Upstairs Downstairs Baby. Cat Schield

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       Three

      Silence reigned in the gourmet kitchen as Linc freed the toddler from her booster seat and set her on her feet. Giggling, Honey clung to his leg for a couple seconds before racing into the sunroom, where her toys were kept.

      When he turned back to Claire, he saw that she was staring at the contents of the jewelry box. Her slight frown worried him.

      “You don’t like them?”

      At his question, Claire took a couple breaths and seemed to gather herself. “It’s too much.”

      Linc chuckled warmly. “I assure you it’s not nearly enough.”

      “They’re beautiful.”

      “You like turquoise, right?”

      For a span of a few heartbeats, Claire seemed to stop breathing. Had it been too much that he’d not only remembered her favorite color, but also that he’d found her something quirky to match her style?

      “I’ve never seen anything like these,” she murmured.

      “I got them at that boutique Sawyer’s friend owns. A local artist makes them. Each pair is one of a kind. I thought you’d appreciate that.”

      “I do.” A smile accompanied her words, but it lacked something, making Linc frown.

      “You’re sure you like them? I have the receipt if you want to return them and choose something else.” Hopefully she wouldn’t. He wanted her to wear something he’d picked out for her.

      “I’d never do that,” she rushed to assure him. “They’re beautiful and I’ll treasure them.” As if to indicate the conversation was at an end, she set the top back on the box and put it aside. “Thank you.”

      Linc wondered if the earrings were destined for a drawer, never to see the light of day again. His mood dipped. This wasn’t at all the outcome he’d been hoping for. He wanted her to love the earrings and think of him every time she wore them. Each time they tickled her neck, he’d imagine the contact was his lips grazing across her soft, fragrant skin. If he couldn’t touch her, he wanted something from him to caress her.

      “You’re not going to wear them?” He couldn’t stop himself from asking the question.

      She shook her head. “They’re too fancy for every day.”

      “Then you’ll wear them tonight when I take you and Honey out for dinner.”

      She looked appalled. “Dinner? Tonight?”

      “Part two of your anniversary celebration.”

      “But I have so much to do to get ready for tomorrow night’s dinner party.” She gestured to the flowers. “Why don’t I make something and we can eat here.”

      “I don’t want you cooking or cleaning up.” He assumed she’d appreciate eating a meal she hadn’t prepared. “Let me give you a break from all that. A thank-you for all you’ve done for me.”

      Her mouth opened and closed as if she wanted to continue arguing. At last, she nodded. “May I pick the place?”

      “Of course. Where would you like to go?”

      “There’s a seafood restaurant by Wappoo Creek I’ve been dying to try.”

      “If it’s seafood you want, the yacht club has a fantastic restaurant.”

      When her eyes widened in dismay, Linc wondered what was wrong.

      “I’d really rather not go there.” Her chin lifted and her body language screamed determination. “And you said I could choose wherever I wanted.” When he nodded, she relaxed. “Besides, I’d rather go somewhere more kid-friendly, since Honey is coming along.”

      “There are always families eating at the yacht club. You don’t need to worry about Honey being out of place.”

      She shook her head. “How was lunch with your mother?”

      Her change of subject reminded him of his mother’s request. He grimaced.

      “She wants to throw a party and asked if you could cater it.”

      “Of course.” Even as she spoke, her gaze grew unfocused. The wheels were already turning as she sorted through what treats she might prepare. “When is the party?”

      “Two weeks.”

      Another woman might have protested, but Claire merely nodded. “What’s the occasion?”

      “Nothing special.” No need to explain that his mother intended to throw him to the wolves. “She just wants to invite some friends over.”

      “Did she mention how many people?”

      “Not really.” He sounded positively grim.

      Claire gave him a curious once-over before saying, “I’ll give her a call and discuss the particulars.”

      “If it gets to be too much, let me know. I don’t want you feeling overwhelmed.”

      “Don’t worry.” She dismissed his concern with a flick of her hand. “Steve and Jenny will be here for your party tomorrow. I’ll ask them if they’re available. It’s a little last-minute, but if they’re busy, I’m sure they’ll know some other people who could help serve.” Claire glanced at the flowers on the counter. “Now, I’d better get back to these. I have lots to do before tomorrow night.”

      “Dinner at six?” Linc proposed, naming an earlier time than he usually ate so they could have a leisurely meal and still get home for Honey’s bedtime.

      “Sure. That will be fine.”

      Nodding, Linc headed for the stairs. With a packed schedule from February to October, he should have appreciated the downtime during off-season. Instead, he chafed at the inactivity. It gave him too much time to think.

      Lately, he’d been preoccupied with life after baseball. He’d had a great run, but he was going to be thirty-four when his contract was up. Despite the fact that his performance hadn’t slowed, at that age, there was no way he would get another big deal. Nor was he even sure he’d still be playing for the Barons. How much longer did he think his career in the major leagues was going to last?

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