Two Hearts And A Baby

CHAPTER EIGHT

She was cooking and humming softly to Gabe while he lay in his bouncer gurgling softly this caused his heart to hitch in his chest.  It was such a domestic scene lately he was realizing something was missing in his life but didn’t know it was this until just now, how he wanted a family.  This meant he needed a woman who would want children a wife to him in more ways than just a trophy on his arm.  Maybe he could have this with Christina, maybe he could convince her to spend time with him and Gabe as a family and see what would come.

Gabe started to fuss this brought him back to the kitchen and from his thoughts, “Oh no little man none of that,” she said as she turned from the stove to give Gabe his pacifier.

            She turned to see Kincade leaned against the doorjamb watching her and Gabe, “Hey I didn’t know you were home yet.”

            “It’s all right I just came in,” he walked over and gave Gabe his pacifier.

            “Dinner is almost done hope you don’t mind I took over your kitchen,” she hesitantly smiled.

            He chuckled, “I don’t mind at all I’ll get cleaned up and be back in a few minutes.”

            “Alright,” she was glad he was leaving her heart had begun to beat heavily when she found him watching her. 

There was a desire in his eyes she’d never seen before in a man.  He knew he needed some distance for a minute because suddenly the urge to grab and kiss her hit him.  Going upstairs, he went to his room to change and splash some icy water on his face.  He went back down to the kitchen, and she had dinner on the table, so they ate, surprisingly it was good.  He hardly got home cooked meals being single mostly he ate out.  After dinner, they gave Gabe a small sponge bath and then Faith feed him and put him to bed.  She sat in the room in the rocking chair for a long time just thinking about Julie.  Kincade came into the room and found her getting ready to leave.

            “Are you alright,” he asked softly.

            “Yes, I was just thinking excuse me,” she brushed past him as best she could and into her room.

            He’d made note it was ten o’clock just before he came upstairs checking on Gabe then started to leave when he heard soft crying.  Going to Faith’s door, he leaned his ear against the door and heard her crying. 

Knocking on the door she sobbed, “Go away.”

            He opened the door and came inside, “I’ll not go away,” walking over to the bed he sat down.

            Her back was to him, so he gently lay down next to her, “Faith it’s alright to cry and be sad you lost your sister and your worlds changed but please let me be here to help.”

            She rolled over and right into his arms, so he held her to his chest while she cried and cried.  It seemed as if the river of tears would never end then she got quiet.  He looked down to find she’d cried herself asleep reaching down he brushed the tears from her cheeks.  She murmured in her sleep and snuggled closer into him, he felt heat warm his stomach.  Her lips where full a slight pout to them while in sleep.  He knew he should get up and move to his room, but he couldn’t help but lay there and watch her. 

            Time went on while the two-people slept but then Faith heard Gabe crying.  Sitting up suddenly she came face to face with Kincade his violet eyes turned a deep royal purple and she saw desire flash in them before recognition clouded them.

            “I’m sorry,” he said.

            “It’s alright Gabe is crying,” she said.

            “Let me,” he jumped up quickly and left the room.

            By the time, she got up and hobbled into Gabe’s room Kincade was already in the rocking chair feeding his son.  It caused her heart to squeeze just seeing this made her suddenly decide she’d love to have children of her own.  The only problem is in her imagination she saw it with Kincade she needed to stop thinking about him in any type of forever.

            He looked up at her and hesitantly smiled, “I’m sorry about earlier I came in to comfort you, you fell asleep.  I must have been more tired than I thought and fell asleep myself.”

            She smiled at him, “It’s okay thank you for the comfort it makes this whole thing a little easier.”

            Gabe finished his bottle and needed burping putting him up on his shoulder as he’d seen her do.  In a minute, he had Gabe burped and back in his crib fast asleep when he turned around, she was gone it was just as well.  He went to his room and tried to sleep some more.

For the couple thrown together by a baby morning came exceedingly too quickly for their taste.  Faith got ready to go to physical therapy while Kincade got ready to paint and wait for the social worker to come.  They met in the kitchen for coffee just like yesterday morning this time they didn’t talk Kincade was afraid she was mad at him for last night.  He’d been dreaming about undressing her and kissing every inch of her sweet body then Gabe cried waking him.  He looked down seeing his very dream in his arms it took him a moment to realize why he was in bed with her.

            “I’m off to physical therapy I hope your day goes smoothly,” she smiled at him.

            This gave him some hope, “We’ll be just fine.”

            She hobbled out toward the front door, but he stopped her just before she opened the door, “I hope you’re not mad at me.”

            She turned, “I’m not mad, I’m a little tired and slightly confused with things but it’ll work itself out.”

            He watched her leave with mixed feelings about things too, but he needed to get started on his project before she got back from therapy and Mrs. Shudder showed up.  Faith took a cab first to her condominium to check on a few things then went off to her therapy.  She hoped to get off crutches and possibly use a cane it would be more effective for her to move around taking care of Gabe.  Entering the office, she went to check in at the receptionist desk then went to sit and wait.

            Kincade moved the rocking chair and its footrest into Faith’s room after setting up the bassinet he bought.  Putting this near the bed to make it easy for her then going back into Gabe’s room he moved all the furniture into the middle.  Covering it with cloth to make sure he didn’t ruin it with the paint and spent an hour painting the room it looked just like the one in Faith’s condominium.  One thing left to do was put up the decals he found, and they matched the crib bedding and blankets Gabe uses.  By the time, he was showered and ready for Mrs. Shudder the paint was dry enough, so he put the decals on then headed downstairs with Gabe.  He made himself a quick snack and had just finished it when the doorbell rang.

Time for his appointment grabbing Gabe he answered the door, “Afternoon Mr. Jordan, I see you’ve grown attached to your son,” she chuckled.

            “Afternoon Mrs. Shudder and yes I have,” he moved aside to allow her into the sitting room where they had their first meeting.

            “I guess you’ll be taking your forty-five days then,” she sat and pulled out the folder which held the proper paperwork.

            “Yes,” he set Gabe down in his bouncer.

            “I see you have acquired some necessary items for him.”

            “I have, actually they were given to me, but I just finished painting his room upstairs.”

            “What do you mean they were giving to you,” she asked.

            “My new nanny provided me with everything I needed for him,” he smiled at the shocked look on her face.

            “Who is your nanny Mr. Jordan?”

            Suddenly the door opened, and a voice rang out, “Kincade no more crutches.”

Faith moved into the sitting room and was shocked down to her toes, “Mrs. Shudder.”

            “Miss. Summers,” she looked just as shocked as Faith.

            Kincade noticed Faith was walking with a cane now and a different kind of brace then before.  She was right no more crutches, which would make things a lot easier for her, but this also made him nervous cause she could possibly go back to work.

            “What are you doing here Miss. Summers,” Nancy asked when the shock wore off.

            Kincade spoke, “She’s my new nanny.”

            “And the one that gave you the stuff for Gabe,” Nancy filled in.

            “Yes,” Faith said as she came over to sit in the chair next to Kincade.

            “I really feel this isn’t an appropriate situation as Faith is the next one in line to inherit if Kincade is unable or unwilling.”

            “We understand that Mrs. Shudder,” Kincade began, “but Faith needed my help as much as I needed hers.  I know nothing about babies she’s teaching me how to care for my son and I’m helping her until she goes back to work.  I think it’s a win, win situation.”

            “And what about you Miss Summers,” she looked at the young woman.

            “We’ll be just fine,” she smiled but Nancy could tell something wasn’t completely right.

            “Mr. Jordan has signed the papers and before I leave, I’ll put in my objection once again.”

            “We appreciate your concern Mrs. Shudder, but things will be fine,” Kincade stood and followed the social worker out of the room.

            When he came back into the room, he told her, “I have a surprise, but you have to give me a few minutes.”

            She could see how nervous, yet excited, “Alright.”

            He picked up Gabe then took him upstairs where he feed, burped, changed and put him in the bassinet after which he went into Gabe’s room.  Everything looked right, and nothing was amiss heading back downstairs to get Faith.

            “I’m ready,” he helped her to her feet.

            She went eagerly with him as he guided her toward the stairs, they went slowly up them because she wasn’t used to the cane yet.  It was much easier than the crutches he pulled her toward Gabe’s room then stopped in front of the closed door.

            “Close your eyes,” he whispered.

            She felt chills go up her spine not because she was scared but because of excitement plus his voice seemed to make her quiver.  Closing them she felt him open the door and gently pull her inside smelling something funny like new paint and wondered what could be going on.

            “Don’t open them yet,” he said when he saw her eyelids flutter.

            “I won’t,” she giggled.

            God, he loved the sound of her laugh moving into the middle of the room he stopped the furniture was in the middle, so they stood kind of close to it, “Now,” he softly said.

            Faith opened her eyes and was completely amazed at what greeted her, “Oh my, Kincade I don’t know what to say.”

            He saw tears form in her beautiful indigo eyes, “Say this pleases you.”

            He waited anxiously for her to speak again, “Oh Kincade, I love it and yes it pleases me.”

            She turned around then rushed right into his arms giving him a great big hug pulling her even closer enjoying the feel of her in his arms once again.  Her body fit perfectly and suddenly he remembered the dream from last night causing him to tighten.  She must have felt it too because she moved back again, they were gazing into each other’s eyes but this time nothing stopped them.  No woman at the door screaming, no baby crying, in one single moment, he claimed her lips beneath his fiery mouth.  The shock was instant as their mouths consumed each other.

            Faith broke away looking up into his face, “Zorro,” she whispered.

            “Cat Woman,” he breathed back.

            It was a complete shock to them both, “I can’t believe it,” she spoke softly.

            “We’ve met three times and had no idea we were connected in anyway,” he didn’t want to have this conversation.  He wanted to get back to kissing her as the same feelings from that New Year’s Eve party all came rushing back.

            She felt the same way, but this caused a huge complication for she wanted this man long before knowing he was Julie’s ex-boyfriend.  Where did this put them because of the situation now.  Kincade didn’t care pulling her back into his arms he reclaimed her lips with his.  The kiss was pure raw desire and it consumed her into a fiery ball of passion.  Their mouths continued to move around then she moaned opening her mouth, so his tongue slipped inside.  Oh God, she thought as his hands began moving up underneath her tank top in the back.  They were really going to go down this path and there wasn’t a thing she could do about it.  Her body was on fire for this man and wanted him no matter what.  The kiss went on and on in just a matter of seconds, the shrill cry of a baby broke into their lust.

            They broke apart and at the same time said, “Gabe.” 

            Faith was the first one to leave the room and enter her own seeing the rocking chair and next to the bed was a bassinet.  Inside Gabe was crying as if the devil was after him, which was strange since he would sleep a lot longer after he ate. 

Something must not be right just then Kincade entered behind her, “Is he alright.”

            She picked him up and he stopped crying, “It seems so maybe an upset tummy sometimes that happens with infants.  Do you have a tummy ache little man,” she mumbled to him as she sat down on the bed, “You bought him a bassinet?”

            “He has to sleep in here for a few days until the paint fumes go away.”

            He sat down next to her, and she looked over at him, “What just happened in the other room.”

            He stopped her, “I know,” he didn’t want to know but he did. 

She was confused about what was happening between them just as much as him.  One thing he did know was he needed a cold shower.  She needed to get her hormones under control and knowing he was the man she wanted on Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve it was going to be even harder.

            “I’m going downstairs to order some Chinese food,” he smiled then stood.

            “That sounds great,” she smiled at him too, but he could see it was forced.

            As he hung up from ordering the Chinese food the phone rang and he picked it up, “Hello.”

            “Kincade,” her voice softly said.

            “Christina,” he replied.

            “I just wanted to know if we are on for dinner tomorrow night.”

            “Yes, be here at seven if I’m a little late Faith will be here to keep you company.”

            Christina didn’t like the sound of that but put a sweetness in her voice, “That sounds wonderful I’ll see you tomorrow.”

            “See you tomorrow,” he hung up.

            A knock came to the door he went to get the food then went back into the kitchen to set everything up that’s when Faith came into the room without Gabe.

            “Is he sleeping,” he set plates and forks out on the table.

            “Yes, he seems fine now,” she came and sat down in a chair.

            “That’s good,” he sat down next to her.

            She began to dish up food onto her plate she’d heard the phone ring and wanted to ask but that would seem too domestic.  Especially with what just happened upstairs she was so happy about what he’d done for Gabe’s room.  It looked just like the room she and Julie had done in the condominium, which made it such a sweet gesture. 

            “So, I’m going to be having drinks with a client tomorrow after work,” he began to say.

            “Ok,” she replied.

            “Well,” he started but then paused.

            “Just spit it out Kincade,” she said before taking another bite of food.

            “We’ll be having a dinner guest tomorrow night I just want you to know so if I’m a little late you won’t freak out.”

            She really didn’t like the sound of this, “Who’s your guest.”

            “Christina, she’s the woman who stopped by yesterday,” he registered the shock on her face.

            “I see,” she decided she really needed a drink, an alcohol drink.

            “She wants to meet you and Gabe,” he could tell she wasn’t happy about this situation.

He wasn’t either, but he couldn’t brush off Christina just because of what happened upstairs.  Faith made it completely clear she doesn’t want to explore what transpired.

            “Alright, she’s your girlfriend after all and it would make sense for her to get to know your son.”

            “Agreed,” he stood and took his plate to the sink, “Just leave the dishes in the sink.  I have some work to do so I’ll put them in the dishwasher before I head to bed.”

            “Sounds good, I’ll see you in the morning,” she smiled at him, but it never reached her eyes.

            He walked into his office and flopped down on his sofa letting out a big sigh.  Why did he have to find out she was the woman he’s wanted for months now.  Things were going so well and now there was a big old kink in the chain what was he going to do.

            Faith put the dishes in the sink then went upstairs to her room it amazed her she hasn’t done anything normal since the car accident.  When she got to her room, she pulled out a cellphone and called Sam.

            “Hey Faith, I was beginning to worry about you,” Sam answered.

            “I know, I’m sorry I haven’t called things have been a little crazy lately,” she sat down in the rocking chair and put her leg up on the footstool.

            “Explain to me,” he was in the middle of cooking dinner, so had some time.

            “I found out Julie gave her baby to the Father,” as she spoke, she pictured him.

            “What,” he declared.

            “I know I was shocked, and my first thought was how could you Julie, then decided I needed to find him.  I tracked him down and it turns out he was the man I helped at Christmas.”

            He gasped, “You’ve got to be kidding.”

            “Nope and it gets even more weird I’m living with him right now taking care of Gabe.”

            “No way,” he was surprised.

            “I know but there’s even more you remember me telling you about that guy I kissed on New Year’s Eve.”

            “Yes,” he replied.

            “Kincade Jordan was that man.”

            “Oh, my God what are you going to do,” Sam was getting excited it’s been a long time since either one of them has had this kind of excitement.

            “I don’t know I’m so conflicted right now.  He’s the man my sister created a baby with, he has a girlfriend and dammit I want him so much.”

            “Wow you have a genuine problem, so my next thought is does he want you,” Sam took his food off the stove and moved it toward the table.

            “Yes, but you know I can’t he was Julie’s,” she was very adamant about it.

            “Well, that’s a real bummer but at least I know you’re safe.  Try and keep me in the loop on what is going on and call me, so I won’t worry.”

            “I will, hey some good news I’m off the crutches I’m using a cane now,” she was happy about that.

            “Great honey, I have to go now my dinner is done.  I love you so keep in touch,” he replied.

            “I love you too and I will,” she hung up and got ready for bed.

            Kincade came out of his office and put the dishes from the sink into the dishwasher.  He turned to find Faith had come into the room without him hearing.  She was dressed in the same silk white nightgown she’d worn the first night when they were in Gabe’s room.

            “Hello,” he softly said.

            “Hello,” she softly replied, “I didn’t know you were still up.”

            God, she looked so lovely in that nightgown with her ample breasts peeking out from the low-cut top.  Her hair was down and rumpled as if she’d been sleeping but then got up, “I was just heading for bed,” he moved toward her.

            She stood her ground even though leaving would be best in this situation.  He stopped before her reaching out to brush his knuckles down her soft cheek.  Her eyes closed slowly at the sweet contact then felt the soft touch of his warm lips.  As he pulled her fully against him, a sigh escaped from her as his mouth came fully down on hers.  She let him for she couldn’t do anything else she wanted this as much as him.  It was as if they both stepped into the fire as their bodies heated up.  Kincade backed her up pressing her against the wall, but she didn’t seem to mind.  What she really wanted was for him to move down and put his sweet mouth on her breasts.  He moved down her chin stopped briefly to nuzzle her neck a bit before continuing down toward the top of her cleavage.  He placed light feathery kisses on the top of each one but just before he could go further, the phone rang.  Kincade groaned and Faith sighed because once again something prevented them from crossing the line, they had no business crossing.  Maybe it’s a warning that they should not being doing this.  Maybe it was Julie up in heaven making her presence known about how he’d been hers either way she needed to heed the warnings and stop playing with fire. 

            He moved away from her and answered the phone, “Hello.”

            “You forgot to call me,” Susan replied.

            He rubbed a hand down his face and when he looked back Faith was gone, “I know, I’m sorry things have gotten complicated.”

            “Explain what is going on,” she demanded.

            “Alright, I had a brief relationship with a woman, and she apparently got pregnant.  I didn’t know about any of this until a state woman showed up saying Julie was in a car accident, which killed her and left me the baby.  His name is Gabe, and he is the cutest thing ever I didn’t know it could be like this until that day.”

            She chuckled, “I kept telling you, but you wouldn’t listen.”

            “I know and I’m sorry.  Another complication came into play the sister showed up wanting me to give her the baby.  I declined and now she is staying with me helping to take care of Gabe while I’m at work.”

            Susan was shocked, “How did she rope you into that.”

            “She’s a genuinely nice woman it turns out she was in the car with her sister during the accident.  She was injured pretty badly and needed my help as much as I needed hers.”

            Susan was shocked at how defensive he’d become about this woman, “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to upset you I’m sure she’s a very lovely woman.  When will we get to see the cute little baby?”

            He sighed, “I didn’t mean to get angry you’ll see him when I come for the Charity Ball.”

            “Can’t wait, I’ll let you get to bed now goodnight, Cade.”

            “Goodnight, Susan,” he replied then hung up.

            Kincade went upstairs to his room wondering if he was going to get any sleep tonight.  He was positive his dreams were going to consist of a sienna haired beauty and her amazing body.