Love Songs And Lullabies

Boone’s mansion was something out of Sawyer’s dreams. Set in the middle of a couple acres on the outskirts of Nashville, the house was an all-brick beauty. Being rich wasn’t Sawyer’s reason for going into music, but it sure wasn’t something he’d complain about if he managed the success Boone had.

“Well, if it isn’t the talk of the town,” Boone said when he opened the door. “I knew you’d make some amazing music together, but I gotta say, you surprised me with the baby making.” The megastar shook Sawyer’s hand. “Congratulations.”

“We really appreciate your help,” Piper said, accepting a hug from him.

“I’m happy to give it. I know all too well what it’s like to have my personal business splashed across the magazines and internet. You two deserve to keep this to yourselves for as long as you want.”

Boone was no stranger to scandal. He was preparing a big comeback next year now that he was clean and sober and a million times happier than he had been when Sawyer first met him. That probably had a lot to do with the redheaded woman standing behind him.

Boone introduced Ruby even though they had both met her in the summer. She had kind eyes, which was important to Sawyer. He believed he could tell quite a bit about someone by looking them straight in the eye.

“Dinner is supposed to be delivered in about an hour. If you want, we can take care of business before we eat. It’s completely up to you,” Ruby said.

Piper fiddled with her bracelets. “That would be great. Thank you.”

Ruby led them all down the hall and into an office off the family room. Concert photographs decorated the walls. Boone had performed for millions of people all over the world during his career. He was a big reason Piper had gotten into the business and someone Sawyer admired as a musician and songwriter.

There was an ache in Sawyer’s chest as he looked at the photos. Two days ago, he had been filled with the anticipation of getting out on the road and standing on stages like the ones Boone performed on. He glanced back at Piper, who had taken a seat across from Ruby. The thrill of touring had quickly been replaced by fear and anxiety. How was he going to convince the world he was happily engaged when he was currently miserable? All his hopes and dreams had to be put on hold once again. And then there was the fear of parenthood. What kind of dad would he be? What kind of dad would Heath let him be?

Ruby explained she’d be gathering a family history, drawing some blood and doing a thorough physical.

“Here?” Sawyer asked.

“The nice thing about a midwife is that we do house calls. It’s not unusual for me to check on a patient in their home. I came prepared.” She pointed to the medical bag by the chaise lounge. “Almost everything we need to do, I can do here, except for an ultrasound. I have a machine at my office, but we don’t need to do one this early in the pregnancy. In a couple months, you should definitely have one done, though.”

“I’m going to go set the table for dinner,” Boone said, excusing himself. He gave Ruby a kiss on the cheek. “I’m leaving you two in capable hands, I promise.”

This probably wasn’t how Piper had imagined her first prenatal appointment. She spun her bracelets around her wrist.

“We’re going on tour in a month. Is that going to be a problem?” Sawyer asked, taking the seat next to Piper.

“I don’t know if I can answer that right now. If she’s in good health, she should be fine. You guys will have to keep up with regular checkups, though.”

“We’ll figure something out,” Sawyer said since Piper remained quiet.

“How have you been feeling so far?” Ruby asked her.

“Fine, I guess. A little nauseous sometimes. Mostly tired, but that could be from my crazy schedule.”

“She fainted onstage yesterday,” Sawyer interjected. “That can’t be good.”

Ruby frowned. “That is definitely not good.” She asked Piper a bunch of follow-up questions, jotting down notes as they spoke.

As hard as Sawyer was fighting not to feel overwhelmed, everything about this made him anxious. There was so much to worry about before the baby was even born. Piper worked harder than most people he knew. How was she going to take care of herself and this baby? How was he supposed to help when they weren’t really a couple?

Ruby asked questions about their family history. Piper pulled a sheet of paper out of her purse. She was more prepared than Sawyer.

“My brother has epilepsy. Is that hereditary?” Piper asked, handing over a list of family medical concerns.

“Genetics play a role in epilepsy, but just because your brother has it doesn’t mean your child will. The baby would be slightly more at risk, but that risk is small.” Her smile seemed to reassure Piper. “What about you, Sawyer? Any significant family medical history?”

“My dad died of a heart attack at fifty. I don’t really know anything about my mom. She could be dead, too, for all I know.”

Piper gasped. “You don’t know if your mom is alive?”

Sawyer’s least favorite subject in the world was his mother. “She left when I was four. I think we got letters for a little while, but it ended pretty quick. My sister is more of a mom to me than she ever was.”