The magical moment lasted for a few more seconds and then bedlam broke loose. A fire truck arrived first, then the EMTs rushed in. Cops were there because of the car accident, the driver of the truck following them in yelling about a hit and run. It took a while for things to calm down but Sherry and the baby were eventually loaded into an ambulance and the cops managed to convince the truck driver that no one had actually left the scene of the accident.

By the time Marissa was alone again and glanced at her watch to see the time she realized she only had 45 minutes to get to the showing she had scheduled and that would have to include time to run home and change clothes. She glanced at the bloody stains on one of her favorite dresses but didn’t feel the least bit of regret. It was worth it.

She flew back to the house and changed into a slim khaki skirt and an ivory blouse then headed out to meet her clients. She let herself in the door just minutes before the Sims arrived. They were bickering and barely said half a dozen words to Marissa when she greeted them.

“I told you not to come down Meridian. I told you they were doing construction on it.” Miriam Sims jerked on her shirttail, lugging it down around her round hips.

“Well, if you didn’t yammer all the time I might have heard you. You talk constantly so it all blurs together.” Joe Sims ran a hand down his ruddy face, a look of sheer irritation painting his expression. “Geez, you never shut up.”

Well, this was off to a flying start. Marissa felt a twinge of annoyance. It was going to take all of her patience to get this showing back on track.

Despite her best efforts Joe and Miriam continued to snap at each other as they toured the house. She tried to point out the home’s features, waxing on about happy family times in the big finished basement and the great meals that would be prepared in the large, updated kitchen. The latter remark was met by a snort from Joe and a nasty comment about Miriam’s cooking. By the time the showing was over Marissa felt like a kick ball bouncing back and forth between the warring duo.

She waved goodbye to the Sims as they continued to bicker as they got back in their car. Thank God that was over.

But now it was time for Aaron’s closing. Her heart pounded at the idea of seeing him again. Her mind had been so full of the miraculous birth she’d participated in she hadn’t thought much about what she put on when she went home to get cleaned up. Now she wished she’d dressed more professionally to meet up with Aaron Mathews. She felt like she needed that barrier between them.

He walked into the title company shortly after she did and she was immediately captured by the easy smile on his angular face. The man was hot, no denying it. He wore a slim pair of khaki slacks and a cocoa colored shirt that made his dark eyes glow even darker. His skin was bronzed by the sun but he looked cool as ice. She felt sweat pop out across her own forehead just looking at him.

“Hey, neighbor,” he greeted her.

Neighbor. It almost sounded like a curse word to her. She was sure no good would come from having this macho man living right next door.

“Aaron.” He seemed to hold her hand in his a little too long when she shook it and her palm felt scalded.

A rotund older lady approached them just then, greeting them and letting them know they were running a little behind schedule and their closing would start in just a few minutes.

“May I get you something to drink? Lemonade or a soda?”

Aaron and Marissa both declined her offer then turned to take seats in the small reception area. She cringed when he chose the seat next to her on the small couch. They were close enough that his broad shoulder was just inches away from hers.

“I’m really glad this day is here. I can’t wait to get into that house and start the renovations.” His voice was easy, his posture casual. Marissa felt her irritation growing at his relaxed attitude. The least he could do is act a little bit nervous around her since she felt so anxious around him.

But no, not Aaron. He probably didn’t care enough about her to be bothered by her presence. She was just a realtor doing his bidding. Someone he’d gone to middle school with.

She didn’t know why being around him made her feel angry but she felt her nerves growing r with each passing minute.

It was only a few minutes that they had to make small talk. Fortunately, their names were called fairly quickly and they made their way into the office where the closing would take place. Now she felt better. She knew what she was doing and she could think of him as just another client. Now she was in her comfort zone.

Everything went smoothly and soon they found themselves back in the reception room and Marissa felt her confidence fade away. Damn. What the hell was wrong with her? She didn’t remember anyone having this effect on her before.

“Thanks, Marissa. You did a great job.” He stuck his large hand out and gathered her small one in it. “I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome, but that’s what I do. I’m here to help you get the home you want.”

“Say, we need to celebrate. How about going out for drinks later?”

Confusion fluttered through her. Did he really just want to share a moment of celebration or was he asking her for a date? Surely not. He was just happy and wanted to enjoy the time a little longer.

“I would, Aaron, but I’ve already got plans for this evening. Oh, and that reminds me.” She reached into her briefcase and pulled out a book. “A little housewarming gift for you.”

He took the cookbook in his hands and grinned. “I’ll make you a meal from recipes in here.”

“Thanks. That’s really not necessary though. I just like to give all my clients a copy. It’s a good cookbook with recipes that you can actually use.”

“Oh, but I want you to see I can actually cook.” He winked at her then said, “Anyway, thanks again. I’ll see you soon, neighbor.”

The audacity of the man. Oh, boy, this was not going to be fun.

 

After all the excitement of the day, Marissa almost called off her plans with Chloe. Between the excitement of the birth, the stress of dealing with the Sims, and the anxiety of being around Aaron, she felt exhausted. But she and Chloe were both busy and didn't have much free time so she hated to cancel. She'd get a second wind after she went home and showered and had a bite to eat.

She ate a few cheese and crackers then hopped through a shower and did feel refreshed. She started looking forward to an evening out and found herself humming as she dressed in a short sundress and a pair of wedge-heeled sandals. She left her hair down curling around her shoulders and added a fun pair of feathered earrings. Now she looked ready for a night on the town.

She and Chloe had decided to meet at one of their favorite bars. It was a place called Gator’s located on the Monon

Chloe wiggled into the seat and tugged down the hem of her pink denim skirt. She wore her golden brown hair in simple ponytail and her peasant blouse showed off her slim shoulders. A happy smile lit her face.

"I feel good tonight," she informed Marissa as soon as they sat down. "I'm determined we're going to have fun. It's time to de-stress from work."

“Agreed. I need to let my hair down. What do you say we start with a pizza and some beer?”

“You’re on, girlfriend.”

The two women put their heads together and picked out a pizza. A waitress took their order, brought them a couple of beers, and then they settled in to wait for their food.

“You won’t believe what happened to me today.” Marissa couldn’t wait to tell someone about the experience. “I delivered a baby.”

“You what?” Chloe leaned in to hear better over the sound of the band. “I would have sworn you said you delivered a baby.”

“I did say that because that’s exactly what I did.”

Marissa told the story, reliving the magic of the moment.

“And then there she was, this little angel, right in the palms of my hands.”

Chloe’s face melted as she thought about how thrilling the experience must have been but a moment later her eyes grew wide and a twinkle appeared in their hazel depths.

“Don’t look now but there’s your brother. And guess who’s with him?”

Marissa's gaze shot to the door. Sure enough, Marcus was striding in the entrance but her eyes immediately fastened on the man coming in behind him. Aaron Mathews. Great.