“All done,” Trace said, climbing into the cab and placing several bags behind the seat. “Just a little longer and I’ll take you home.”
Marissa smiled trying to pluck up some interest in returning to the Broken J, but she knew that at the moment the dark thoughts of her future were simply too heavy for her to care.
“You tired?” Trace asked shifting the truck into gear and turning down the darkened street.
“A little,” Marissa admitted.
“We won’t be long,” he promised, reaching over with one hand and brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
***
“Good you’re here,” a soft soprano voice drifted toward them as Trace opened the door to THEPREGNANCY COUNSELING COLLECTION.
The sound of something clicking along the dark hall made Marissa peer harder into the darkness until a young woman with soft red-tinged blonde hair and bright blue eyes appeared, her two walking sticks creaking and clicking as she approached.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” the young woman said. “I didn’t know you were bringing your friend,” she said looking at Trace. “I’m Daisy,” she offered, extending her hand.
“Marissa,” Marissa said taking the young woman’s hand and studying her crooked legs and misshaped feet.
“I’m sorry I interrupted your outing,” Daisy said turning and heading down the hallway, “but I was desperate. I had just mixed-up the last of the formula, and my new order doesn’t come in until tomorrow. I’m afraid I always call Trace in a pinch.”
Marissa followed the young woman down the hall while behind her Trace walked softly carrying the bags in his hand.
“Come on in the kitchen, and we’ll have a cup of tea,” Daisy continued. “I’m afraid it’s very quiet around here tonight,” she added looking up at a huge clock on the wall.
“I’ll put the kettle on,” Trace said plopping the bags on the battered red and gray table that looked like it was straight from the 1950s. “I know where everything is.”
“Have a seat,” Daisy said indicating a red vinyl chair. “I’m not going to argue with any man who offers to make me a cup of tea,” she finished with a laugh.
Marissa slipped into the chair feeling awkward and out of place, but the other woman simply smiled brightly at her as she sat down and began taking cans of formula out of the bags.
“Are you visiting the Broken J?” Daisy asked her soft voice rich and lilting.
“Yes, my sister Michelle lives there.”
“You mean the crazy lady with the pony cart,” Daisy laughed. “I know her. She took me for a ride once and I’ll never forget it.”
Marissa laughed, picking up on the sparkle of the other woman’s eyes. “Michelle is a bit reckless sometimes,” she agreed.
“How is Michelle and that precious little Kadence? If he isn’t the sweetest little boy in the world.”
“They’re fine,” Marissa said looking up as Trace placed mugs on the table then hurried back to the stove. “I’m visiting with them for the summer,” she continued. “I’m a teacher and have some time off before I go back to work.”
“Will you finish the whole year?” Daisy asked as Trace returned filling the mugs from a steaming kettle. “Or will you take your leave?”
Marissa opened her mouth then closed it turning to glare at Trace. Had he brought her here so that his sister could convince her that she only had one course of action?
Daisy looked up at her brother noting his slumped shoulders, and tired eyes then sighed. “I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “It’s none of my business. I’m afraid I’m far too forward, and I didn’t mean to pry.”
Marissa looked back at her host and shook her head. Trace’s sister seemed genuinely upset by her mistake, and something in Marissa turned feeling compassion and respect for the girl with the crippled legs.
“It’s alright,” she said. “I just haven’t thought ahead very far yet. I’m not sure what my plans are.”
Trace looked at his sister whose eyes had grown wide, but he shook his head stopping any comment. There was no point arguing with Marissa if she wasn’t ready to listen. He knew he would personally do anything he could to convince her to keep the baby she was trying to pretend wasn’t real.
A soft wailing drifted to them from another room and Daisy grabbed her walking sticks preparing to rise.
“I’ll get it,” Trace said slipping through the door on silent feet and disappearing into the darkened building.
“I am sorry,” Daisy said. “I’m afraid I don’t miss much in my line of work. How far along are you?”
“About twelve weeks,” Marissa said. She had known much earlier, but Ray walking away had thrown her for a loop, and she still hadn’t completely gotten her head around the issue.
“You know this is what I do right?” Daisy said the compassion in her voice so rich it nearly choked Marissa. “If I can help, please let me know.”
For some reason, Marissa couldn’t feel angry with the woman. There was something so real, so caring about her that it seemed to fill the entire kitchen with some strange presence.
“I know,” Marissa said feeling more confused than ever as she dropped her head, only looking up when Trace stepped back into the room with a squirming infant in his arms.
“Bottles are already in the fridge,” Daisy said smiling at her brother, who was crooning to the baby in his arms. A few seconds later, he had heated a bottle and joined them at the table as he fed the baby.
“I see why you did so good with Megan,” Marissa mused watching the man. Instead of looking put out by the child, Trace seemed comfortable and at ease sitting at the table and offering a nighttime feeding.
“I told you I’ve had lots of practice,” Trace said offering her a grin that made him seem even more handsome than before.
“Give
