Sandpiper Way (Cedar Cove #8)(65)

“Hi,” Christie returned. “I called the house and Bobby said you weren’t home from your appointment yet. Are you doing anything this afternoon?”

“Ah…not really.”

“Would you mind giving me a haircut?”

“Sure. Can you come around four?” That should leave ample time to tell Bobby her news, with a few hours built in to let him adjust. She hoped.

“I’ll be there at four.” Her sister hesitated. “Do you think James will be around?”

Teri squelched a smile. “I imagine so.”

“He fixed my car,” Christie said, speaking quickly. “So I bought him a little gift as a thank-you. Could you give it to him for me?”

“You should do it yourself.”

“I…don’t know about that.”

“Play it by ear, then,” Teri said. “Let’s see how things go.”

“Okay.”

They hung up soon after that and Teri stuck her cell phone back inside her purse. “My sister’s stopping by later this afternoon,” she said blandly.

“Is there still a problem with her vehicle?” he asked.

“If there is, she didn’t mention it.”

“Her car isn’t going to last much longer, I’m afraid.” James shook his head. “She needs new tires, too.”

Teri was worried about Christie driving that old rattletrap. But she’d worry about it another day.

“My sister has something for you. A small token of appreciation for helping her with the car,” Teri said, studying his reaction.

“There’s no need.”

“You have a good heart, James.”

In the rearview mirror she saw his face redden at her praise.

“Thank you, Miss Teri.”

By the time they arrived at the house on Seaside Avenue, Bobby was outside pacing. “What took so long?” he demanded, thrusting his head into the car as soon as James had opened her door.

“Everything’s fine, Bobby,” Teri said calmly. “But I do have news.”

Bobby looked perplexed—and fearful. “News from the doctor? What kind of news?” He helped Teri out of the car, then took her hand as they walked into the house.

“You’d better sit down,” Teri suggested.

His face went, if possible, even paler. He chose the sofa and Teri sat on his lap, looping her arms around his neck.

“What would you say if I told you we’re having twins?” she asked, thinking she’d ease him into the idea of a multiple birth.

“Twins!” He nearly unseated her. “Twins,” he repeated, as a slow grin slid into place. “Twins,” he said again.

“Isn’t that exciting?”

Bobby nodded. “A boy and a girl?”

Teri cleared her throat, which immediately told Bobby there was something else. He looked at her warily.

“Sweetheart, what’s one more?”

He frowned as only Bobby could. “One more what?”

“Baby.”

“You want another baby?” He seemed completely confused.

“No,” she said, “there already is another baby.”

It took him a moment to catch on. His eyes met hers. “Are…are you t-telling me we’re having t-triplets?” he stammered.

Teri nodded.

“Triplets,” he said again, and he started to laugh. Sober, serious Bobby Polgar laughed, a rich, joyous sound that seemed to come from deep inside him. Then he was hugging and kissing her, proving in every possible way how much he loved his wife.

And Teri loved Bobby right back.

Twenty-Three

Christie knocked politely at James’s apartment door. Drawing in a deep breath, she stepped back and squared her shoulders. As she waited she raised her hand to her hair. Teri had cut it shorter than it’d been in years. Christie had been wearing it shoulder-length, but this new style suited her and was easy to care for.

James answered her knock.

For a moment all they did was stare at each other.

Then, remembering the reason for her visit, Christie thrust out a small wrapped package. “This is for you.”

James glanced down at it, seemingly embarrassed.

“I…I wanted to thank you for fixing my car,” she said quickly.

“I was able to get the alternator working. But you’re going to need a new car. Soon.” With that he accepted the gift, still looking uncomfortable.

“I can’t afford a new car,” she said. “I can’t even afford to have this one fixed on what I make.” Living alone, it was difficult enough to cover rent and pay off her ex-husband’s debts, plus meet all her other expenses, so overtime during the Christmas shopping season was a real bonus.

“Thank you for the gift,” James murmured, “but it wasn’t necessary.”

“It’s nothing big.” She hoped he liked Almond Roca candy, which was made locally. Wal-Mart had it on sale, and she’d bought some pretty silver wrap.

“This was nice of you.”

She began to turn around and walk back down the stairs.

James stopped her. “You really shouldn’t be driving that car anymore,” he said.

She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “I’m sure you’re right.” She was on borrowed time with this vehicle and she knew it. In the next little while, something else would go wrong. The car would die, and that would be that. Then she’d have to investigate public transportation, and in a town the size of Cedar Cove, there weren’t a lot of options. In the meantime, James had made it possible for her to drive to work, at least for this week, and for that she was grateful.