Falling for the Mom-to-Be. Jenna Mindel

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СКАЧАТЬ years ago. Matthew’s parents spent their golden summers into fall manning booths at craft fairs all over northern Michigan to sell their product. They didn’t do too badly, either.

      “I’m picking up Luke. We’re going to work on Annie Marshall’s roof this week.” They’d purchased the supplies they needed and were ready to start. He bent down and petted the cat. Tigger butted his head against Matthew’s ankles, purring like mad.

      His father poured juice in a glass. “Nice of you to help out there.”

      His parents had gone to Jack’s funeral. They knew the situation. Jack had been to their house with him on many occasions to ice-fish since his folks had inland lake frontage. And Jack had bought Zelinsky syrup every Christmas for Annie.

      Midsip of his coffee, he paused and set the cup back down. He’d have to make sure Annie got her half gallon this year. When would the baby be born? Surely, by Christmas.

      He grabbed a bowl and spoon. “I was going to help Jack with it this summer, anyway.”

      “How is Annie? Poor woman.” His mom set the pan of oatmeal on a pad and then retreated for a plate of bacon from the microwave.

      Matthew grabbed a couple slices before she set it down.

      His mom slapped his hand. “We need to pray first.”

      He popped the bacon in his mouth and gasped. “Hot.”

      His mother chuckled. “See, Bozia punish.”

      Matthew shook his head. Those were his grandmother’s words. He’d heard them all his life, but this time they stopped him cold. Did God really punish? If so, what might be in store for him for breaking the tenth commandment?

      “So answer my question.” His mom gave him a sharp look.

      “What question?” He reached for another piece of bacon and set it on his napkin.

      “How is Annie Marshall?”

      He shrugged. “She’s holding her own.”

      How’s a woman supposed to be when her husband recently died? Add a baby on the way and it was a wonder Annie still got out of bed, let alone yammer at him for bringing his brother to work on the roof.

      The image of Annie with her hands on her hips flashed through his mind. She was even prettier riled up. Why’d he always notice how she looked?

      “So sad.” His mother slipped into a chair and served up oatmeal into bowls.

      “Yeah.”

      “Hey.” His youngest brother entered the kitchen dressed in old jeans and a T-shirt. At twenty years old, Luke still lived at home when he wasn’t away at college.

      “Now, we can bless the food.” His father bowed his head.

      They all recited the simple prayer his family had used forever. “Bless us, O Lord! and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

      “Amen.” Matthew poured syrup over his oatmeal, crumpled bacon on top and dug in.

      “Uncle John said we’ve got three weeks before his contractor’s account needs to be paid.” Luke stuffed bacon into his mouth.

      Matthew nodded. “No problem.”

      “You’re not paying for her roof—” His mom started.

      “Leave him be, Helen.”

      Matthew nodded toward his father. “She’s paying for the materials. Luke asked Uncle John if we could use his account for the discount.”

      “Let’s hurry up and get over there.” Luke didn’t linger, nor did he believe in wasting time. But then, he winked. “I want to see you two argue again.”

      “Argue?” His mom asked, horrified.

      “You should have seen them stare each other down like a couple of alley cats.” Luke grinned.

      “Matthew! Why were you arguing with her?”

      He kicked his brother under the table, connecting with Luke’s boot instead of anything that might hurt.

      His kid brother’s grin only got wider.

      “Annie doesn’t accept my help very well,” Matthew finally replied.

      His father’s eyebrows rose.

      His mom exchanged a look with his dad before she said, “Honey, be careful. She’s still grieving and probably vulnerable.”

      “Sure, Mom.”

      Too late. He’d already kissed her. He wouldn’t admit that to his mother. Bad enough, he wanted to do it again. That tenth commandment came to mind. Was it considered coveting when the neighbor’s wife was now a widow?

      Matthew polished off the rest of his oatmeal and another slice of bacon and then looked at Luke. “Ready?”

      “I was born ready.”

      Matthew chuckled. “Let’s go.”

      It was a short drive to Annie’s. The Zelinsky farm lay only ten miles north of town on fifty acres wedged between a small inland lake and state land. By the time they arrived, the truck hauling a rented Dumpster had already backed far into Annie’s driveway. She’d left her car parked out front as he’d asked when he’d called her last night. She’d sounded tired, sad even, but told him she was fine. She was always fine. He’d heard that statement too many times to believe it.

      After inspecting the roof yesterday, Luke had suggested they tear off the old shingles that were too worn for an overlay. Matthew had agreed even though it pulled his brother away from his summer job a couple more days. Good thing the kid worked for a relative who happened to own the largest roofing company in the area. They’d pulled a permit and rented a Dumpster lickety-split.

      Matthew didn’t want to cut corners and he didn’t want leaks cropping up because he hadn’t been thorough. Like that night Jack had complained after eating those hot wings. Matthew should have offered his friend aspirin instead of antacids. That small move might have saved Jack’s life.

      In the backyard, Luke steadied the ladder. He had a couple of garden forks in hand, ready to climb up onto the roof. “Once we’ve stripped off the old shingles, we’ll know for sure the condition underneath.”

      Matthew looked through the kitchen window, expecting to see Annie there at the sink. Odd. She hadn’t come out. She knew they were coming this morning. The beeping of the Dumpster delivery would have cued her in to that fact. Was she okay? Or maybe still sick.

      “I’ll be up in a minute.”

      Luke grinned. “Take your time.”

      Matthew ignored the knowing expression on his brother’s face and tried the back door. It opened easily. Unlocked. But then it was nine in the morning and Annie had probably left the door open СКАЧАТЬ