Page 49 of Lone Star Longing
He didn't think she blinked as he guided her through the anchor store into the mall proper, and he didn't want to rush her as she window-shopped. He wondered, if she saw something she liked, if she’d have money. He knew she had a steady full-time job, but he didn't know her finances, and what she was saving for the baby.
The cookie kiosk lured her, and she bought a half dozen for herself, and a big cookie for Beck, as a thank you. He loved watching her enjoy every bite of her first, then her second cookie.
“I was going to save some for Jesse, but I may not.”
“Speaking of, I’d better get you over there.” He didn't like this part of the plan, not at all. He was to drop her off at the airport, then go about his business, taking for granted that Jesse would take care of her from there, that she wouldn't be abandoned.
Then again, did he want to witness their reunion? Did he want to see Lacey throw herself into the arms of another man, see that other man pet her belly, look lovingly into her eyes?
He understood her motivation. Maybe Jesse wouldn’t like the fact that another man brought her to San Antonio, hours from home. Maybe she was trying to avoid a confrontation.
She was sadder than he expected when they left the mall, and he could see her nerves setting in again.
“You have my number if anything goes wrong with the plan.”
“Beck. You know I have your number. Don't worry. Everything will be okay. Where are you going after you drop me off?”
“I’m going to the plumbing supply shop, I need to get some fixtures for the kitchen. Then I’ll play sightseer for a bit, get myself a hotel room, and head back in the morning. So if you need anything between now and like nine tomorrow morning, you let me know.” He slowed his speed as he turned into the airport, followed the signs for arriving flights. They were still a bit early, but he figured that cushion would give her time to find her way around.
“You don't want to haul that cooler around, do you?” he asked when he dropped her off at the gate. Just leave it in the car, and I’ll get it back to you later.”
“You don't mind?”
“I don't mind.”
“Thank you. I wasn't sure how I was going to manage all this.” She flung her duffel over her shoulder, her purse, and carried her remaining cookies in the white paper bag. “Thanks for this, Beck. I don't know how I can ever repay you.”
“Don't worry about it. Let me know if you need me.”
“Thanks, but I’ll be fine.” She gave a delicate shudder, then a bright smile. “It’s going to be fun.” And she closed the door.
Chapter Twelve
THE AIRPORT WAS ALMOSTas big as the mall, with wide open spaces, but at least every area was clearly marked. She checked the board, and her stomach relaxed when she saw his flight was on time.
The waiting area for arriving flights was at the base of some escalators, and Lacey looked around for some chairs, since she was about forty five minutes early, but there weren’t any. Weird.
