Page 27 of Right in Front of You

MOLLY, AGE 20

Carter wasthe first person to knock on my door since I’d arrived in Hope Bay. I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him tightly before he even uttered a word.

“Hey, stranger,” I said. “It’s been too long.”

“Way too long if you ask me. When did you get back?”

“Three days ago. My mother convinced me to help out Doctor Burke over the summer. It’s good experience for me as well.”

I skipped the part where she’d told me that Father was away on work for the summer. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have set my foot anywhere near Hope Bay.

“I’m glad you’re here. Are you ready?” he asked.

It was Mackenzie’s first birthday today, and I couldn’t wait to see my goddaughter. I grabbed my purse and headed out the door. Jo’s house was only a ten-minute walk from the office, so like every other place in Hope Bay, easy walking distance.

Despite it being May, summer weather had already blessed us. Flowers were blooming and birds were chirping. I didn’t remember the last time I’d felt this much peace and warmth.

“I still can’t believe you delivered her,” I said. I wasn’t sure whether Carter realized just how amazing he was. A year ago, he’d delivered Jo’s baby right underneath a tree near Mrs. Gladstone’s farm, and from what Doctor Burke had told me, he did a fine job.

“Me neither. It was fast and bloody.”

“And you didn’t faint? I may need to call you when someone’s water breaks in the office.” I laughed, though I was partially serious. “Are you working at the firehouse yet?”

“No, still taking my time. It was part of Daisy’s dream as well, and I’m not quite ready to take that step. But soon.”

Carter had been grieving for two years now. And even though he seemed all right for the most part, I knew that getting over his first love and his unborn baby’s death would take time.

“I know you can do it, Carter. You’re one of the strongest men I know.”

His cheeks flushed, and he gave me a sexy, lopsided smile.

“Thanks, Molly.”

“What did you get her?” I asked, seeing how he was holding a huge gift bag.

“A cow. Not a real one.” He chuckled nervously. The crush he’d had on me apparently hadn’t passed yet, which was okay, so long as we could remain friends. “Since she was born the same day as Tank, Mac loves cows. I want to take her for a ride today, if Jo lets me.”

“Ha! You’re going to have to get her drunk first. I don’t think she’ll ever let that baby go.”

“No way! I’m an uncle now. I have rights. Besides, Mac loves me.”

I bet she did. From what I heard, the little girl was smitten with Carter, as any other little girl would have been. I’d seen a lot of babies at the hospital, but none of them embodied as much cuteness as Jo’s daughter. I’d often wondered whether their friendly relationship confused their little girl, and if she looked to Carter as if he were her father. Nick, Jo’s boyfriend, was in the Navy on a secret assignment, and she hadn’t been able to get in touch with him since the day she found out she was pregnant. He was supposed to return in the next couple of months.

Half a mile away from Jo’s house, we ran into Jo’s father, who was pushing a stroller down the road.

“Is that my niece in there?” Carter almost tripped over his feet trying to get to Mac that much faster.

“It is. She’s still sleeping. Jo’s resting inside.”

“Can we take her for a walk?” I asked. “It’ll give Jo a bit more time to rest.”

“Sure. There are snacks packed in her diaper bag.”

“Wait… diapers?” Carter looked nervous, and I couldn’t help but smile. He didn’t even know how adorable he looked, frightened by a tiny dirty diaper.

“You delivered her and you’re afraid to change a diaper?” I laughed. “Don’t worry, Mr. Kagen, I’ll change her if there’s a need.”

“Good, because me and baby poop, well, we don’t mix well. I get a gag reflex, and I think I’ve done enough vomiting on you, Molly.”

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