Chapter 17
Jakob
The sound of laughter floats through the air as I round the side of the farmhouse. When I come into view, Lily and Mini both glance my way, eyes twinkling happily. Seeing them like this makes me want to break out smiling too but I pin down the urge.
"What are you two hens clucking about?" I climb the stairs and find a pitcher of lemonade sitting on the wicker table between them as they enjoy the afternoon breeze.
Lily's mouth quirks playfully. "First of all, if we're hens, do you know what that makes you?" She takes an empty glass and pours me a drink. She hands it off to me.
I mirror her expression. "I'll play your game. It's not bad being the only cock around here." I puff up my chest and her cheeks flush. I flash her a wink before gulping down my lemonade.
What the hell has gotten into me? Since when do I flirt? Let alone with employees?
Mini veils a grin. "Would you two save that dirty talk for after I've gone to bed?” She mutters facetiously. “No respect for your elders.” Her wrinkly hands move nimbly as she works on the blanket she started knitting for the baby a few days ago.
"Yes, ma'am," I say giving my grandmother a mocking salute.
Lily rolls her eyes. "Oh come on, Mini. Don’t be a hypocrite" She brings her gaze to me. "I just downloaded a ton of erotic romance onto my Kindle for her. Now she's trying to pretend to be a prude." Lily shakes her head and I laugh.
"That Gideon Cross is something else," my grandmother says, fanning herself and I don't want to know what that’s all about.
Things have been a lot more fun and playful around here since Lily arrived. Mini absolutely adores her. They sit around on the porch gossiping about everybody in town even though half the time Lily has no idea who my grandmother is talking about.
Having her here feels good. The idea of having a baby around feels good, too. And whether I like it or not, parts of myself that I boarded up and shut off a long time ago are coming back to life. Feelings I hadn't felt since Brittany left are resurrecting themselves. And it's not half as scary as I thought it would be.
Mini leans over and massages her ankle. She winces softly. I know that look.
“Your legs are bothering you, huh?” I ask. “How’s your blood sugar?” She just glares at me.
Lily hesitates. “It’s a little high today.”
Mini and I exchange a look. I don’t have to say a thing. She knows what I’m getting at.
I decide not to press the subject any further. “What's for lunch?" I grab for the screen door as hunger roars in my belly.
Lily grimaces. "I tried to make chicken à la king from Mini's old recipe."
My grandmother cups her hand around her mouth and whispers, "It really isn't very good."
"Mini!" Lily shrieks. "I'm trying!"
The old lady gives her a patronizing smile. "Yes, darling. You're trying. Bless your heart.” My grandmother’s love of food is no secret. She’s a downright glutton. She doesn't eat properly and she knows it. That's the reason her diabetes got out of control.
"You're not supposed to be eating that stuff anyway," I say, "the doctor wants you eating steamed vegetables and grilled chicken breasts. Remember?"
She's eager to change the subject. "Speaking of doctors, Tiger Lily's going to need next Thursday off," Mini informs me.
"Oh really?" I cock a brow.
Lily bats her eyes shyly. "If you don't mind."
"She has an ultrasound," Mini informs me. "She's going to see the baby for the first time."
I feel an excited flutter in my chest. I remain cool nonetheless. "Oh."
I've been different with Lily since I found out that she's pregnant. I've been kinder, more patient. It's been easy to be that way with her. But I've also been strict about making sure she gets her prenatal pills every morning and that she eats good food. I like taking care of her in this way. It gives me a sense of purpose I haven't felt in a long time. But still, I have to be careful to keep my distance and not get overly involved. She isn't my woman, after all.
"Is one of your sisters taking you?" I ask. The clinic is way too far for her to walk and the midday sun comes on so strong most days that she'd surely get dizzy halfway there.
A shadow fills her eyes when she says, "No. Faith will be out of town with her husband and Grace has a few job interviews. I'll take the bus or something."
The voice in my head prods me to offer her a ride but I don't want to be too forward. Despite everything, I'm her boss, not her friend.
"Okay," I say in an aloof tone. "You can have the whole day off."
Lily gives me a forlorn smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you."
I nod in acknowledgement, feeling a knot in my chest. "Get back to your mischief, ladies," I say as I pull open the screen door and make my way into the kitchen for lunch.