The Christmas Baby

She gave him a sideways glance. “Their moms, too.”

He pushed at his glasses with his forefinger. “What?”

“Never mind.” She unpacked the bread. “I didn’t expect to see you this morning.”

He unloaded another bag, handing her the items. “I told you I’d fix the steps.”

She put away the cereal. “Thank you.”

He placed the milk jug inside the harvest gold refrigerator. “The lock is next on my list.”

“Ryan, I appreciate your concern, but—”

“Where do you want the coffee?”

She gave him her best teacher glare. He grinned, unfazed.

Hand propped, she jutted her hip. “No matter what I say, you’re going to do the repairs anyway, aren’t you?”

Ryan shrugged. “I’m enjoying myself.”

“Enjoying yourself?” She shivered. “It’s freezing out there.”

“I like to keep busy.”

“Surely you can think of something more fun to do with your free time.” She brushed the pad of her thumb across his cheek.

His expression changed. Why had she touched him? Disconcerted, she dropped her hand.

“I enjoy doing things for you, Anna. Let somebody take care of you for once.”

She busied herself with a sudden interest in the nutritional data on a box of rice. “Christmas was always one of your busiest seasons at the garden center. Aren’t you needed there?”

“Despite the pride you take in being independent, helping around this place is a win-win for me.” His eyes sharpened. “I get to spend more time with you.”

Her mouth went dry. “Until you leave for your new job.”

Ryan’s gaze dropped to the floor. “Yes. Until then.”

She took a steadying breath. “Aren’t you helping with the open house?”

“My shift starts late afternoon.” He refolded the empty brown paper bags. “Luke’s got the Christmas tree stand under control. Trust me, Justine doesn’t want me near the wreath-making. Ethan and Tess have a system for the sleigh rides and petting farm.”

Anna leaned against the countertop. “I always thought it was so cool you lived on a farm.”

He rolled his eyes. “Dad liked to start the weekend mornings early. Get as much free labor out of us kids as he could.”

She crossed her arms over her belly. “Your dad was a wonderful man. You remind me of him.”

A gentle smile teased Ryan’s lips. “He was a great dad. Mom misses him a lot. We all do.”

“Which is why each of you gave up your own lives to help preserve his legacy. And now you’re helping Oscar, too.”

“I’m not the hero you make me out to be.” Ryan cocked his head. “Luke always loved the farm the most. But for me, Ethan, Justine and Tess, being here won’t be forever.”

Forever. Once, Anna believed she’d found her forever with Mateo. She laid her hand on top of her ever-expanding abdomen. But forever was turning out far different than she’d imagined. What did forever look like to Ryan?

She returned to putting away the last of the canned goods. Forever to Ryan probably looked like microscopes and test tubes.

“Oh, before I forget to tell you... I talked to your brother.”

She raised her eyebrow. “Which one?”

“Charlie had a chat with your absentee landlord. I’m keeping receipts on the repairs, and the cost will be deducted from your rent this month.”