He took both her hands in his and gazed deeply into her eyes. “What do you want from me?”

“I don’t even know. My doctor said that you should know so the baby’s full medical background is clear. My sister and my best friend told me you had rights as the father.”

His eyes narrowed and his face looked far more serious. “And what about you?”

Kate’s eyes filled again, and her breath hitched. Facing her fear for the first time, she told the truth. “I’m scared to death. I don’t want to do this alone, and you’re the only other person who could love this baby as much as I do.”

She couldn’t tell for sure, but it seemed she wasn’t the only one fighting tears. David blinked hard and then pulled her close, kissing the top of her head gently. “When’s your next doctor’s appointment?”

“It’s today. I’m having my first screening test.”

“Screening test?”

“Since I’m over thirty-five, they do tests to detect possible birth defects.”

David’s face dropped. Reality struck. This was a real baby and it could have real problems. She could see this was something he hadn’t had time to consider. His hand squeezed hers. “I’m done for the day, if you want me to come with you.”

Kate nodded frantically. She hated the idea of going alone. He stood and helped her up, and without any hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest. David’s arms did just what she hoped—they enveloped her in a protective blanket.

“I should have told you right away. I’m sorry I waited.”

“Is that why you called me last week?”

Again she nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I knew.”

Kate stepped back and glared. He was grinning, but she was floored. “You knew? How?”

He took one of her hands in his and held it tight. “When you were at your doctor’s appointment, you signed an autograph.” She didn’t respond but lowered her eyes and he continued. “Amanda is married to one of my teammates. She was telling the story to some of her friends and I overheard her.”

“Oh. Small world.”

“Very.”

Kate drew a shaky breath and looked at him. “I’m surprised you didn’t come to see me.”

“I was giving you one more day,” he said. “If you didn’t tell me, I’d have been at your front door.”

Kate laughed. She had pictured his reaction a thousand different ways. Panic, fear, anger—but that wasn’t what Kate saw. He wasn’t angry; in fact, he looked genuinely happy. Then again, he’d had time to adjust to the idea of being a father. “I’m glad I got to you first.”

“Me too.” He hadn’t let go of her hand yet, and didn’t seem like he had any intention of doing so. “I’m going to follow you home.” His free hand came to her face and his thumb brushed away the remaining tears. “You can change, or whatever you need to do, and then I’ll drive you to your appointment. I just need to stop home and change my shirt.”

“I can meet you there. I don’t want to put you out.”

“You aren’t. After the doctor, I’ll take you out to dinner. How does that sound?”

Kate felt better than she had in a week. She sniffled and wiped her face again. “It sounds wonderful.”

Chapter 17

‡

Kate’s house was a testament to her. It was traditional, classy, and warm. He pulled his truck up the long driveway and parked it next to her Volvo. Not only was the house beautiful, but the area itself was exactly what he’d always wanted for a family home. David didn’t like the city, he lived there because it was easy, but Kate’s home was more his style.

The house was a good size, but not unwieldy, and there were at least two acres of land. At the end of a dead end street, it was secluded and private. There were Christmas lights strung on the trees and bushes, beautiful wreaths on all the doors, and candles in the windows.

They entered through a door on the side of the house, near the garage. A pergola protected the small stoop, and based on the dormant vines he saw, David imagined in summer it was alive with flowers.

They walked into a small mud room where Kate hung up her vest, then brought him into the kitchen. The walls were a soft yellow and bathed in sunshine. He noticed the entire main level had huge windows.

“This house is awesome,” he said. “When was it built?”

Kate grabbed a glass from one of the cherry cabinets and pulled a pitcher of water from the refrigerator. She stopped to think. “1927?”

“It’s amazing.”

“Thanks. It’s too big for me, but I love it too much to leave it.” It dawned on her she’d forgotten her manners and made a face. “I’m sorry. Would you like anything?”

“Water’s good. Thanks.” She poured and handed him a glass, and David continued to take in everything he saw.

On the memo board he saw the information about the practice written, and it made him smile. On the fridge was proof this woman was a mother. There were old drawings made by a child’s hand, and at least ten different pictures of the same girl at different ages. Her daughter, no doubt.

“Your daughter is gorgeous. She looks just like you.”

Kate smiled. “That’s not her most recent picture. Hold on.” Kate walked into the den, which was really just an extension of the kitchen, and pulled a framed picture off a sideboard. “This was taken a couple of months ago.”

David examined the picture. “Just like you.” He could see that made her happy, but a hint of sorrow shadowed her eyes when she took the picture back and ran her hand over the smooth glass before placing it on the counter behind her.

“Thank you.” Changing the subject quickly, Kate put her glass in the sink and stuffed her hands in her pockets. “I’m going to change. Make yourself comfortable. There’s stuff for sandwiches in the fridge if you’re hungry.”

“Okay. Want me to make you something?” She looked shocked at the offer, but then David remembered she wasn’t used to someone wanting to take care of her—someone like him, who was in love with her and wanted to take care of her like this forever.

Kate bit her lip and looked at him in a way that could only be described as coy. “Would you? I’m starved.”

“Sure. Go do whatever you have to do.”

“Thank you.”

David walked over to where she was standing. She’d taken off her sneakers, so she was at her smallest, and he towered over her. “I’m not a bad guy, you know.”

“I know.” She dropped her head and stared at the floor.

David rested his hands on her shoulders. “Then why don’t you want us to be together?”

Kate looked up, and the saddest look he’d ever seen washed across her pretty face. She looked hopeless, and it pained David to see her so unhappy.

“I just don’t know how long I can keep your interest.”

There were times understanding came slowly, and other times when it hit like a slap to the face. This was a slap. Kate was afraid he was going to leave. It was clear to him now—if they had any chance, David had to prove he was in this for the long haul, especially since the baby was in the picture. He had to show her he could be a grownup.

He decided he wouldn’t make any sweeping statements, and proposing was too predictable, but he’d have to show her he wasn’t going to let her down. He’d have to build her trust, and that would take time.

“I suppose I can understand why you feel that way, but I’m not going to let you down.”

Kate took his hand, seeming to be comforted by the simple statement. But he could see she still didn’t know if David had sticking power. He’d have to show her he did.

*

At least he didn’t lie. Kate had to appreciate the fact David didn’t try to soothe her with empty promises.

Maybe they could be friends. That wouldn’t be bad, would it? They could depend on each other and take care of their child and it would all be good.

Kate looked at herself in the mirror on her dresser. Why couldn’t she just admit what she wanted? She wanted to wake up next to David each and every morning for the rest of her life. She wanted them to be a family. Friends may be what they were destined to be, but Kate wanted more. If only she had the nerve.