The Baby Race Read Online Free PDF

permission.
Probably comes in handy dealing with a classroom full of
kindergartners and their parents."
    Claire choked back a laugh and said, "It
wasn't necessary, but I appreciate your efforts. Thank you."
    You're very welcome."
    The house smelled of pine cleaner, furniture
polish and stew simmering on the stove. Race looked around the now
tidy front room. Gone were the stacks of old newspapers and horse
journals. Boots, shoes and clothing no longer littered the
furniture. Wood gleamed and glass sparkled. Freshly washed throw
rugs hid the worst of the wear on the threadbare carpeting. Several
strange pieces of furniture were placed around the room. "You've
been busy." Relief warred with irritation. Relief won.
    Guilty color flooded Cindy's cheeks. "Of
course, you'll want to rearrange things to suit you. But I thought
this would be nicer than coming home to stacks of boxes and a
jumble of furniture."
    "Everything looks and smells wonderful.
What's cooking?" Claire asked.
    "Beef stew. Sit down and I'll get it on the
table for you, then I'll get out of your hair." Cindy bustled
around the kitchen, which was also immaculate.
    "Won't you join us?" Claire asked.
    "Oh, no! I've got to get home and feed
Jackson and the girls. Besides, I know you and Race need some time
together alone." Cindy served up the stew along with a fresh green
salad and a crispy loaf of French bread, then took off her apron
and turned to leave.
    "We won't be alone. Bobbie Sue's here,"
Claire said.
    "Oh, didn't I mention that Bobbie Sue asked
to stay another night with us? She and Rebecca, my seven year old,
have bonded. I think you'd have to use dynamite to pry them apart.
Bobbie Sue decided she wanted to be here when you got home. I hope
it's all right that I said yes. They're in the middle of making you
a wedding gift. I didn't have the heart to say no.
    "The only reason Rebecca's not here now, is
because she went to the store with Jackson to pick up something for
their project."
    The savory stew turned to ashes in Race's
mouth. Alone with Claire? He hadn't realized how much he was
counting on the presence of the child to diffuse his growing
attraction to Claire. Thank goodness the house had three
bedrooms.
    "No, of course Bobbie Sue can stay with you."
Claire's voice wavered. Her gaze skittered over him and the color
leeched from her face.
    Her agitation eased some of his trepidation.
They were adults. They could handle this situation. Cindy's next
words shook his confidence.
    "During the storm, a tree branch broke the
window in the third bedroom. What a mess! Glass everywhere. A big
piece ripped a hole in the mattress. Then it rained in all night.
Ruined the mattress. I had Warren haul it away and board up the
window. We cleaned up the rest, but the carpeting is still
damp."
    Suddenly, Bobbie Sue's absence was a
blessing. Claire could use the child's bed for this one night.
Tomorrow, first thing, he'd buy a new mattress and fix the
window.
    "Well, if there's nothing else, I'll collect
Bobbie Sue and head home."
    Claire stood up and gave Cindy a hug. "Thank
you so much for everything."
    Envy stirred in Race as he watched the two
women embrace. Physical expressions of affection didn't come easy
to him. When he first came to live with the Reed clan, their
constant hugging and kissing had disgusted him. In his world,
affection had usually followed abuse. It had taken him a long time
to realize what he'd felt wasn't disgust, but fear. Fear of letting
another person close enough to hurt him. But by then he was a grown
man, on his own, not a child needing a hug, so he learned to live
without.
    "You're very welcome." Over Claire's
shoulder, Cindy's curious gaze locked on Race. "I put your luggage
in the master bedroom. Welcome to the family."
    The screen door clicked shut behind her and
they were alone. From outside, the smell of fresh cut grass and
rain damp air drifted into the kitchen along with the distant drone
of a mower and the rhythmic hum of