He could tell she wasn’t thrilled by his answer. “Do you want me to do it?”
She didn’t know what she wanted. If she thought about it too hard, she’d suggest they just lock themselves in her room forever. “In a way, I guess. I just want us to do normal things together.”
“Say no more. If I am still here, I will be there. Okay?”
…While Journey readied herself to go to town, Reno took care of the animals. Once their needs were met, he sat down in the middle of the bedroom floor with the two dogs and the two cats. “This is the way it’s going to be, troops. We respect one another. We look out for one another. No. No.” He pulled a kitten off his chest and pushed a dachshund off his knee. “No treeing the kittens, Dudley.”
Journey ran to get her phone, wanting to preserve this endearing sight forever. As she snapped the photo, she wondered who would see it. Taking the phone with her when they left wouldn’t be an option. Still, she snapped two more photos of Reno wrangling the animals. “You’re going to be an incredible father,” she echoed his sentiment from before as he pulled a kitten from its nesting place on his neck. “You’ve got the patience of a saint.”
“Not really, honey. Stop that, that’s not nice.” He chastised Cleo as she sniffed Spot’s bottom. “Are you ready?”
“Just about.” She applied some lip gloss, then inspected her wan complexion. “I thought pregnant women were supposed to glow.”
“You’re beautiful.” He stood to his feet, a kitten in his hand. “I think I’ll deposit these hillbillies back into the bathroom while we’re gone.”
“A wise decision,” she murmured, watching him through the mirror. His reflection fascinated her; a fantasy come to life. This morning he was dressed all in black again, very similar to the tintype she’d cherished for decades. There were still moments when she expected him to disappear; or find upon waking it had all been a dream. Yet, this was no still-life. With twinkling eyes, he smiled at her with a devil may care grin.
“I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be waiting,” she murmured, turning to pick up her purse when a wave of déjà vu hit her so hard, she had to sit down.
I’ll be right back.
I’ll be waiting.
The words seemed to echo in her brain. Was this déjà vu? Or a portent for the future?
“Here I am. I shut the commode seat. I didn’t want Blackie going for a swim.” He came into the room to find her on the bed. “Let’s go. Do you feel sick? I bet you need prenatal vitamins. I was reading about them on the internet a few minutes ago when I visited the facilities.”
“I just felt a little dizzy.” She stood and remained still a few moments to make sure she had her footing. “You’re going to miss reading that kindle when you visit the outhouse, aren’t you?”
“Yea, I am.” He put an arm around Journey to herd her to the door. “I’ll have to set up a stack of books and a kerosene lamp.”
“Sounds like a fire hazard to me.” As they left the house and locked the door, she laid her head on his shoulder. “Do you want to drive?”
“Should I?”
“Maybe just to the city limits. I’ll take over from there. I’m just feeling a bit drowsy.”
Reno helped her into the passenger seat. He didn’t have much experience with pregnant women, but he was worried about Journey. “I’ll be careful.”
True to his word, he drove with extreme caution, and stayed under the speed limit. With they neared Fredericksburg, he pulled over. He didn’t have to shake her awake, the stopping of the car did the job. “Are we there?”
“Just past the city limit sign. Do you feel like driving?”
“I do.” Bu the time she finished unbuckling her seat belt, Reno was standing at her side to help her out. “Thank you. You’re such a gentleman.”
“Of course.” He assisted her behind the wheel, then came around to join her. “Where to first?”
She glanced at the clock on the dash. “The post office, I think.”
As they drove the short distance, Reno noted a jewelry store a couple of blocks before the post office. Once they parked and he helped her inside with the packages, he was trying to think of a way he could visit the shop without Journey knowing. At a loss, he was just about to reveal his plan when a voice called her by name.
“Journey! Journey Stanton!”
“Arlene? I can’t believe it’s you!”
Reno held her place in line while she greeted what seemed to be a long-lost friend. After they’d spoke a minute, Journey introduced him. “Reno, this is a friend from high school, Arlene Seagram. Arlene, this is Reno Black. My…”
“Intended.” He supplied the word she seemed at a loss to find.
“How charming, Journey. Where did you find this man?”
“I’ve known him for years,” she muttered with a serious expression.
Reno had to hold in a laugh. “She’s not exaggerating. I’m a face from the past.”
Journey made eyes at him. “He’s funny too.”
“Well, I’m glad I ran into you. I heard you were selling the most luscious face and body lotions. Would you have a minute to talk to me?”
“Sure. Let me get these packages taken care of.” Journey pointed to a table in the corner of the lobby. “Why don’t I meet you over there in just a moment?”
When she glanced at Reno to see if her suggestion was okay with him, he saw an opportunity and took it. “You visit with your friend and I’ll take a quick walk down the street to stretch my legs.”
“Are you sure? You can join us,” she offered at the same moment the clerk
