Angel's Peak (Virgin River #10)(53)

Maureen laughed ruefully and nodded in agreement. “Oh, I know. I have five sons. Do you think they talk to me about the women in their lives? Even though I might be able to answer the hard questions? It’s true what they say about sons and daughters—your daughter is your daughter all her life, but your son…”

“…is your son till he takes a wife.” Viv gave a short nod. “We’ve both been wives. We’d probably both agree it’s all right that way.”

Again Maureen laughed. “I want to stay on and dominate Rosie’s time. Not just to get to know her, but for her to get to know me. But I’ve been with Luke and Shelby for almost a week now and they need their house back. In fact, Sean needs the freedom to work things out with Franci and Rosie! I don’t want to be in the way of that! No matter what’s to come with them, I want my granddaughter to have a father and I want to be part of her life.”

“You will be—please don’t worry about that. I have an idea. I’m sure the three of them will want to spend tomorrow afternoon and evening together as they have the past week, but Sean can drop you here, with me. We can look through photo albums, go to an afternoon movie, have a nice dinner out, and I’ll be happy to drive you to Virgin River tomorrow evening so Sean and Franci don’t have to work their schedule around either one of us.”

“Really?” Maureen asked. “Really?”

“I’d enjoy it so much. Your position right now must be tough.”

“You have no idea.” Maureen laughed. Then she dropped her voice to a whisper. “My new daughter-in-law is certainly pregnant and I’m not sure she even realizes it herself yet! She is moody, nauseous, cries at the drop of a hat, and they want a baby. Vivian, I have to get out of there so they can be alone together for this news. I remember when I was barely pregnant with Aiden and my mother-in-law just wouldn’t leave. I thought about killing her in her sleep!”

Viv laughed. “I have a spare room if you think your life’s in danger.”

“I can’t stay much longer or it will be, though I do try to be helpful…”

“I know—and sometimes the more helpful you are, the worse it gets.”

“You do know!”

“I didn’t have five, but I’ve been there for Franci for thirty years. Come over tomorrow and spend the day. Maybe we can get a game plan, you and me. For example, you can always come for a visit and stay here. That way you’d have lots of time to spend with Rosie and you’d be able to give both those boys their space with their women. As for me? I’d get a companion!”

“You don’t even know me! Are you so sure I wouldn’t be a burden? I could be a slovenly houseguest!”

Viv tilted her head and smiled. “I work full-time as a physician’s assistant for a small family practice in town. More than full-time, some days. I’m betting you cook like a dream.”

“Ohhh, what are you getting yourself into?” Maureen asked.

“I lived with my pregnant daughter and then Franci and a baby! Do you intend to be more trouble than that?”

The two of them were laughing and holding on to each other when Sean came out of Rosie’s bedroom. He stopped in his tracks, looked at them and said, “Uh-oh.”

After hearing from Sean, Francine was kicked back in a recliner at the station on Saturday night. Also in the same room were two flight crews—another nurse, a couple of paramedics, two pilots and two copilots. They shared the station with other emergency first responders—two fire-engine crews, two paramedic ground crews and a staffed ambulance crew. She’d been on a couple of runs during the day, routine hospital transports that were serious but not critical—one cardiac patient in need of bypass surgery and one expectant mother of twins in early labor.

She was just thinking about grabbing some sleep in case the night proved busy when her cell phone chimed and she recognized the number. T.J. on a Saturday night. She jumped out of her recliner and left the rec room to take the call so as not to bother the people watching TV. “Hello,” she said as she stepped into the next room, which was the kitchen. “How are you?”

“A little disappointed,” he said. “It’s been a week, Francine. I thought by now you’d have something to say to me.”

She shook her head. “Say to you? I’m completely confused. I’ve given you almost daily updates. Sean is trying to get to know Rosie. His mother is in town and met Rosie for the first time today. I heard from him fifteen minutes ago that Rosie had a fun day, seemed to get along fine with the new grandma, and—”

“What about him?” T.J. asked.

She laughed a little. “What about him?” she countered. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Yes, you do. Think, Francine. Give the guy visiting privileges that don’t interfere with your personal and professional life. Tell him you’re committed, that he can’t be hanging around.”

“I’ve pretty much done that,” she said. “He’s asked if he can pick Rosie up in the afternoon from day care, bring her home for me, have dinner with her. He’s doing all this because he’s on leave right now, but he’s not on leave forever, and it’s not only good for Rosie, it helps me out.”

“And I haven’t seen you at all,” T.J. said.