From Here To Paternity

“I want another chance with Charlene.”

“Well, of course you do,” said Chastity. She picked up the serving spoon. “Pass me your plate.”

Chapter Four

“I think I need another drink,” Brand said.

Chastity spooned up the steaming casserole. “Help yourself.”

So he carried his glass to the refrigerator and got some more ice. She’d left the Crown Royal on the counter. He splashed in two fingers and then added club soda.

Thus fortified, he took his seat again. “Smells great.” He sipped the drink.

“Dig in.”

They ate in silence for a while. She didn’t push him. It wasn’t her way.

She was slicing more bread off the loaf when she sensed he was watching her. She set down the bread knife. “Okay. Out with it.”

“No matter what people are saying, I’m not the father of Sissy’s baby.”

She made a snorting sound. “Well, of course you’re not.”

He sipped his drink again. “You’re sounding pretty damn sure about every little thing this evening.”

“I know what’s what, thank you very much. I know my own son.”

He tipped his glass to her in a salute. “Meaning?”

“Meaning, how can you be the father of that baby when you never laid a hand on that poor, confused Sissy Cooper? You could never do a thing like that. Not only because you wouldn’t take advantage of a mixed-up kid, but also because you are and always have been in love with her sister.”

“I didn’t say I was in love with Charlene.”

“See now, that’s what comes of bein’ overly careful. You can’t even admit what’s in your own heart.”

“And I’m not necessarily talking about marriage.”

“Do you see me putting words in your mouth?”

“I’ve never thought I’d make a good husband.”

“No kidding.”

He grumbled, “And who knows if she’ll ever even give me any kind of break. She never has until now. Plus, it’s not only folks in town whispering that I’m the baby’s father. Sissy claims I am.”

Chastity clucked her tongue. “That girl. Always stirring the pot. And where is Sissy, anyway?”

He glanced toward the door to the hallway, just to make sure it was shut. “Nothing I say leaves this room.”

“This is family business. I will not say a word to anyone.”

“Charlene has no idea where Sissy is.”

“But the two of them must have talked, when Sissy arrived with the baby….”

“No.”

“But…”

“Charlene woke up yesterday morning and found the baby on her couch. There was a note from Sissy saying how she needs a break from being a mother—and by the way, I’m the dad. Charlene came flying over to my place and demanded that I take responsibility.”

“And you told her you aren’t the dad.”

“I told her.”

“Did she believe you?”

“I don’t think she knows what to believe.”

“It’ll be no easy task, gettin’ back in her good graces.”

“Gee, Ma. Tell me something I don’t already know.”

The diner was closed Sundays.

A good thing, too. Charlene had needed a free day for a trip to Grass Valley, where she stocked up on formula and diapers, bought a crib and a changing table, baby clothes, blankets and the hundred other things a person needed with an infant in the house.

At home again in the afternoon, she managed to assemble the crib and the changing table. She put them both in the guest room off the kitchen, washed all of Mia’s new bedding and clothing and put them away.

With Mia’s room set up, she’d started thinking she was really going to need day care. She called Gracie Dellazola, the wife of one of Old Tony’s great-grandsons—and the sister-in-law of Glory, who’d had a baby by one of Brand’s brothers the year before. Gracie had a two-year-old son and she babysat the kids of a couple of Charlene’s customers.

“Of course I can take her.” Gracie quoted an hourly rate and said she could watch the baby from Monday through Friday. “But unless you’re really stuck, I can’t do Saturdays. I like to save the weekends for the family.”

“I understand. I’ll figure something out for Saturdays.” She might have to bring another waitress in to open up that one day. It was doable. “If you could keep her from quarter of six until two or so, Monday through Friday? Is that too much?”

“No problem.”

“I’m figuring I can drop in and take her off your hands, now and then, when things aren’t too crazy at the diner.”

“Sure—and listen, if you need anything…”

My sister. I need my sister to come home, I need to know she’s okay, not in any kind of trouble. I need to keep this baby safe…. “Thanks. I’m fine.”

“Sometimes,” Gracie said softly, “a woman needs a friend.”

Charlene felt the moisture pool in her eyes. She cleared her throat. “See, that’s what I love about livin’ in the Flat. Neighbors like you, Gracie. You make it all worthwhile.”

“I’m here. That’s all. I can listen. And I know how to keep my mouth shut.”