And now Walt Kinkade had the nerve to say shedidn’twant to be a mother? It was beyond too much. She unclenched her jaw and forced out the words.
“I quit.”
“What?” Walt jerked back like she’d hit him, his eyes round. “Why?”
“Because you have no right to pry into my private life.” She moved her hand to the laptop’s touchpad to end the call.
“No,” Linda cried, leaning over Walt’s shoulder. “Please don’t. I’m coming over and bringing lunch. Merry told me you’re going to Storytime after your appointment with the attorney.”
Sandra curled her shaking hands into fists, fighting for control of her emotions.
“Please?” Linda’s eyes held more than pleading; they held compassion. She knew something was going on, and she would undoubtedly want to know what it was.
Sandra closed her eyes. Why wouldn’t everyone just leave her alone? It was huge that she’d forced herself to tell Eb. Now Linda would insist on knowing too. Could Sandra bear the pity? The question made her cringe, as it had so many times over the years. She almost declined.
But she’d calmed enough for her reasoning ability to return. Walt didn’t mean to be intrusive any more than her mother had at Thanksgiving. They cared for her just like Linda did. If Sandra didn’t finally get past this, she’d have to walk away from the best job and dearest friends she’d ever had.
“Fine,” she growled.
“And you won’t quit?” At Walt’s question, his wife shushed him.
“I haven’t decided yet,” Sandra finally said, but she let herself smile a little. Even if it looked more like a grimace in the camera.
“I’ll come early, so we have plenty of time.” Linda ended the call.
Sandra was sure the woman had done it so fast to prevent her from changing her mind. Linda was a smart woman.
* * *
The textfrom Merry telling Eb she and Sandra were taking the girls to the library had surprised him. From the way she’d left yesterday, he hadn’t been sure she would.
The anguish in Sandra’s eyes had wrenched his gut. All he’d wanted was to take her in his arms and hold her. But then understanding had hit him, stealing his ability to speak. Eb had hated being an only child. Growing up, he’d run with a group of boys, all of whom had been part of large families. Even though his friends had fought a lot with their siblings, they’d been close.
But their parents had also been younger than his when they’d started having kids. He’d been jealous of their parents, who ran and played with them. How realistic was his dream of a large family, anyway? In a few years, he’d be the same age as his father when Eb had been born.
And there was also the fact that Eb missed Sandra. Even before Rue had come into his life, he’d begun to accept his growing feelings for Sandra and wondered if she’d consider going out with him. And then, suddenly, he was a father with parental responsibilities. And she’d been there, solidly behind him.
When she’d traveled with Walt, they’d texted several times a day, and she’d send pictures and even video clips. It had made Eb feel part of her adventures. Looking back on his youthful wish to be part of a large family, they seemed childish compared to his new desire for a future with Sandra. Why couldn’t he have both?
* * *
Sandra hadto steel herself before opening her door. Linda’s eyes went wide as she took in the packing boxes, but rather than speaking, she gave Sandra a quick hug.
“I hope you’re hungry because I felt like burgers.” Linda made her way through the obstacle course to the kitchen. “I need protein when I’m going into battle.”
“I usually need carbs.” Sandra opened the refrigerator to pull out a small bottle of ketchup. There wasn’t much else in it. “I don’t have any mustard.”
“These come with the fixings, so we shouldn’t need anything else.” Linda took a paper plate from a bag and handed it to Sandra. “And I brought you a shake with brownies. Walt said it’s your favorite. It, and the fries, should give you all the carbs you need.”
“You’re a woman after my heart.”
“Of course I am, and it’s why you will not quit your job.” Linda winked at Sandra. “Now, let’s sit on the sofa, eat some lunch, and then we and talk about what’s really bothering you.”
The chocolate did help. It probably didn’t hurt she’d talked about this already, first rehashing things with her mother and then the big revelation for Eb. Sandra’s eyes prickled, remembering his expression. To cover the overwhelming emotions, she took a bite of her burger.
Fortunately, Linda waited until they’d finished eating before saying more.
“You have Walt worried.”
