I know the answer. His mother didn't quit, like mine did. The circumstances weren't identical, so the comparison isn't completely fair. I don't want to think about that right now. I want to bask in Hugo.
"You are so good to me, Hugo."
"You are so deserving, Mallory."
And then he kisses me. On the lips. Right in front of the doctor's office, for anyone and everyone to see.
"Hugo," I admonish softly. "People are going to ask you questions. They're going to think you're the father."
"I don't care what anybody thinks," he all but growls.
What people think of me means little to me, but I do care what they think of Hugo. This is his town. His home. I'm a guest, a visitor.
"Don't," he says softly, smoothing out the furrowbetween my brows. "I know exactly what you're thinking. I'm a grown man, and this is my choice.Youare my choice."
He takes my hand, and leads me into the office.
People stare. The women in the waiting room, the receptionist. Even if Hugo doesn't know them, they know Hugo. Operator of Summerhill, winner of Olympic medals. A local celebrity, though I admit I hadn't fully considered that until now.
When the nurse calls me back, Hugo stays seated. I stand, looking down at him, and decide in that moment to include him. All he wants is to support me, and it's well past time I allow someone to be there for me. The truth is, I can do all this on my own. But that doesn't mean I have to.
Chapter 33
Olive Township
Whispersof the townspeople weaving through my palo verde trees, slipping around my agave.
My happiness spills through in the sunshine, the white olive tree blossoms, the most brilliant purple flowers on the jacaranda. The hot pink and yellow blooms on the cacti are me, smiling. I send the sweet scent of citrus flowers through the air.
Long have I waited for him to find a safe place for his broken heart.
And he has.
I've put on a show for her. Displayed my brightest colors, brought forth a pageantry.
Her smile tells me she likes it. Her eyes tell me he's healing her broken heart, too.
Chapter 34
Hugo
"It feelslike an ice cream kind of day," I declare on our way out of Dr. Connolly's office.
Mallory is still crying. Happy tears, I know, but I'll do anything to make sure she keeps smiling.
"Mom and baby girl are healthy," Dr. Connolly had announced, rolling on her round stool. Mallory gasped, looking to me. A smile lit up her face, more brilliant than the sunrise. I didn't know what to do, but Mallory took over. She grabbed my hand, leaned into my side. I dropped a kiss onto her forehead. She'd smiled up at me, said, "I'm so glad you're here. Thank you for challenging me when I said I didn't mind coming to this appointment alone."
Now we have two reasons to celebrate. Mallory is having a girl, and I do believe I've broken down one of her walls.
I feel a jubilation that's been elusive to me. It's impossible, but Olive Township feels different. The sun burns brighter,warmer. The flowers are more vibrant, the air scented with orange blossoms.
I think I know what it is. I'm not in love, because it's only been a little over a month since I first set eyes on Mallory. It's too soon, right?
I can see it, though. Love. In the distance, but not that far. If we keep going on this way, that is most definitely my final destination. It's invigorating, not something to be afraid of. It's something to look forward to.
Mallory pauses on the sidewalk outside of the doctor's office, hands on her belly. "Well, little girl, what do you think? Vanilla ice cream?" Mallory pretends to listen, then she looks at me. "Baby girl says it's a brownie batter day. Two scoops."
I take Mallory's hand, pull her in close. "We better not delay."
