Page 12 of Wife Wanted

I leave the room like my ass is on fire and he's fanning the flames. When I get to the kitchen, I put my palms on the granite countertop and take a deep breath. It was easy to ignore how good looking he is when he wasn't around. Now that he's here, and invading the space I've so easily carved out for myself? I can't help but notice him, and think about how fucking hot he is.

"So, there's a craft show downtown today, would you like to go?" He asks as he comes in, holding Rachel on his hip. She's bright-eyed and looking around. When she notices me, a cute smiles spreads across her face, and she reaches for me.

"I'd love that. Don't you wanna stay with your dad?" I tilt my head to the side.

He gives me a look, that I can't exactly read. "She's used to you. In the past few weeks, you're basically all she knows."

"She's a kid." I remind him. "It's going to change who she enjoys, and who she looks to. Right now, I'm giving her the time you can't. It does not mean she loves you less. She looks for you all the time, Shane."

"I know, and I appreciate what you've done for her. I couldn't have asked for someone better than you."

"Yes you could've, but don't think I'm to be praised so much. I knew what I was getting into, Shane. This was a transaction." I don't know if I'm reminding him or myself. "Not to say I don't love her, I do. Rachel has wiggled her way into my heart in a way I'd never considered before. I hadn't actually ever thought about having kids, or a husband after what happened with my last boyfriend. Regardless of what happens with us, thank you for reminding me that there are good things possible with couples."

He scratches his chest. "I'm not sure if that makes me feel better or not, but I understand there are complicated feelings here."

"There are, but I want you to know I'm happy."

"I'm glad. I want you to be happy."

And I want him to be happy too.

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We're walking around downtown a few hours later, he's holding Rachel against his chest, and I'm trying to keep my heart from flittering as I watch the two of them. The interesting thing about this marriage so far is that we haven't spent much time together. Between the two of us, we've honestly been living two separate lives. The only common denominator has been the marriage and Rachel. We have to find something that we both agree on and enjoy besides these two things.

"Oh, this stuff is so cool." I stop at one of the booths that has crocheted flowers. "You don't have to water them, they don't die. I can't keep them alive at all." I finger the material.

"Those are nice," Shane says as he stands behind me. "I never would've thought about crocheted flowers."

"Me neither." I set them down. "We might have to come back here."

Together we continue walking through the booths that have been set up. Shane stops us after about an hour. "I think I'm gonna have to go change her diaper."

I reach out with my hands and motion for her to come over. "Chances are there is nothing in the men's bathroom, but there'll be one in the women's. We'll see you in a few minutes."

"Go with Mom," he says, handing her over to me. "Oh shit, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that."

The word warms a place inside me that I wasn't aware was cold. "It's okay. Maybe one day she'll think of me the same way." Walking to the women's room, I do my best to keep my emotions in check.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Shane

I'm kicking myself for calling her Rachel's mom. This may not be something she wanted to be known as and I've now given her the title without confirming with her. "Stupid move man." Mind made up on something that I've been thinking about since we started walking around together, I go make a purchase that I know I'll use in the future. Hiding it in the bag I carry for Rachel, I pick a spot and wait.

As I'm standing outside, waiting on them with my arms crossed over my chest, I see a newer member of the department, Phillip White. He's our K-9 officer and he's been a great addition. "Hey." I wave toward where he and what I assume to be his wife are walking in my direction.

"Hey, how's it going?" They come to a stop in front of us.

"Not too bad, just enjoying some time with the family since we've been working so much."

"Right?" He slings his arm around the woman's neck. "This is my wife, Hayley."

"Nice to meet you." I give her a smile before rocking back on my feet. "Welcome."

"Thank you." She smiles back. "I met your wife the other day. We go to the same library story time. She's so sweet and your daughter is so cute."

"Thank you. I'm proud of my family." It strikes me how true those words are. No matter how this marriage and this family came about, I am proud of it. Really damn happy that we've made it work. It won't always be the way it is right now. We're in that polite phase, where we don't want to piss each other off, but I have a feeling if I make Courtney mad, she's going to show me who she is.

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