Page 32 of A Heart to Find
She had always wanted a family. He could give her one sooner than she currently knew. And though no child could replace another, maybe the promise of getting to know Hailey would dull the pain of having lost her niece and nephew.
Chapter 7
Jared balanced the two cups of freshly brewed coffee as he knocked on the door to Keira’s room. He had planned a day of calm activity for her so she could continue resting, but realized as soon as the door opened for him that his plans might be waylaid.
The room bustled with familiar faces and faces he had no recollection of seeing. Hotel staff mulled about, pouring coffee and replenishing snacks on a sideboard.
Caught between disappointment at not having the alone time with her he craved and awe that so many people thought highly enough of her that they’d give up their morning to spend time here with her, Jared worked his way through the crowd toward the object of his affection. Looking uncomfortable on what looked more like a throne today than a cozy leather chair with ottoman, her eyes lit up when she noticed him entering her orbit.
That’s what he told himself, anyway.
“Thank goodness you’re here,” she whispered to him, confirming his first impression. “This place is a madhouse. The room is quite big for a hotel, but I had no idea it could fit this many people.”
“Want me to get rid of them?”
She nodded and then shook her head. “That would be rude. But oh man. The introvert in me is screaming for a time out.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
A few minutes later, he returned to Keira’s side with news that the room would clear to make way for the courting couple to have a private date.
“How did you manage that?”
“I have my ways.” He grinned and raised an eyebrow as people streamed over in waves to say goodbye to Keira and to wish her well healing. Several of them promised to stop by later.
When the volume level of the room had finally decreased enough to hear the flickering of the fire, Jared let out a sigh of relief.
Keira did too.
“That was a lot! Don’t think I’m ungrateful for their kindness. I’m just not used to being the center of attention like that. Especially when I couldn’t play hostess.”
“No one expected you to be serving them. But you deserve to be the center of attention. You look quite royal on your throne over here.”
“You’re lucky it’s too much work for me to get up to slap you. And also that I strive to lead the kind of life I tell my kindergartners they should adhere to.”
“Amazing to think of what I could get away with…”
“Ha. Ha.” Her sarcastic tone made him smile.
“Luckily for you, I’m a perfect gentleman and wouldn’t do anything to annoy you while you’re chairbound.”
A snort came forcefully from her throat, and her eyes crinkled wildly at the corners.
“Perfect gentleman. You jest.” She held her belly as her laughter increased. “Oh man, my abs hurt.”
“Glad I could amuse you.”
He meant it. Seeing her laughing made him want to jump through whatever hoops necessary to keep her so jolly.
“Never knew you were such a comedian.” She wiped tears from her eyes and laughed some more.
“Did they give you some strong meds for pain? I’m thinking something else is affecting your judgment of what is funny.” He winked and smiled.
“Ugh, no. I’m just so bored sitting here like this. It doesn’t really hurt much. I think if I walk around it’ll be fine.”
“That’s a big nope, Keira. You need to rest it. We’ll bring the fun of the island to you.”
“I’m actually sort of excited to have this time with you without distractions.”
