ZOE WOKE THE next morning to the sun shining through her bedroom window and the birds chirping. She stretched. Now that she was well into her second trimester, she was feeling more energetic. A flutter in her middle made her pause. She couldn’t stop a smile of happiness curving her lips. The baby was kicking. Butterfly taps, but they were there nonetheless.
At dinner after she’d told Gabe she was holding out for a man who would love her unconditionally and commit the rest of his life to their marriage and family, the conversation had become stilted, punctuated by awkward silence. His reaction had not been a surprise. It had merely reinforced his original revelation that he had no interest in getting married and having a family. With his logic, his career wouldn’t allow it. When she’d risen to clean the kitchen, he’d insisted he would do it. Sensing Gabe was still uncomfortable with her answer, she’d left him to it and gone to bed. She’d slept well and deeply.
Thinking about the way their evening had ended, she feared their visit to her mother’s and the shopping trip might be tense as well. Debating whether or not to spend the day with Gabe, she was surprised by the smell of frying bacon wafting into her room.
Gabe was cooking?
She pulled her robe on and tugged the belt tight, making certain she was completely covered. More than once when she’d been talking to Gabe about rent, she’d caught his gaze slipping to the V of her robe. His hot glances had brought to mind passionate memories that would have weakened her resolve if she’d allowed herself to revisit them.
The scent led her to the kitchen, where Gabe stood at the stove with his bare back to her, the view of wide shoulders with thick muscles tapering to a trim waist and slim hips clad in well-worn jeans hung low. She swallowed. He had such a nice behind, was a magnificent specimen of a male. Her fingers twitched with the temptation to touch him. Would he mind if she did? The question set off mental alarm bells. She must stop tormenting herself with fantasies of forbidden pleasures.
She stuffed her hands into the pockets of her robe and cleared her throat. “Good morning.”
Gabe half turned. “Morning. I don’t have your culinary talents but I can cook eggs and bacon. Interested?”
Zoe battled to master her physical reaction to him as she shrugged in what she hoped was a nonchalant manner. “Sure.”
“Have a seat. I’m just getting ready to do the eggs. How do you like yours?”
Apparently, whatever had been bothering him last night was forgotten. She took what had become her place at the table. “Scrambled.”
He smiled. “Scrambled it is.”
She liked this cheerful, relaxed version of Gabe. This was the man she’d gotten to know in Chicago. The charmer. She suspected his charisma was at full force.
Gabe placed a plate with fluffy eggs, two slices of crisp bacon and buttered toast in front of her. It looked as delicious as it smelled. She gave him a genuine smile of gratitude. “Thanks.”
He soon joined her with a plate twice as full as hers in his hand. Over the next few minutes they ate in a companionable silence. Zoe was glad their camaraderie had returned. Slowly chewing bacon and studying him as he ate, she decided she’d like it to always be that way between them. She watched as his gaze met hers. He raised a brow.
“Thank you. This is wonderful.”
Gabe looked pleased. “You’re welcome.”
His phone that was always nearby buzzed. He picked it up. “Dr. Marks.”
As he talked she continued to eat, paying little attention to the conversation. “I’ll be in this afternoon to review the charts.” Gabe ended the call.
“Problem?”
“I implemented a new protocol. It’s not popular, so I’m getting some pushback. Do you have a certain time that you have to be at your mother’s?”
“It’s Saturday, so I can go whenever I wish.”
“Then do you think you can be ready to leave in half an hour? I have to go in to the hospital later.” He picked up his toast.
She pushed at her eggs. “Then why don’t you just go pick out furniture while I go see Mom? Cut down on your stress.”
“No, I’ve got time. I just need to check the charts after shift change this afternoon.”
She was amazed at his dedication to detail. “You really oversee all the details.”
“It’s important that my program be cutting-edge.”
She pursed her lips and nodded. “Or you’re just a bit of a control freak.”
He grinned. “And maybe a little bit of that as well.”
* * *
An hour and a half later they were walking into Shorecliffs House.
“This looks nice,” Gabe said as he held the front door open for her.
“It is, but I still hate that Mom can’t take care of herself anymore and, worse, that I can’t do it either.”
Gabe’s arm came around her and pulled her into a quick hug before dropping away.
“You’re doing the best you can for your mother. She knows you love her.”
Zoe wished his hug had lasted longer as she held back tears. “I hope so.”
They walked down the long hall and took the first right, stopping in front of a door on the left. Zoe knocked. Pushing it open with some trepidation about what she would find, she was pleasantly surprised. Her mother sat in a cushioned chair near the window. A book lay on her lap. Zoe’s heart lifted. Her mother had always loved reading, but Zoe hadn’t seen her pick up a book in months. Even if she wasn’t reading, at least she’d thought to try. “Hi, Mom.”
Her mother looked up. A smile came across her face. “Hey, sweetheart.”
Relief washed over Zoe. Today her mother recognized her. The doctors had told Zoe there would be times when her mom would know her and then her memory would fade again.
“How’re you?” Her mother was having a good day.
Zoe smiled and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m doing fine.” She sank into a nearby straight chair.
Her mother looked to where Gabe stood. “You brought someone with you.”
“Hello, Mrs. Avery. It’s nice to see you again,” Gabe said as he stepped forward.
Her mother gave him a blank look but soon the brightness of recognition filled her eyes. “I know you. You brought chicken.”
“That’s right.” Gabe sat on the edge of the bed. “How do you like your new place? It’s nice, and your daughter has done a lovely job of furnishing it.”
“I want to go home,” she said earnestly.
Zoe’s chest tightened. She hated hearing those words. Gabe reached over and took her hand, giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. She appreciated the support. It was good of him to notice her distress. “I know, Mom, but right now this is the best place for you.”
“Can I go home?”
“Mrs. Avery, do you dance?” Gabe asked.
That was an odd question. Zoe was thankful for his timely redirection of her mother’s thoughts, but was perplexed by the new topic of conversation he’d chosen.
“Dance?” her mother asked in a tone Zoe hadn’t heard in a long time.
“I noticed on the activity board on our way down the hall that there’s a dance on Saturday night. I was wondering if you were going.” Gabe leaned forward as if greatly interested in her answer.
Her mother actually blushed. Zoe couldn’t help but smile.
“I don’t know.”
“I bet there are a number of men who would like to dance with you,” Zoe said to further encourage her. “I also saw that they have game day, music and people coming in to sing.”
Her mother gave her a bleak look. Zoe had lost her again. She forged forward. “We’re on our way to buy some furniture.”
“Furniture?” her mom said.
“Yes. For my patio,” Gabe answered.
“He wants me to help him pick it out.” Zoe watched closely, hoping her mom would come out of the place she’d disappeared to.
Her mother looked down at her book.
Together they struggled to converse with her mother for the next fifteen minutes. Her memory came and went all the while. When Zoe became frustrated, Gabe stepped in. She admired his patience. More than once her mom had asked what his name was and each time he’d clearly and calmly told her. Finally, her mother showed signs of frustration.
With a heavy heart, Zoe said, “Mom, it’s time for us to go.” She kissed her mother’s soft cheek, straightened, hoping her mom would say goodbye. All she got was a vaguely puzzled smile. Gabe followed her out of the room, softly closing the door behind him.
As they walked down the hall on their way out, he took her hand. “I know how increasingly difficult visiting her is for you.”
Zoe blinked back tears. “It is. I hate that she’s losing her memory in general, but I know soon it will be to the point that she’ll stop recognizing me altogether.” She laid her hand over her middle. “She’ll never really know her grandchild. The baby won’t know her.”
“Then you’ll just have to make a special point to tell him or her about your mother.” Gabe stepped ahead of her and held open the front door.
“You make it sound so easy.” Zoe stepped past him.
“Never said that. My mom never talked about my father much. I wished she had. I don’t feel like I know him.”
She had a father who had decided he didn’t want her. Zoe wasn’t sure which was worse—never having a father to begin with, or having one who didn’t want you. “My father left us when I was ten. He went to work one day and didn’t return.”
“I’m sorry. That must have been awful.”
Her chest tightened. “It was bad but at least I had him for a little while. The worst is knowing it was that easy to walk away from us.”
“Sounds like both of us might have father issues. Not a great thing to have in common, but something.” There was sadness in his voice.
“I guess you’re right.” She looked at him. “Thanks for coming with me.” Somehow Gabe’s supportive presence had made it easier. She was starting to depend on him. That mistake she had to constantly guard against. He hadn’t made any promises to her. He could be gone just as easily as her father, but Gabe was there for her right now.
“You’re welcome,” he was saying. “I’m glad to see your mom has a quality place to live. You’re doing the right thing.”
“Then why do I feel so rotten about it?”
Gabe stopped her. Waited until she looked at him before he said, “Because you can’t do anything to make the situation better.”
She nodded. “I guess.”
They arrived at the car.
“So where should we go for this furniture? You’re the person who knows the area.” Gabe unlocked the doors.
After a minute Zoe answered, “I guess Abrams Furniture is the best place to start. It’s the biggest furniture store in the area. Turn left out of the parking lot.”
Thirty minutes later, Gabe parked in front of the entrance to the large building with windows showcasing furniture for many different rooms of a house. Gabe held the glass door open for Zoe to enter.
They were quickly greeted by a middle-aged woman. “Hello. What may I show you today?”
Gabe smiled. “We’d like to look at patio furniture.”
The lady was quick to return his smile. “Come this way. I’m sure we have something you’ll like.”
They followed her along a path leading through groupings of sofas and chairs, then dining-room suites, toward the back of the store. The smell of new furniture and polished wood was nearly overpowering. Along the way they passed the nursery section. Before Zoe was the most perfect white crib. Beside it stood a matching chest of drawers, changing table and even a rocker.
She stopped, unable to resist running her fingers along the top of one side of the crib. The image of pastel ruffled drapes on the windows as the sun beamed in filled her mind. A white rocker sat nearby. When she had her own place this would be what she’d like to have for the baby. She was so mesmerized by the pictures in her head, she had to hurry to catch up with Gabe. He waited by a door leading to the outside.
“Did you find something you like?” he asked as she walked by him.
Zoe shook her head. He was already more involved in her life than she had intended to allow. She wasn’t going to open her heart to another man who didn’t share her dream of commitment and marriage. Heart still healing from her failed relationship with her ex, she certainly wouldn’t repeat it when she already knew how Gabe felt.
The woman was waiting for them in the middle of the large covered area. There were all kinds of chairs and tables suitable for outdoor use. Some had metal frames while others were made of wicker. Many appeared nice enough for inside use. There were numerous cushions, in every color choice, both in floral prints and plain fabric. The space was almost overwhelming.
“What do you think would be best on the patio?” Gabe asked her.
“Oh, I don’t know. There’s so much here. Let me look around some.” She shouldn’t be making these types of decisions with him. She wouldn’t be staying at his home long. Furniture implied longevity, and that she wouldn’t have.
Gabe walked around from one grouping to another. She joined him, making her own path through the jumble.
She wasn’t sure what was best for him, but she did know what she liked. “I prefer the wicker look.”
“Then that’s what we should look at,” he said as if pleased.
His attention turned to the saleswoman, who was swift to direct them toward a space with nothing but that style of outdoor furniture. A particular suite caught Zoe’s attention. It included a table with a large orange umbrella and four black chairs. Next to them were a matching two-person settee, a lounger, and two chairs with orange cushions and a low table situated between them. The entire set was perfect for Gabe’s patio. Classical, yet functional. Zoe headed straight for it.
“Why don’t you have a seat and see how it feels?” the saleslady suggested. “See how comfortable it is.”
Zoe took a seat in one of the chairs at the table. Gabe sank into an armchair with high sides. It accommodated his large body as if tailor made for him.
“So what do you think?” Gabe looked at her.
“I like this chair. It’s sturdy enough, which you’ll need if it’s going to be outside all the time. But do you really need all of this?” Zoe waved her hand in a circle.
He shrugged. “I have plenty of room for it, so why not? Come try the lounger. You’d use it more than me.”
She lowered her voice so the saleswoman couldn’t easily hear. “I’m not going to use it that long.”
“Please just try the lounger and tell me what you think.” There was a pleading note in his voice.
The saleslady must have picked up on it as well because she said, “I’m going to let you two discuss this. If you need me I’ll be right over there.” She pointed toward the door through which they had exited.
With some annoyance Zoe sat on the lounger, pushed back until she was comfy and put up her legs. It would be the perfect place to read a book, feed their baby. Their baby. When had she started thinking of the baby as theirs instead of hers? She glanced at Gabe, shaken on a disturbing level. How did he think of the baby?
She had to stand. Those thoughts weren’t ones she needed to have. Heartache, disappointment and disagreement were all they would bring between her and Gabe. Zoe shifted on the cushion, moving to get off it.
Gabe quickly rose and offered her a hand. “So what do you think?”
“It’s very nice,” she murmured.
He raised a brow in question. “Should I get it?”
Though reluctant to do so, Zoe nodded. “I think so.”
“Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”
She was grateful he didn’t give her time to respond before he walked off toward the saleslady.
If Gabe furnished the rest of the house as nicely as the patio, their child would have an amazing place to visit. She wouldn’t have to worry about the baby having what he or she needed. Gabe would see to it. In fact, he was quite willing to let her see to it, but she mustn’t give in to that temptation. It would be too easy to think and act as if Gabe’s house was hers as well and, worse, as if he was.
Gabe was kind, caring and generous. He’d be a good father based on that. Even if he didn’t think so. A child deserved both a mother and father in their life. As long as she and Gabe could agree on how the baby should be raised, he or she should have a good life. Not the perfect one like Zoe dreamed of, but a good one nonetheless. What they had to do was remain civil. When their emotions became involved that was when heartache and anger would take over and create strife. She couldn’t let that happen.
Zoe followed Gabe and the saleswoman into the building. As they walked past the nursery furniture, she made a point not to look at it, sighing. It would be nice to bring the baby home from the hospital to a finished nursery, but that wasn’t the plan. When the time was right she’d set one up. Until then, she’d settle for a cradle in her bedroom.
She joined Gabe at the counter where he’d just finished paying for the furniture.
“All done.” Gabe turned to her with a pleased smile. “Thanks for your help.”
The saleslady said as they headed out the door, “It has been a pleasure to help such a nice couple.”
Zoe’s heart caught. A warm feeling raced through her. She looked at Gabe. Was there any chance that one day that could be true? He was an honorable and steadfast person. Just the type of man she’d been looking for...
She started to correct the woman, but Gabe placed a hand at her back and said without missing a beat, “Thanks for your help.” To Zoe he said, “How about an early lunch before we head home?”
* * *
Gabe settled onto a metal chair on the patio of a local restaurant after seeing Zoe properly seated. The sky was bright and there was a slight breeze, making it comfortable outside. They had both ordered a sandwich, chips and a drink. He’d carried it to the table on a tray, thoroughly delighted with their morning together.
Visiting her mother had been difficult for Zoe and he was glad he could be there for her. Shopping, even for something as mundane as furniture, wasn’t high on his list of fun things to do but he’d enjoyed the trip with Zoe. The only catch in the morning had been when she’d resisted sitting on the lounger. She was using the fact she wasn’t going to live at his house long as an excuse to avoid taking any interest in it. He wanted her to feel comfortable while she was there. To his amazement he was in no hurry for her to do so. He would miss her.
Zoe captured his attention when she said, “This is one of those places I’ve always wanted to go but have never taken the time.”
Her light brown hair glowed in the sunlight. There was a touch of color in her cheeks, giving her a healthy look. “Being pregnant seems to agree with you.”
Her look quickly locked with his as her hand moved to her middle. He’d come to expect her to do that anytime the baby was mentioned. “It has been easier than I expected, despite the first few months of morning sickness.”
Something close to guilt assaulted him. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.”
It had better be. His eyes narrowed. “Who else’s would it be?”
“I...uh...only meant there’s nothing you could have done about it.”
“I was just teasing you.” Reaching across the table, he brushed away a stray strand of hair from her cheek with the tip of his index finger. “I know what you meant. I still haven’t gotten used to the idea that I’m going to be a father.”
“You might need to. It won’t be that much longer,” she said softly.
“Have you picked out names?” Gabe watched her closely. Would he like them? Would she care? Or ask for his suggestions? She didn’t have to.
“I’ve thought of a few.” She picked up a chip.
He watched her closely. “Such as?”
“If it’s a boy I’d like to name him either William or Michael.”
“Those are both good strong names. My father’s name was Gabriel Harold.” He didn’t miss the slight upturn of her lip at the last name.
Zoe said with a dip of her shoulder and an unsure look, “I like Gabriel.”
He grinned. “Not a Harold fan?”
She shook her head. “Not really.”
Gabe took a bite of his sandwich. He’d like his child to have a name from his side of the family. But it wasn’t a demand he believed he could make. “What about girls’ names?”
“I was thinking Laura, Mandy, Maggie. My mother’s name is Sandra. I wasn’t going to make any real decision until I knew the sex.”
“And you’ll find that out when?”
She glanced at him. “This week. I have a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday. I could have known a few weeks ago but I had to push the ultrasound back because of Mother.”
Gabe gave an understanding nod. “What time?”
“What time?” Zoe gave him a quizzical tilt of her head.
“What time are you going for the ultrasound? I’ll need to make sure I don’t have a surgery scheduled.” At her flabbergasted look he added, “I told you I wanted to be there.”
“Is that really necessary?”
Why would she care if he went? “Is there any reason I shouldn’t be there?”
Zoe didn’t look at him. “No, not really, but I can just call you when I’m finished.”
“I’d like to be in on the surprise as well.” Why did it matter to him that he be there for the actual event?
“Okay.” She didn’t sound convinced but at least he wasn’t going to have to persuade her further.
“You know, I’ve never lived on this side of the country,” Gabe said, picking up his sandwich.
Zoe’s face brightened. “You’ll love it here. There’s so much to see and do. Of course, there’s everything in Washington but there are historical homes, battlefields, museums and all the seasonal events.”
“Do you go to see those things?”
“I used to stay pretty busy attending concerts and festivals until Mother got worse. I’ve not got to do much of that in a long time.” Sadness filled Zoe’s eyes.
“Then maybe we should do some of those things before the baby gets here.”
An expectant, hopeful look came over her face. He had her full attention. “Would you have time?”
Would he? He had no idea. “I could try.”
“I’m sorry. That wasn’t a fair question. I know you’re busy.”
He’d disappointed her. Just as he had other women he’d been interested in. Except it really bothered him that it was happening again with Zoe. There just wasn’t much time in his life for extracurricular activities. He wasn’t being fair to Zoe to suggest there was. He wanted to make her happy. Maybe he could work something out in a few weeks. He checked his watch. “I’d better get you home. I’m due at the hospital.”
“I’m ready.” She stood and pushed the chair in.
She didn’t say much on the trip home. He pulled up to the front door. “The deliverymen said they could be here today at three. Will you be around?”
“Yes.”
“Great. Do you mind seeing that they get the furniture in place?”
“I can take care of it.” Zoe climbed out of the car. “Thanks for lunch and going with me to see Mom.”
“No problem. See you later.”
* * *
The doorbell ringing brought Zoe out of sleep. It took her a few seconds to clear her head enough to get off the bed and head up the hall.
She hadn’t been surprised when Gabe hadn’t even gotten out of the car before he’d left for the hospital. For a moment at lunch she’d hoped that what he said might be different from what he felt. That he would take time for himself. Do something other than work. Then maybe they could do some touristy things together, but as quickly as the hope flickered it had been snuffed out.
Part of knowing Gabe was accepting those types of things weren’t high on his priority list. She, on the other hand, believed they were important for a balanced and happy life. With that in mind, she wanted to make the most of the beautiful day, so she took a walk around the neighborhood before settling in for an afternoon nap. She’d forgotten all about the furniture being delivered until the bell rang. She opened the front door to find two uniformed men waiting.
“We’re here to deliver your furniture. Would you show us where it goes?”
“Through here.” Zoe opened the door wider and led the way through the living room to the patio.
The men followed quietly, nodding as they surveyed the area, then left her. Soon they returned with the armchairs.
“Where would you like these?”
Zoe pointed to the area that received the most sun. They returned to the truck. While they were gone Zoe moved the chairs into position. In just a few minutes all the furniture was sitting on the patio. Even the umbrella was in place and up. She turned around and smiled. The floral and striped cushions with the matching colors added interest. The patio looked perfect. Gabe should enjoy using it. If he took the time to appreciate it. Until she moved she planned to make the most of the lounger as often as possible, starting that afternoon.
One of the deliverymen asked, “Where would you like the rest of it to go?”
“What? I didn’t know there was any more.” She followed him into the house.
He pulled a paper out of his back pocket and studied it. “We have a whole room of nursery furniture that’s supposed to come to this address.”
Zoe’s heart jumped. Gabe had bought nursery furniture? She’d not seen him even look at any. Maybe he’d done it online.
“Oh, okay.”
“So where do we put it?” The man sounded as if he was losing patience.
“In here.” Zoe showed him the empty front room.
He left again and returned with his partner. They had a chest of drawers in their arms. Zoe’s breath caught. It was the chest in the group she’d liked so much.
“Where do you want it?” one man grunted.
Zoe looked around the room for a second, totally disoriented by what was happening. “Uh, over on that wall.” She pointed to the space between the window and the door. Still in a daze at what Gabe had done, she watched as the men brought in the rocker and changing table.
Gabe had been paying attention when she’d admired the crib and had even noticed how much she liked the set. Had any man ever been that in tune with her? He may have little time to spare, but when he was with her he was totally present.
On the next trip, the men brought in the pieces of the baby bed. One returned to the truck and came back with a tool bag. In less than thirty minutes the bed was together and the mattress in place.
“Where would you like this?” one of the men asked.
“Catty-corner, between the windows.” She pointed to the area.
They did as she requested. Soon Zoe was showing them out. She returned to the nursery, taking a seat in the rocker. Feeling overwhelmed, she looked around the room. It would make a perfect nursery. She imagined the walls decorated and envisioned the drapery for the windows...
A tear ran down her cheek. The room would be so beautiful. But it would never be hers.
Zoe didn’t have a chance to talk to Gabe about what he’d done because he wasn’t home when she went to bed. She couldn’t question his commitment to his job. Gabe seemed more than willing to put in the hours required. He’d earned her respect for that alone, but then, there was much to admire about Gabe. Too much for her comfort.
Midmorning the next day she was sitting on the patio, reading a book, when the sound of footsteps on the bricks drew her notice.
A moment later Gabe joined her with a glass in his hand. After placing the drink on the low table, he dropped into one of the chairs facing her. “Mornin’. Mind if I join you?”
It was his home. Gabe didn’t have to ask her. “Sure.”
She stared at him. Every feminine cell in her body stood at attention and tingled. He acted rested and relaxed. His hair was still damp and tousled as if he’d dried it with a towel and done nothing more to it after his shower. A T-shirt fit close to his chest and his jeans were well-worn with holes in the knees. He was gorgeous.
As if unaware of her admiration, he placed his feet on the table, crossed his ankles and leaned back in the chair. “It looks great out here. I like the way you arranged everything.”
Zoe was pleased by his praise. Too much so. “I’m glad you do. I didn’t know how you would want it.”
“I had no doubt I could trust you.” He grinned.
“Why didn’t you tell me that you were buying nursery furniture?”
He pursed his lips and shrugged. “Maybe because I thought you might argue with me about it. I needed something for the baby anyway. You don’t like it?”
“I like it very much.”
A smug look covered his face. “I thought you might. I saw you looking at it.”
He had noticed her interest. She confessed, “I was thinking about getting it for the nursery at my place.”
“Why don’t you fix up the room the way you like it? You can take it all with you when you go. I’ll get more furniture.”
“I couldn’t do that.”
“Sure you can. The baby’ll be coming home to this house. He or she needs their own space. Wouldn’t it be nice for it to have some continuity from here to your house?”
That really wasn’t necessary but Zoe liked the idea of having a special place for the baby from the beginning. “I had planned to just use a cradle for the few weeks I’m still here. I’ll think about finishing the nursery.”
Gabe picked up his glass, took a long draw on the iced tea and set it down again. “Good. I promised I’d come up with a figure for your rent. But before I give you that I’d like you to consider a proposition.”
Her heart leaped. Proposition? What kind of proposition?
“I’ve been thinking, and don’t want to offend you, but you’ve been cooking meals, even doing some shopping, and I appreciate you have your own job to deal with, but I’ve not had time to find a housekeeper. If you’d be willing, and thought you had time, to just keep things straightened around here for a little while, then I would forgo the rent altogether. I don’t want to imply that I think you should be my housekeeper or anything...”
Zoe hadn’t expected this. The extra money she would save would make a nice down payment on the house she wanted. She enjoyed cooking and was doing that for herself anyway. The housekeeping wouldn’t be that much. Gabe wasn’t home long enough to get anything dirty. Plus, he was neat. She was already taking care of her side of the house. “I think that would work.”
“Excellent.” He stood. “Then I’m going to catch up on some reading and watch the ball game.”
“Okay. I’ll make lunch in a little while.”
“Sounds great.” He strolled to the house.
They were acting like a married couple on Sunday afternoon now. It should have made her feel uneasy but instead there was a satisfaction there, contentment. She looked into the living area at Gabe. He was sitting in his chair with his legs stretched out and his attention on the TV. Wouldn’t it be nice if it was always this way between them? It was a wonderful dream. But just a dream. Gabe had never mentioned his feelings regarding her. He was a decent man but that didn’t mean he cared for her the way Zoe wanted him to.