“Yes, you mentioned that he was taking his wife on a cruise of some kind.”
“He’s also been getting in a lot of fishing lately, something I haven’t had time to do since last August.”
“Sounds like the life to me,” Shane said.
“Me, too. In fact, Caroline and I were talking last night, and she asked how I felt about retiring. I’d never expected to turn in my badge, thinking they’d have to pry it from my hands. But I thought about it all night long, and when morning came around, I started to make a list of all the things I’d do if I had a little time off.”
“So why’d you want to talk to me?”
“Well, now I’m not saying that I’ve made up my mind. But if I did decide to give up my position here in town, how would you feel about taking my place—even if it was just in the interim?”
“Until a permanent sheriff could be found?”
Sam nodded. “I’d have to talk to the county commission, but they were impressed with the help you gave me on that burglary case. I’m sure they’d appoint you in a heartbeat.”
“I honestly don’t know,” Shane said. Thing was, if he agreed, even for a while, he’d be leaving Dan in the lurch. And that didn’t sit well with him. Besides, he really liked working on the ranch. But there was a part of him that missed police work, and he didn’t want to be too quick to decline the offer. “I’d have to think about it, I guess.”
“You do that,” Sam said, before waving at some people in the rear of the restaurant and heading over to join them, leaving Shane to his thoughts.
If he had reason to believe that Jillian would consider settling in the valley, if there was any future for them together, he’d need to find some kind of job that provided health benefits.
Of course, if she insisted upon living in Houston, he was going to be in a real quandary. Because with each passing day he spent in a small town, he became more and more convinced that he’d never want to return to life in the big city.
But what if Jillian decided Brighton Valley would never be her cup of tea? Where would that leave them?
Right back in the same place he and Marcia had once been. And Shane couldn’t figure out what he’d do this time around.
As Jillian climbed from the shower and dried off with one of Shane’s white, fluffy towels, she glanced at her image in the mirror. Her tummy seemed to be growing bigger every day, but the baby wasn’t anywhere near ready to be born. She was so glad when Dr. Ramirez told her that everything was going well, that the baby wasn’t going to come early and that…
I’m going to have a little girl.
Her heart had filled to the brim with love for the child she’d yet to meet, and Shane seemed to be pleased at the news, as well. In fact, he’d been so supportive during yesterday’s health scare that it was difficult not to believe that he truly cared about her and the baby.
But was he insisting upon being a part of the baby’s life because he hoped their baby would replace the little boy he lost?
She certainly hoped that wasn’t the case.
There were other things to consider when it came to contemplating any kind of life together—love for one thing, and loyalty for another.
Sure, a healthy sexual relationship was important—and it wouldn’t be a problem for them. But there was more to life than sex.
After slipping on her cotton gown, she went into the living area of Shane’s small apartment and waited for him to bring dinner upstairs. While she had the chance, she picked up her cell phone and dialed her grand mother’s number.
“Hi, Gram. I just called to say hello.”
“I’m so glad you did.”
“Are you feeling okay?” Jillian asked, concerned at the hoarse sound of Gram’s familiar voice. “It sounds as though you might be coming down with a cold.”
“I have a scratchy throat and a bit of a cough, but it’s nothing I can’t deal with. How are things going? Are you okay? You really don’t know that man very well.”
“He’s a nice guy, Gram. You have nothing to worry about.”
There was no need to tell her about the visit to the E.R. today, especially since it had proved to be no big deal.
“Is he treating you well?”
“Shane’s been a perfect gentleman.” In fact, he’d been…wonderful.
“He hasn’t tried to take advantage of you, has he?”
On the contrary. “He’s been very sweet and respectful.” In fact, he’d been everything Jillian could have hoped for.
“I’m glad to hear that,” Gram said. “Since the two of you will be having a child together, it’s important that you be friends.”
That was true. And little did Gram know, Jillian would be sleeping with that “friend” in an hour or so.
Of course, the doctor had said to take it easy, so there was no chance that they’d end up having sex tonight. But would they eventually become lovers again while she was staying with him?
Just the thought sent a delicious shiver that pooled low and warm in the depths of her.
It was still too soon to tell if they would pick up where they’d left off, she supposed—even though it would be incredibly easy to succumb to temptation.
Maybe she should make an extra effort to stay strong. Their relationship as friends and coparents was going to be difficult enough, especially with them living two hours away from each other. Trying to be sometimes lovers, too…?
That might be too much to handle.
Would Shane consider moving back to Houston? If so, could something permanent work out between them?
“When will you be coming home?” Gram asked, her graveled voice reminding Jillian that she might be sicker than she’d let on.
“I’d planned to stay two weeks, which is right before my next appointment with Dr. Allan.” Jillian had been looking forward to that appointment, since she wanted to make sure the baby was healthy, that her pregnancy was going well. But she’d just had confirmation from Dr. Ramirez that the baby—her daughter—was growing as expected, that all seemed to be fine.
For a moment, she wanted to share the news with Gram. But that would mean she’d have to admit to having that pain earlier today, and Jillian didn’t want to worry her any more than necessary.
“I assume you asked Dr. Allan for permission to travel,” Gram said.
“Yes, he was fine with it.”
Dr. Allan was one of many doctors in a large and prestigious obstetrical group in Houston, although Jillian sometimes got the feeling that his practice was too big, that he was too busy and rushed her appointments.
Dr. Ramirez, on the other hand, had been both thorough and reassuring. Maybe it was because she was a woman herself and was more nurturing by nature. It was hard to say.
Gram coughed into the phone, then apologized.
“I don’t like the sound of that cough,” Jillian said. “Have you called the doctor?”
“Not yet.”
As heavy, booted footsteps thumped on the stairway outside, Jillian realized Shane had returned with dinner.
“Listen, Gram. I have to go. But promise me you’ll see the doctor if you’re not feeling better in the morning. And that you’ll call me, either way.”
“I will, honey. Don’t worry about me.”
It