CHAPTER 15
Harper raced aroundher small home trying to make sure there was nothing on the floor that Layla might try to grab, break or simply put into her mouth. The child still seemed to be at the age where she tasted everything. Everything!
Today was Sunday and Harper was glad for the day off. After working another exhibition yesterday, she was eager for a chance to relax. And keep ignoring my nonexistent painting.
“Poor Mason has it rougher,” she reminded herself. He dealt with the toddler after work, while Harper got a break. It was easy to see why single parenting was so difficult now that she was watching Mason go through it.
The doorbell rang and Harper’s heart skipped a beat. She took a moment to collect herself. This was the first time they would be together...together. Yes, Layla would be there, but after that kiss a couple of days ago, their relationship had completely shifted and Harper found she had never been happier. Even with the deadline looming, her days were simply...better. Even with dirty diapers, sticky fingers and almost no alone time, she felt more fulfilled than the day she sold her first painting and realized she was now considered professional.
Harper adored little Layla and her feelings for Mason were stronger than ever. Their dating story might be full of interruptions and difficulties, but she was just grateful they were going to have a story at all.
Harper pulled open the front door. “Hey.” Talk about the lamest greeting in the history of greetings. Harper wanted to palm her forehead. What was she? Some sixteen year old kid?
Mason grinned, Layla laying against his shoulder. “Hey.”
Why did it sound so much better when he said it? Mason sounded sexy, Harper sounded like an idiot. “Come on in.” She pulled the door open farther and closed it behind them. “Wow.” Harper smiled. “You look like a full fledged dad.”
Mason was sporting a diaper bag, which was so full of stuff he couldn’t zip it, plus another bag that contained more supplies and, of course, a baby in his arms.
Mason’s cheekbones turned pink. “I’m learning.”
She leaned in slightly. “I think you’re succeeding.”
Mason bent down and left a quick kiss on her forehead. “Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without you.” He straightened with a frown. “I feel like I’m always saying thank you to you.”
Harper laughed softly and took Layla, who was about to fall out of Mason’s arms in her attempt to get to Harper. “I’m just grateful you didn’t kick me out when I came bursting in with unwanted help.”
“I didn’t realize I needed it,” Mason admitted, unloading his gear like a pack mule. “Now I know better.”
Pleasure swirled through Harper’s chest. She’d been so consumed in helping that she hadn’t realized how bold she’d been during the beginning few days of their dealing with the baby. “Have you two eaten breakfast yet?”
Layla bounced and kicked.
Mason scratched his beard, smiling sadly while he shook his head. “I’m starting to think I should make that doctor’s appointment.”
Harper nodded. “Yeah...if she doesn’t start saying things soon, I think that’s a good idea.” She shrugged. “I mean, you’ll need a pediatrician anyway, but I keep hoping she’ll adjust and start speaking.”
The mood had gone from amused to somber and Harper once again felt dumb. What else could she mess up?
“Breakfast,” Harper said decidedly. Walking forward, she led the way to the kitchen. Pancake batter sat next to a griddle, all ready to go.
“I don’t think I’m the only one who plans things well in advance,” Mason teased.
Harper smiled sheepishly. “Guilty.”
He walked to the griddle. “Want me to take care of this since you’re holding Layla?”
“You make pancakes?”
Mason winked at her. “I used to be able to flip them in a pan when I was younger.” His face fell a little. “Aimee loved it.”
“Let me grab a pan,” Harper hurried to say. “I’ll bet Layla will follow right along in her mother’s footsteps.” She found what she wanted and held it out to him, but instead of just taking the dish, he held onto her hand.
“Thanks,” he said softly. “But I haven’t done it in ages. What if I make a mess?”
Harper shrugged. “We’ll clean it up.”
He looked around, his smile relaxing as he stepped away from the sadness of his sister. “I don’t see a dog.”
Harper laughed and set down Layla, who was squirming. “Not yet. Maybe someday.”
Mason’s eyes were smoldering as he replied, “Right. Maybe someday.”
Harper had to turn away. The words felt like a promise and she liked it a little too much. “Layla!” The little girl was in the process of climbing onto the table, having already conquered the chair. “Good grief,” Harper said, grabbing the toddler.
“You haven’t been over in a couple of days,” Mason said as he began heating up the pan. “I’ve had to kid-proof the entire house.” He paused long enough to give her a significant look. “And that includes making it climbing proof.”
Harper’s smile widened. “What did you do?”
“For one thing, the chairs are all up on the table.”
A bark of laughter broke free and Harper shook her head. “That’s original.”
“Actually, that’s YouTube,” Mason said with a snort. “I found a video about it.” He shrugged. “Who knew? Parenting according to social media.”
“Oh, I’ll bet you could find all sorts of things about parenting on social media,” Harper retorted. “And very little of it will be useful.”
“Are you trying to make sure you keep your job?”
Harper loved this back and forth. The teasing, the light heartedness. It was exactly what she had always imagined when she fell for a guy. “Maybe. After all, who would I be if I wasn’t the baby saver?”
“Oh, I don’t know...” Mason tilted his head as if truly having to concentrate. “A beautiful artist?”
Heat began to climb Harper’s neck.
“A pretty neighbor?”
She shook her head at him.
“Or what about just a stunning woman?”
Mason had turned around now and was facing Harper with that intent look in his eye again. Oh, how she wanted to kiss him. She had every confidence it would actually be even better than their first. But with Layla bouncing on her lap, Harper finally understood his initial hesitations. A baby made a huge difference in how a relationship progressed.
But Harper wanted this. She wanted them. And she wasn’t willing to give up quite so easily despite the struggles in her career. Naptime would come soon enough.
*****