Page 9 of Baby Me

“It’s not like it was planned. There’s no point in rushingthings.”

By the look on her face I knew she didn’t mean a word she’d said, and I knew that it was time to take her mind off that day. “Kate, you know that I would do anything for you, don’t you? If you need to talk tosomeone—”

“Seriously, Cam. I’m fine. Really. Getting these casts off and coming here today was exactly what I needed. Now, how are you doing? You’ve been cooped up at the cabin with me, tending to my every need. I can’t imagine that to be easy. You must miss yourfamily.”

“Let’s get one thing straight. I definitely haven’t tended toallyourneeds.”

I watched as her cheeks flushed with a beautiful pink shade before continuing. “I do miss them, but I also love spending time withyou.”

“What about yourwork?”

“Bountyhunting?”

“Are you thinking of goingback?”

“Not at the moment. I’m pretty sure that ship has sailed. Everyone knows I’m in trouble with Cortez. Hiring me would be like hiring a doctor who didn’t wash his hands before surgery. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t get a job even if I wanted to. Besides, after Arizona my perspective on life changed, and I’ve been busy with Mom’spaperwork.”

“I’m assuming that’s a goodsign?”

“It’s kept me busy, and I’m almostdone.”

My mother had emailed me some of her paperwork for her manservant business. She’d been wanting me to interview a few new candidates, but with me being away, that plan had been put on hold, so she’d decided to make me her secondaccountant.

“Oh, my God! Mom! I was supposed to callher.”

“Go ahead. I’ll order dessert for later, and we can stop by the general storeafterward.”

As Kate took her crutches and went outside to sit on the bench where I’d told her she’d get the best signal, I ordered two portions of apple crisp and cream-filled pastries and thanked Mrs. Lockheart for the wonderfuldinner.

“You raised quite the man. Charlie came up to remove Kate’s casts,” Icomplimented.

“Thank you. You’re not too shabby yourself, Cameron. Now what’s this I hear about your parents getting backtogether?”

“Apparently you’ve heard more than Ihave.”

“Charlie was at a conference two weeks ago where he ran into your father, who said that he’s back living withMary.”

“Really? Sounds like I should callthem.”

“Just don’t tell them I toldyou.”

“Your secret is safe with me.” I tickled Nate on his stomach and he giggled. “You take care of this little one, Mrs. Lockheart. And thank you for the delicious food and the applecrisp.”

“You’re welcome. Make sure to lock up all the doors and windows tonight. There’s a stormcoming.”

By the look of the clear sky, I wouldn’t have guessed it, but then again, Mrs. Lockheart had some things I didn’t have yet — an Internet connection, electricity, and cable news. It was wise to listen toher.

“Thank you. I will.” I kissed Mrs. Lockheart on her cheek and went out to see Kate. She was sitting on a bench, her crutches resting against the side of the diner. She appeared to be lost deep in thought and startled when I touched hershoulder.

“Hey, are you okay?” Iasked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. There was a woman here looking for you. I told her she’d find you inside but she justleft.”

“Whatwoman?”

“I don’t know. Tall, blonde hair. She looked prettysophisticated.”

Shit.“Which way did shego?”

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