Page 84 of The Blessings of Christmas
Amanda gave her a sheepish smile. “It happens, doesn’t it?”
“It does. Guess I can’t blame you for being skeptical, but I think we’re good with Angie. She has plans for her future, which means you can have plans for the future.”
After McKenna had helped get Angie away from the bad relationship with Cindy’s help, the social worker had put Connor and Amanda in touch with an agency that handled open adoptions. That’s when Maria joined the effort.
Connor’s heart galloped. He unzipped his jacket. Must be eighty in there.
Amanda sat on the edge of the seat. “How long do you think it will be?”
Cindy’s gaze traveled to the empty doorway. “Hard to say. This is Angie’s first baby, so sometimes it takes longer. McKenna said she’s doing a good job. Things are progressing nicely.”
No way he could sit still. Jumping up, Connor headed for the coffee machine. “Anyone want some coffee?”
“None for me.” Her hand was on her tummy. He sure hoped she wasn’t getting an ulcer.
Cindy waved him away. “I’ve already had two cups, and sometime tonight I want to get some sleep.” She looked toward the large plate glass window where the sky was lightening and chuckled. “May be too late for that. Everything ready at home?”
The question brought to mind the cozy room Amanda and Harper had fixed up at home. “Oh, yeah.”
“I’ve seen the room,” Maria told Cindy. “It’s really something. I’d like those peaceful fleecy clouds on the walls in my study.”
Amanda laughed. “I’ll be sure to tell Connor’s younger sister. Harper did most of the work, but she lives in Savannah. I don’t think she’ll be taking on any Chicago clients.”
Maria nodded. “My loss. So you’re all set to take the baby home. That’s great.”
Connor felt like he’d been hit with a taser. “Today? We aren’t taking him home today, are we?”
Maria glanced over at Cindy, who was grinning. “Well, not today but soon. I’m sure you’ll be eager to get him home.”
“Of course we are.” Amanda reached for Connor’s hand and he squeezed it.
Even without any makeup, Amanda was beautiful. Wife and mother. Felt like he was seeing Amanda for the first time. Dropping his hand, she walked to the window. Connor followed and put his arms around her. She settled against his chest.
“We’re good, Amanda. Everything’s going to be fine.” He wanted this to be everything she’d ever dreamed, especially after the scare she’d had yesterday. Kissing her hair, he smiled at her reflection in the glass and whispered, “You’re going to be a mom.”
“And you’re going to be a dad.” She grinned.
Maria and Cindy were deep in conversation. He cuddled Amanda closer, in their own little world.
Soon there would be three of them.
Something clicked inside, like a puzzle piece he’d been missing.
McKenna burstinto the room and Amanda whipped around. Connor’s arms fell away and her sister-in-law held up one hand. “Not yet. Angie’s doing great, but no baby yet. Selena is with her.”
“Any idea when he might arrive?” Cindy asked.
“First baby. Could be a couple hours. Could be thirty minutes. She’s in the water birthing pool and working with her breathing.” Her green eyes zeroed in on Connor and Amanda. “Why don’t you go down to the Atrium for a break? Walk around a little?”
Amanda’s legs felt numb, but McKenna was right. Connor looked like he might lose it if he had to stay here. Her husband was a guy who liked to stay in motion.
She glanced over at Cindy and Maria. “Okay with you?”
Maria nodded. “Don’t worry. I have your cell number. I’ll find you.”
Standing, Cindy stretched. “If it’s okay with you, Maria seems to have things well under control. You can only have so many gushing adults in a baby’s room. I need some shut-eye since I have to work tomorrow. I’ll stop by the nursery later.”
“How can I ever thank you?” Amanda gave the social worker a big hug before Cindy left. She’d always been there to calm Amanda’s fears.
