Long Road Home (The Barker Triplets 4)

“It happens in every marriage. Trust me on that.”

“That last night, we had a doozy of a fight, and we both said such awful, hurtful things to each other. I accused him of having an affair and…” She paused as all the air inside her leaked out. She thought of Jane, and her stomach tumbled. To hear the words out in the open was sobering. “He told me I cared more about a baby that didn’t exist than the people in my life. And that’s just the highlights. We fought, and like we always do when thing get heated, we had sex, and that was the night this baby was conceived. Me being me, I left the next day and refused to talk to him or see him, which is childish, I know that, but,” she shrugged, “it’s how my mind was working back then. And after a while, us being apart became another kind of monster, and the days came one after another without us talking, and here I am. I don’t know how much longer I can keep it from him.”

“That is something you’ll have to come clean on sooner rather than later.”

“I know.”

“Lies and secrets won’t get you to the finish line. What are you afraid of?”

Bobbi nearly choked on her water. “I’m afraid of everything, Coral.”

“I don’t think so,” the woman replied. “I think the only thing you’re afraid of is you. Trust yourself, honey. Love yourself, and the rest will fall into place, because that husband of yours is ass over teakettle for you. The way he looked at you last night damn near set my panties on fire.”

“Coral!” Shocked, Bobbi Jo glanced up at her and then began to giggle. And then the giggle turned into a full-on belly laugh, and by the time she was done, her sides ached as much as her heart.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had someone other than my sisters to talk to, and they don’t always see the big picture. Sometimes we’re too close to be impartial. My mother died when I was really young, and I never had anyone other than Betty or Billie. It’s nice to feel like I can tell you things. I really appreciate it.”

Coral sniffled a bit. “Don’t go getting me all emotional over here, or we’ll never make the flower show.” She peered over her glasses. “That’s if you’re still up for it? My daughter-in-law was going to meet me, but she called just before luncheon and said she had a bit of a cold.”

Truthfully, Bobbi felt like relaxing with a good book, but she knew how much the flower show meant to Coral, and it was obvious the older woman was disappointed in her daughter-in-law…yet again.

“I can’t wait,” she replied softly. “I just have to freshen up.”

“And call your doctor.”

She nodded. “There’s that too.”

Bobbi grabbed their plates and headed back inside the house. After depositing them in the kitchen, where a cute teenager was cleaning while Mackie snuck fresh baked cookies from the counter where they were cooling, she headed for the stairs and the quiet of her room.

She splashed fresh water on her face, brushed her teeth, and smoothed the front of her light-blue sundress. Her hair was off her neck in a topknot, and her sunglasses, water, and purse sat on the dresser. When there was nothing left to do, she picked up her cell phone.

There was a text from Shane.

Bike ride later? Sunset.

She stared at the message for a few seconds before calling Doctor Keating. His nurse, Nancy, answered on the third ring and informed Bobbi that she had a cancellation Tuesday at two in the afternoon.

“I’ll take it,” Bobbi replied.

“And what’s the purpose?”

Bobbi cleared her throat. “I think I’m pregnant.”

“Okay. I’ve noted that in your file, and we’ll see you then.”

Bobbi stared at Shane’s message once more and, before she lost her nerve, sent a quick reply.

Can’t. Will be away for a bit. I’ll let you know when I’m back.

She booked a flight and then had just enough time to see the flower show with Coral before heading to the airport for her flight home. What a difference a week made. This time, her steps were lighter and her mind wasn’t so chaotic.

She might be headed to New Waterford, but she couldn’t wait to come back to Louisiana and Shane.

Chapter Fourteen

It had been a long time since Shane had felt so inspired. He spent the morning working on the canvas that had been a pain in his ass for months now. It was full of dark, angry colors, but he’d introduced new texture and light and, by three o’clock, was finally starting to see something about the piece that he liked.

But it was the new idea that grabbed hold of him and wouldn’t let go. He took a break and checked his phone, taking a swig of cold water as he read through several messages from his agent, a couple from his buddy Logan, and Bobbi’s reply, which left him scratching his head a bit. She hadn’t said anything the night before about leaving.