Page 28 of Romance Reset
Hopefully he’d be on board, but what if he wasn’t? What then? Could she give up her dream of being a mother? Would she be okay with letting go of that dream if the alternative meant losing Lincoln?
It was crazy how quickly things had progressed between them, feelings and emotions buried for so long resurfacing faster and stronger than ever. The texts and calls and video chats had revealed more of their grown-up lives and had cranked up the level of intimacy since a few of those times they’d been sleepy-eyed in bed just talking about their days and more honest than they would’ve been fully awake and on guard. But all of those talks had been real and heartfelt.
Amelia tucked her head back into place beneath his chin and closed her eyes, reveling in the moment. The breeze blew the curls she’d left hanging, and they tickled her neck and added to the sensation of being held. His cologne teased her nose, a heart-squeezing mix of her favorites, sandalwood and spice. In Lincoln’s arms, the world faded away until it was just the two of them, alone on a rooftop beneath the stars, swaying their way through the next couple of songs before heading back to their seat when their waitress gained Lincoln’s attention and told him their food had arrived.
They settled in with their dinner and laughed and teased and shared favorites, feeding one another like couples sometimes do. Amelia had just finished when she heard someone call Lincoln’s name.
“Hayes, is that you?” a man asked.
Amelia watched as a man and woman approached them and Lincoln quickly wiped his mouth and stood.
“John, Priscilla, it’s good to see you.”
“And you. Who’s this?” John asked, smiling at Amelia.
“My apologies,” Lincoln said, performing the introductions.
When Priscilla shifted uncomfortably on her feet and rubbed a hand over her very pregnant belly, Amelia asked if they wanted to join them so she could get off her feet.
“Of course,” Lincoln said, his hand sweeping out in welcome. “Forgive my manners. Please, join us.”
“Oh, thank you,” Priscilla said once she scooted in by Amelia. “We’ve been standing at the bar for a while, waiting on a table. You’re so sweet to let us intrude on your dinner.”
“You’re fine,” Amelia said to her.
“Have you and Lincoln been together long?” Priscilla asked.
Amelia glanced at Lincoln and found his gaze suddenly focused on the interior of the restaurant. The restaurant was crowded, but she knew Lincoln had heard the woman’s question. Was Lincoln uncomfortable being seen out on a date? She supposed for a widower of several years, it would be an adjustment. “Um, no, not long. When are you due?” Amelia asked the younger woman, guessing her to be in her mid to late twenties.
“Not for another month,” Priscilla said. “Never again will I be pregnantinthe summerinthe south. Not if I can help it.”
“I’m sure the heat makes it difficult,” Amelia said.
“I’ve been living in the pool just to keep cool and attempt to stay in shape. This is our second. It’s another boy, so we hope the next one will be a girl.”
“Hey, now. One at a time there, sweetheart,” John said, eavesdropping on their conversation.
Amelia turned to study Priscilla’s husband and guessed John to be her and Lincoln’s age. It struck her how different the two men were. Lincoln with his grown kids and about to have an empty nest while John and his young wife were just starting and apparently not finished yet.
Where would Lincoln fall when she finally worked up the courage to broach the subject of children?
Unease settled deep within her. She couldn’t continue to put off this conversation. At the same time, though, she didn’t want to ruin things between them when they were going so well.
“She hasn’t had this one and she’s working on the next. Babe, just ask Lincoln here why God gives parents teenagers,” John said to his wife. “You might not be in such a hurry then.”
Priscilla looked at Lincoln with an inquiring smile.
“It was a bad day several years ago,” Lincoln stated. “I didn’t mean it, but John has never let me live it down.”
“But he said,” John continued, seemingly determined to tell the story since Lincoln wasn’t, “that God gave parents teenagers so they wouldn’t mind it when they left home. We’ll have two teenagers and you’re already wanting to add a third? Lincoln is over here counting down the days until his kids go off to college. Where was it you want to go again? Scotland? Or did you switch back to New Zealand?”
“I haven’t decided,” Lincoln said.
“But he’s ready to travel and have some fun,” John added.
“Yeah, well, whatever.” Priscilla laughed and shrugged. “I’m not the only one wanting a girl. You know good and well you want a baby girl you can spoil rotten. And I’m sure Lincoln was looking into those trips because he’s going to miss his kids when they’re gone. Right, Lincoln?”
Lincoln smiled and winked at Priscilla but didn’t give a definitive answer, Amelia noted, her heart sinking at the awareness.
