I smile. “I like the sound of your sister.”
“Oh, you’ll love her. And she’ll love you, as well.”
I feel a little thrill at the thought of getting to know his family. It’sLily’sfamily, I tell myself. Lily’s, and the baby’s.
“I volunteer once a month with a group that builds backyard vegetable gardens for low-income citizens,” he continues. “I was wondering if you’d both like to come help next Saturday.”
Thank God—an easy decision! “Sure,” I say with a smile. “I don’t think this counts as a non-fun activity, though. Lily loves planting things.”
“Just about anything can be fun if you do it with the right people.”
“Oh, I beg to differ,” I say. “I don’t think a root canal could ever be fun. Or a colonoscopy.”
He grins. “Have some experience with those, do you?”
“No. Nor do I want any.”
His dimple deepens. “Well, no worries. I don’t have either of those on the family agenda.”
Family.He used the wordfamily, as if that’s what we are!
I can’t help it. I beam at him, my heart so full it feels like it’s spilling over. We sit there, just smiling at each other, until the server brings our meals.
As we eat, we talk about his work, my work, Lily, Saints football, what we’re reading, music, a new exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art, charitable projects we’re involved in, and movies. It turns out we have a lot in common. Our conversation is easy and fun and free-flowing. I feel lighter and happier than I’ve felt in months.
“This is the last week of your first trimester, right?” Zack says as we finish our meals.
I’m surprised he’s kept track. “That’s true.”
“That’s a big milestone.” He picks up his iced tea glass and holds it out. “Here’s to you and our baby.”
Our baby. The words make goose bumps rise on my arms. I grin like a moron and clink my glass against his. I feel giddy, as if I’ve drunk champagne instead of iced tea.
As the plates are cleared, I excuse myself from the table and go to the ladies’ room so I can have a serious talk with myself.
“Get a grip, girl,” I whisper to myself in the mirror as I wash my hands.
Having Zack stay in New Orleans will undoubtedly be wonderful for Lily. It’ll be wonderful for the baby, and wonderful for Margaret.
But what about me? I don’t want to get involved with a man who ticks off every item on my things-to-avoid-so-I-don’t-make-the-same-mistake-again list:
Not ready for a relationship—check.
On the rebound—check.
Is someone I must continue to interact with if things don’t work out—check, check, and double check.
It’s not wise for me to fall for Zack, not wise at all—and yet my heart already seems to have stepped off the ledge.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
Margaret
Tuesday, June 11
QUINN HELPED MEmove to the rehabilitation hospital yesterday. It was just a wheelchair ride away, but it’s in a whole separate building, so I got to go outside for the first time since my accident.
Oh, how glorious to be outdoors! I swear, I was like a puppy hanging its head out of a car window. The sky overhead was blue, but clouds hung heavy in the west, and the air smelled like rain and possibilities. It was the first time I’d felt like anything good could happen in a while. Since Brooke’s death, I suppose.
