Judy Christenberry - Baby In Her Arms

No, it must be the worry about Maggie and Ginny. He already knew what Maggie’s reaction would be. He’d seen his mother limit his father’s. life because she wanted him to conform to her rules.

His father had been a fireman, dedicated to his job. He’d finally given it up when Josh was ten, selling insurance for a living the rest of,his life.

And as unhappy as any man could be.

Josh had married when he was twenty-four. He’d thought he was in love. But he made sure he explained his work and why he wouldn’t give it up. Six months later he’d walked out because she insisted he go to work for her father.

No way, no how.

Then he’d met Julie, Ginny’s mom. She hadn’t liked his job, either. But he’d explained his terms. They’d rocked along for almost a year. Until they both realized the other was convenient for good sex and a fun date—but nothing more.

She’d left, and she hadn’t bothered to tell him about Ginny.

Sliding behind the wheel, he sighed. What was he going to do? As Maggie had pointed out, he had to make some decisions, not just about today but long-term.

But first he had to face Maggie.

When he walked into the apartment, Maggie was on the phone and Ginny wasn’t in sight.

“I’ll be over in a little while, Kate. Mr. McKinley just arrived.”

Josh winced as she hung up the phone. Her sarcastic tone confirmed what he’d expected.

“Sorry, Maggie.”

“How interesting,” she said coolly. “You say that as if you expect your apology to be enough.” She folded her arms over her nicely shaped chest and glared at him.

“I say that because I don’t know what else to say.”

She didn’t respond. He guessed Pete was wrong. Being a private investigator wasn’t winning him many points.

“Look, Maggie, it was an important case for my best client. There was a man who was about to get away with a lot of money.”

“And Ginny? What if I hadn’t been here?”

It struck Josh that she hadn’t complained for herself. Only for his child. And she had a valid point.

“I don’t know.”

“Josh, a baby can’t be—”

He lifted his lids, trying to stave off sleep, wondering why she’d stopped.

“You haven’t had any sleep, have you?”

He shook his head. Frowning, he looked around again. “Where’s Ginny?”

“In bed, taking a nap. I suggest you join her.”

A miracle. He’d discovered a woman who knew what he needed. With a thankful smile, he struggled to his feet and headed to the bedroom. Then he came to an abrupt halt.

She’d also gotten up. And picked up her purse.

“Where are you going?”

“Home. If I hurry, I can change and make it to the office for a half day of work.”

All thought of sleep left him. “No! You can’t go! I need you.”

“Mr. McKinley, in spite of your lack of sleep, I think you’ll have to admit I kept my promise. I told you I had to leave at seven-thirty. It’s now ten-thirty. Enough is enough.”

His tired brain wasn’t functioning at top speed. “But—but what if she wakes up?”

“You change her diaper, feed her and cuddle her. It’s simple.” She started toward the door.

He might be tired, but he could still run. He beat her to the door, leaning against it, making it impossible for her to leave. “Maggie, just a few hours more.”

“I can’t believe you have the nerve to—”

He held up his hands. “I know. You’ve been more than generous. But as soon as I get some sleep, I need to go shopping for all the things she’ll need. And I don’t even know what she can eat. Just help me with those things. Please, Maggie? I’m more than willing to pay you for your time.”

Maggie stared at the man in front of her. The dark circles under his eyes and the slump of his shoulders pleaded for her to be understanding, even more than his words. Josh McKinley had had a rough night.

But Maggie believed that as long as she was his crutch, he would never deal with his baby girl. He wouldn’t change his life to include Ginny.

“Josh,” she began, reverting to his first name instead of the more formal Mr. McKinley, “you can’t stash a baby somewhere and then disappear. You’re going to have to change your life.”

“I will, I promise, Maggie, but give me today. You’ve already missed half a day. What’s another half? I bet you seldom miss work.”

Maggie could have told him she never missed work, but Kate had assured her that wasn’t always an admirable trait. And he was right. Her perfect attendance record was gone, whether she missed a half day or the rest of the year.

Trying to ignore the relief that was flooding through her, she said, “All right. I’ll stay and help you shop. While you sleep, I’ll make a list.”

To her surprise, he leaned forward and cupped her face in one of his large hands, placing a kiss on her cheek. “Thanks, Maggie. You’re a doll.”

Then he stumbled into the bedroom, softly closing the door behind him.

Maggie stood there, staring at the space Josh had occupied, touching her cheek. She was staying for Ginny. She told herself she needed to repeat those words over and over again.

Until she forgot the excitement that had filled her at his touch.

Until she dismissed his words and the yearning to believe them.

Until she remembered she was just Maggie.

“Josh, you’ve already bought a bed, a playpen and a high chair. Do you really think you need to buy a swimming pool?” Maggie asked in disbelief.

“But she enjoyed her bath so much, Maggie,” Josh observed. “Don’t you think she’d like this little swimming pool?”

Maggie stared at the stranger in front of her. Gone was the private investigator. In his place was a doting father. As long as he didn’t have to hold his baby.

Every time she’d suggested he hold the baby, he’d had a reason not to. He’d watched Maggie bathe Ginny, chuckling over Ginny’s enthusiastic splashing. He’d fixed another bottle for her, but he’d insisted Maggie should feed her.

Now he was willing to buy almost anything and everything in the store.

“No swimming pool. You don’t have room for it.” She pushed the buggy down the aisle.

“How about a stroller?”

Maggie turned around and found Josh had only moved a couple of feet and was studying some very elaborate strollers.

“Josh, we have to finish. I still have a long drive home, and we haven’t been grocery shopping yet.”

She’d intentionally mentioned her going home. Josh had sworn he only needed her to help with the shopping. She needed to keep reminding them both of that.

When he’d pleaded with her to stay, she’d been honest enough to admit to herself that she was relieved. Ginny was firmly wrapped around her heart.

And that was the main reason she had to go.

“You’re right, Maggie. We’ve certainly taken advantage of your good nature.” He accompanied his charming words with an even more charming smile.

She returned his smile, careful to hide the disappointment inside her. Disappointment? She should be thrilled to return to her own life.

“I found a big book about babies on the other aisle. I think I’ll add it to our purchases. Then I can study up on what to do.”

“You can always call me if...if you have a question. I’ll leave my number for you.” The only problem would be whether she knew the answer. Her own experience was limited to taking care of her nephew, Nathan, for an hour or two at a time. But somehow she couldn’t face losing touch with Ginny and her sexy daddy.

“That’s very nice of you.”

Maggie knew it wasn’t niceness that had prompted her words.

“Will you watch her while I go find that book?”

“Of course.” Replaced by a book. That didn’t say much for her mothering skills, did it? Maggie turned to the gurgling baby, sitting in the baby seat in the buggy, her heart lifting at the happy sound. “We haven’t done so badly, so far, though, have we Ginny?” she said softly.