hand. “I’m v
ery
glad to meet you.”

Cam put a protective arm around Sukie and shook hands with Rob. Chatting about the weather, the four of them moved with Chloe into the house and headed out to the patio.

In the kitchen, Madeleine caught Sukie’s arm and held her back. “He’s gorgeous, Sukie!” she whispered. “No wonder Ted is in such a stew about it. Have they met yet?”

Sukie shook her head. That was one meeting she wanted to avoid. 

She and Madeleine went outside, where the two men stood facing each other, looking as if they were prepared to choose swords for a duel.

“So, how long are you planning to stay in town?” Rob asked Cam, sounding like a sheriff talking to an outlaw in an old western movie. Definitely not one of Rob’s friendlier moments.

Madeleine led Sukie away from them. “I don’t know if this parenthood thing is getting to him, but Rob is becoming so protective of you, it’s silly.”

Sukie smiled. “Let them duke it out with words. Get comfortable. What would you like to drink?”

“Ice water’s fine.” Madeleine eased into a lounge chair and stretched her slightly swollen legs out in front of her.

Sukie poured her a glass of sparkling water, half-filled a plastic cup with juice for Chloe, and settled Chloe at the table with a coloring book and large round crayons.

Turning her face up to sky, Madeleine leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.

“How are you doing?” Sukie asked her, taking a seat opposite her.

Madeleine sighed. “I don’t know. The baby has dropped even more, but that might be from all the activity. I mopped the kitchen floor this morning and did a thousand little household chores I’ve put off. I think I’m ready now. Is it always this difficult near the end?”

Sukie nodded. “’Pretty much. Just rest there. I’m going inside to get the appetizers.”

Through the kitchen window Sukie observed Cam and Rob, chatting amicably now. Her nerves settled. They were the two most important men in her life and she wanted, no, needed, them to get along.

Sukie carried a tray of appetizers out to the patio. 

Madeleine looked up from where she was resting, a quizzical expression on her face. “I feel so strange...”

Sukie studied Madeleine’s flushed face. “Are you all right, honey? You’ve spilled your drink. I’ll get you another.” She set the tray down on the table and picked up the bottle of sparkling water before realizing Madeleine’s glass was still full. She glanced at the puddle on the flagstones. “Madeleine! Your water has broken. The baby is on its way!”

Conversation between the men stopped. Rob ran over and took hold of Madeleine’s hand. “Omigod! Does it hurt?”

Madeline puffed out a breath. “I’ve got the worst backache in the world. It comes and goes every few minutes but I don’t think. . .”

Sukie’s heart raced as Madeleine stopped talking and grimaced. The signs were unmistakable. “Rob, you’d better get her to the hospital immediately. I’ll meet you there.”  

The color drained from Rob’s face. “Hang on, Mad. I’ll get the car started.” He took off at a full run.

Sukie took Madeleine’s arm, Cam the other. They helped Madeleine walk around the side of the house, letting her set the pace. She stopped once and panted until the pain went away. 

Sukie gave Cam a worried look. Thank God, the hospital wasn’t far—just one town over. Maybe ten miles, max. When they reached the car, Madeleine grabbed Sukie’s hand.

“You’ll stay with me, won’t you, Sukie?”

Sukie glanced at Cam.

“Go,” he said. “I’ll clean up, find a sitter for Chloe and meet you at the hospital. I know where it is.”

They helped Madeleine into the backseat of the car. Sukie got in beside her. As soon as the car doors slammed shut, Rob took off with a roar of the car’s engine that matched the roar of excitement inside her.

In record time, they pulled up to the Gilbert Regional Hospital. With the ease of much practice, the emergency room nurses had Madeleine in a wheelchair and on her way to the maternity ward before Rob could finish the administrative paperwork. Sukie sat on the edge of her seat in the waiting room, needing Cam’s presence more than ever. Awaiting the birth of her first grandchild was one of the most important moments of her life.

Rob trotted over to her. “Keep your cell phone on. I’ll be in touch. Will you call Dad?” He hesitated. “Never mind, I’ll call him later, when I know more about what’s happening.”

###

S
ukie was sitting in the waiting room, flipping through a time-worn magazine for the umpteenth time, when she looked up to see Ted walking toward her. She jumped to her feet.

Ted gave her a hesitant smile. “Rob called. ‘Said the baby is on its way and that with the way things were going, it shouldn’t be too long. Guess she’s one of the lucky ones. Not like you with him or Elizabeth.”

Sukie was touched by the tenderness that had entered his voice. Both deliveries had been difficult, along with two miscarriages that had been painful to her. 

“I’ve been so excited about this,” Sukie said. “I’ve heard grandchildren are gifts to make up for the relatives you’d rather not have.”

Ted frowned. “Well, I’m not there yet. My new baby is due in a couple of months and I’ll be glad when it’s over. Unlike you, Emmy Lou’s not too happy about the whole process.”

“I can imagine,” Sukie said, biting back any further comments. No doubt, Emmy Lou had him waiting on her hand and foot—anything for more attention. The helpless female act had worked before on a number of men. Why not, Ted?

Ted’s gaze lingered on her. “You look great, Sukie. I mean it. You’ve lost weight, done something to your hair. . . “ 

He leaned over to kiss her.

Sukie quickly stepped back.
After all he’d done, her ex was hitting on her?

“There you are, hon.” Cam approached them. “Rob called to tell me it was the real thing. I got Emily Warren to sit for Chloe, so we’re set.”

Sukie waved him closer. “Cam, meet Ted Skidmore. Ted, this is Cameron Taylor.”

Cam held out his hand.

Frowning, Ted hesitated, and finally shook it. Though he didn’t reach Cam’s height, he raised his chin. “I was just telling Sukie I have a baby coming soon.”

“How about that,” said Cam in a controlled voice. “My daughter is three. They grow very fast, don’t they?”

“Cam hasn’t met Elizabeth yet, but he will,” Sukie said to Ted, wanting him to understand her relationship with Cam was serious. 

“Yes, she’ll be coming home to see her new little sister or brother,” responded Ted in a game of one-upmanship. 

Cam ended it by turning to her. “Elizabeth called home while I was cleaning up. She wants you to give her a call as soon as you know anything definite about the baby. Let’s go outside.” He took Sukie’s elbow and led her away.

Sukie glanced back at Ted. The fury on his face was frightening. She turned away. Maybe, she thought, he was beginning to realize by tossing her and all their married years aside, he’d given her a chance to be happier than she’d ever been. 

She took a seat next to Cam on a bench by the entrance to the emergency room. Cam took her hand. “Whew! If looks could kill, you’d be dead! What’s his problem? He left you—not the other way around.”

Sukie gave him a heart-felt smile. “I’m so glad he did.”

Cam put his arm around Sukie and pulled her close. “Me, too.” He gave her a long look. “Be careful with him, Sukie. He’s one pissed-off guy.”

A shiver crossed Sukie’s shoulders. The Ted Skidmore of the past was someone she knew. The man he’d become had made a lot of bad decisions. Now he was paying the price and might be blaming her for all his problems. Sukie’s thoughts flew to the nasty notes she’d received. Had Ted sent them? Was that why no one had seen or heard from Lynn’s ex?

The click of heels warned Sukie someone was approaching. She turned and held her breath. Emmy Lou walked toward them. With her enlarged breasts and bulging stomach, she barely resembled the sleek instructor who’d enjoyed making Sukie sweat in her Pilates class.

Emmy Lou’s eyes widened when she saw Sukie. “H...Hello...Sukie.” Her gaze fled to Cam and lingered. “I heard you were seeing someone...” She turned and waited for Sukie to introduce her.

Cam stood. “You must be Ted’s...er...friend. I’m Cam Taylor.”

Emmy Lou turned a megawatt smile on him and fluttered her eyelashes at him, almost comically. “Emmy Lou Rogers.”

After an awkward moment of silence, Emmy Lou waved to Sukie and disappeared inside.

“Ted left you for her?” Cam’s expression was incredulous. “You’ve gotta be kidding.”

“She’s a lot younger than I am,” Sukie reluctantly admitted.

Cam laughed and hugged her. “My God! He’s a fool.”

If Sukie didn’t love him already, she would have fallen in love with him right then. She was one lucky woman, and she knew it.

Her cell phone rang. She snatched it out of her purse. 

“Mom?” said Rob. “Madeleine says for you to come upstairs. She wants you in the delivery room as her second coach. Things are moving right along.”

“Really? I’ll be right there.” Sukie jumped to her feet and turned to Cam. “I can go into the delivery room!”

“Good luck!” Cam said. “Call me with the news. I’ll go home and rescue the babysitter. It’s early yet and Chloe will still be up.”

Sukie gave him a quick kiss and hurried inside.

Ted called to her as she rushed toward the elevator. She waved and kept going.