“Bed,” he said. “We could both use the extra sleep.”
“But—”
He kissed me. “We’ll talk later. Mama is going to take Theo one night, and we’re going on a date. Lots of adult conversation will happen then.”
I let him carry me to bed. I was tired, and I needed time to process his words. What they meant to me.
What he meant.
The garage was busy. Stefano was right, and Charly looked exhausted. I checked on her during the day, even taking a break to make a big pot of soup and leaving it on the stove so she wouldn’t have to worry about dinner. She was so organized and I was familiar with her systems, so I was able to step in easily. Dealing with the customers face-to-face was sort of like handling the bar patrons, only they were sober and usually had much larger bills. Business was booming, and a lot of regulars inquired about Charly and how she was feeling. After the first day, other meals were dropped off, and I knew how much the people around here cared about her. Maxx was touched, and Stefano and Brett took turns carrying casseroles and baked goods to the house. Maxx found every excuse he could to check on things in the house, and more than once, he came back grumpy because Charly had kicked him out. I was sliding a pan into the freezer when I heard her one time.
“Holy moly!” she yelled. “How can I rest when you’re in here every five minutes, Maxx?”
“It’s not every five minutes, Red. I’m just making sure you’re okay.”
“I have my cell if I need you,” she replied, her voice quieter. “I’m fine, just tired. Your damn kid is using me as a punching bag and tap-dancing on my kidneys! All I do is sleep and pee.”
There were some hushed words, and I knew without a doubt he was talking to her stomach. She insisted his voice quieted their growing child more than anything. They were thrilled to be having a daughter this time, although she knew Maxx would be overprotective.
“Lord help us both. That child will be spoiled and locked up until she is thirty, I swear,” she bemoaned with a wide grin. “Maxx will go gray overnight with worry.” She laughed, rubbing her hands with glee. “I can hardly wait.”
I wiped the counter and rinsed a couple mugs. Maxx came down the steps, looking troubled. I put a hand on his arm. “She’s right, Maxx. Sometimes, the second baby is harder. She told me the doctor says everything is fine.”
“She’s here alone.”
“If Mary stayed here with Thomas, Charly wouldn’t rest. She has her cell. If that isn’t enough, put the baby monitor in your room. If she needs you, she can call out. But let her sleep.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“I’ll come over later and sit here to make my calls. I’ll make sure she eats and is okay.”
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Thanks, Gabby. I’d appreciate that.”
I liked being at the garage. The constant stream of people and the banter. Seeing Stefano several times a day. Checking in on Charly. Listening and chatting to the guys, although I noticed they made sure to maintain a respectful distance, which made me chuckle.
Theo spent some time with Mrs. Scott, some with me and the men at the garage, and some time with Mary and Thomas. He loved being with people, and I realized how isolated we had been before Stefano came into our lives. Theo was more outgoing and happier than I had ever seen him.
Late Wednesday afternoon, Charly came in, looking better. She slid onto the seat beside me with a smile.
“How are you?” I asked.
“Good. The break has been good. I was hoping I could convince you to give me a few more hours. We’d pay you, of course.”
“Sure. I can do that.”
“The mornings are hard. Maybe you could come in and be here? Bring Theo—it would only be for a couple of extra hours every day. I can take my time before I start work.”
“Sounds good.”
“Great.”
My phone rang, and I smiled at her as she got up and waddled toward Maxx. He watched her adoringly, holding out his hand when she got close. I had a feeling he’d take her home right away. I felt a sneeze coming, and I grabbed a Kleenex to cover my mouth as I answered the phone.
“Hello,” I muttered, trying to hold back the sneeze.
I heard nothing, only the crackling of dead air.
I hung up and reached for a file. A short while later, my phone rang again. I checked the number, and it registered as local but no name.
“Hello.”
Again, I only heard silence and a slight crackling noise in the background.
I hung up, rolling my eyes. Obviously, a scam artist. I blocked the number and forgot about it.