Protecting Her(12)

“Thank you.”

He holds his hand out to Pearce. “Congratulations, Pearce.”

They shake hands. “Thank you.”

I check the time. Shelby’s going to be here any minute. That’s probably not good. She broke up with Logan months ago, but she’s still not over him. She broke up with him because he wanted to get more serious and she didn’t. He was ready to propose so she ended their relationship before he could. But she still talks to him and she won’t date anyone else, so I keep wondering if they’ll get back together. She’s miserable without him.

Logan has left her alone but he isn’t giving up on her. He told Pearce that Shelby just needs more time. Pearce has become good friends with Logan the past year, now that he lives closer to us. They go golfing or meet for lunch. I keep telling Pearce to tell Logan that Shelby is still interested in him, but Pearce won’t do it. He says he’s not getting involved, which is frustrating because Shelby and Logan clearly belong together.

Logan comes over to me. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m a little tired. There were some complications during the delivery so they’re making me stay here a few days. Hey, since you’re a doctor, maybe you could pull some strings and get me out of here faster. I really want to go home.”

He laughs. “Sorry, but it doesn’t work that way. You’re stuck here until they decide you’re ready to leave.” He takes a peek at the baby. “He’s adorable. What’s his name?”

“Garret.”

“He looks just like you, Pearce.”

Pearce stands next to Logan. “That’s what everyone says.”

“So did they send him home already?” Logan asks.

“Yes,” Pearce answers. “I felt sorry for him, being sent home with his father, who can barely change a diaper.”

“Pearce,” I say, smiling. “You did fine.”

“I’d love to see you change a diaper,” Logan says kiddingly to Pearce.

He laughs. “Yes, I’m sure you would. Someday you’ll be doing it yourself and you’ll see it’s not as easy as it looks.”

The door opens and I see long legs topped with a bunch of giant helium balloons. “Congratulations!”

It’s Shelby, but I can’t see her through the balloons. She hurries in, then stops abruptly when she sees Logan. She stares at him, the balloons still in her hand, now held off to the side. The look on her face is one I’ve seen before, on her, and other girls I’ve known. It’s that look that says you love the guy and want to be with him but aren’t sure that you should. It’s also the look that says you’re hot for him and want to be alone with him as soon as possible.

Logan does look very handsome today in a suit and tie, his dark hair slicked back. Shelby’s in a white sundress that’s short and shows off her legs. She has a golden brown tan from hanging out at the pool in Las Vegas all week.

“Hello, Shelby,” Logan says.

“Hi. I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“I heard Rachel had the baby and I wanted to stop by.”

“Yeah. Me, too.” She’s breathless. She definitely wants him.

“I’ll take these,” Pearce says, taking the balloons from her. He ties them on the chair next to the bed.

“His name is Garret,” Logan says to Shelby.

“What?” She’s completely flustered. “Who?”

“The baby.” He points to him. “His name is Garret.”

“Oh. Yeah.” She comes over and stands by my bed. “Can I see him?”

I hold him up for her and she smiles. “Oh my God, Rachel. He’s so cute.”

“Do you want to hold him?”

“No.” She backs away, holding her hands up. “I can’t hold a baby. I’d drop him, for sure.”

“Do you need to be heading out?” Pearce asks Logan. I swear, Pearce is actively trying to keep Logan and Shelby apart. I have no idea why. “I can walk with you back to your car. We should schedule a golf game before the weather gets cool.”

“I think I’ll stay a few more minutes,” Logan says, eyeing Shelby in that dress.

It’s a cute white cotton dress that has thin straps and is fitted at the top, then flows out at the waist, ending about mid-thigh. And she’s wearing strappy sandals that have a small heel.