Page 19 of Her Baby His Gift

“Carter, I don’t want to be the reason you let love slip through your fingers. Finding the right partner is just too hard. If Elaina is it, you’ve got to make her a priority.”

Carter hated to admit it, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to. His lack of seriousness in relationships left him behind the eight ball in this situation. He honestly didn’t know if he was self-sabotaging or if Elaina just wasn’t the right woman for him. Aside from sex, he truly didn’t enjoy her company all that much.

“Carter?”

“Yeah.”

“Did you hear me?”

“I heard you. Elaina and I will figure it out.” He released a heavy sigh. “I want to ask you something.” Carter was hesitant.

“Okay.”

“Damian’s birthday is next week. I was thinking of visiting the gravesite.” The drive was at least an hour away. Harlem requested that he be buried in her family’s plot in some small town called Zion, Illinois. “Do you want to go?”

“Actually . . .” Harlem needed closure. It was time. She for damn sure didn’t want to be riding shotgun with Elaina, but she had been selfish enough. It was time to return some of Carter’s goodwill. Her voice was elevated in a false sense of subdued excitement. “That would be great if I could tag along.”

“It would just be you and me.”

“Oh.” Relief washed all over her. Visiting Damian’s grave was going to be hard enough. Harlem didn’t want to do it in front of Elaina.

“Elaina will be out of town on business. I may not know much about relationships, but I know how to keep women who shouldn’t be in the same room together apart.” Carter laughed.

“You’re a mess, Carter Owens. It’s getting late. I have a lot to do tomorrow. I better go.”

Carter had been tired when he first started talking to Harlem but surprisingly, their conversation relaxed him. “What do you have planned?”

Harlem was slow to respond. “I’m packing away and clearing out Damian’s things.” Carter didn’t say anything. It was quiet on his end of the phone. Harlem felt the need to explain. “It’s time.”

Who was he to tell Harlem when her grieving period should end? “You need some assistance?”

“Not really.” What she said next was more for Carter than her. “But, I don’t mind if you’d like to come over and help.”

“Thanks, I’d like that. Is noon okay?” He knew that she had been sleeping later hours because of her pregnancy.

“Noon is perfect.”

“See you tomorrow.”

“Okay,” Harlem confirmed. “See you tomorrow.” They disconnected their phones. Harlem rolled over onto her side and spoke to her baby. “I’m learning that just because people don’t behave the way you think they should, doesn’t make them bad people. In Carter’s case, deep down, he’s a good guy.” She rubbed her belly. “I have a feeling that you’re going to figure that out a lot sooner than I did.”

Chapter 10

“C’mon, Harlem. Move your ass!” Carter barked from her living room. “Let’s go.”

“Okay. I’m coming.” Harlem checked her list for the millionth time. She was all set. She zipped up her overnight bag, grabbed it from off the bed, and walked out of her bedroom. “Sheesh. You’re so bossy!”

“We were supposed to leave at ten. It’s almost noon.” Irritated, he grabbed her overnight bag from off her shoulder. It was much too heavy. “What do you have in this thing? We’re only going to be gone a couple of days. Damn.”

“Stop complaining. You sound like an old man.”

“I sound like I’m ready to go.”

“Okay. Okay. You’re moody this morning.”

“It’s afternoon.” He said dryly.

She silently mimicked him. “You’re moody this afternoon, then.” They walked out of the door of her condo to the parking garage.

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