Page 47 of Can We Try?

“So, how did the two of you end up together?”

“I was with Lachlan at the restaurant where I worked. I was picking up my check. It was my night off and he was there. Lachlan was fussy, and he started making faces and playing with him, and asked for us to join him. I said no, of course, but then the skies opened up and it was pouring down rain, and I lived two blocks from the restaurant. I had to stay anyway, so I said yes.”

“I love that story.”

“That night he talked to me like I was someone, you know? I wasn’t just this young struggling waitress and single mom. I was a woman. And the way he interacted with Lachlan, well, that sealed the deal for me. Once the rain finally let up, he asked me on a date again. Only this time, it was to the park. He wanted to bring pizza and let Lachlan play. I think that might have been the moment that I fell in love with him.”

“Aww, I love that so much.”

“So, you see, my son might not have his blood in his veins, but he does have his dad’s heart. He wears it openly, and I don’t need for him to say the words to know that you and your baby have a piece of it.”

“Of course he loves his baby. He’s already taking such good care of us.”

“Not just the baby, Maggie.” Amanda smiles, and it’s genuine. Just like her son. He might have his dad’s heart, but I can also see Amanda in him, and this is the family my child will grow up with. “Look, I know I’m his mom, and this might seem odd to talk to me about, but I promise you what you say with me will be between us. Unless you’re hurt or unsafe, nothing leaves these lips.” She gives me another kind smile. “I know you have Grandma Doris, but I also know you lost your parents far too young, and I’d never want to replace them, but I’d like to offer to be an additional support for you. To listen, to give you a shoulder, to babysit.” She chuckles. “Whatever you need, I’m here for you. Rodney is, too, and well, you already know Lachlan would move heaven and earth or at least try if you asked him to.”

“He’s been great,” I agree. “Thank you, Amanda. For your words and today. I miss my mother more on days like this.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. Now, tell me, are you all shopped out or do we have time to hit Marshall’s before we head back?”

“There is always time for Marshall’s,” I tell her. We toss our trash, head out to her SUV, and make our way to the next stop.

“Did you know that Lachlan was going to be here?” I ask Amanda as we pull into her driveway, and I see his truck.

“No, but I’m not surprised. He knew you would be here eventually.”

“You’d think he’d be sick of seeing me. We’ve been spending a lot of time together.” Even saying the words, I know they’re not true. “I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry.” I’m quick to retract my words. “He’s made it clear he likes to spend time with me. I’m just… jaded from an ex.” An ex that I’m sick and tired of hearing in my thoughts.

“Maggie, trust me, the jaded ex I understand. Just know that he’s not worth your time. Maybe look at what’s right in front of you.” She nods toward what I assume is Lachlan’s truck, but when I look up, it’s him standing in front of her car, wearing a grin.

“Are you playing matchmaker, Grandma Noble?”

“Yes, and I love that more than you know. I’m going to be a grandma.” She squeals in excitement.

“And we have the bibs to prove it.”

“Right? They were gender neutral, and I couldn’t pass them up.”

“They are very cute,” I say, as my door opens and Lachlan offers me his hand. I turn to look at Amanda, and she’s too occupied placing her hand in Rodney’s as he helps her out of the SUV. I didn’t even see him outside.

I only had eyes for Lachlan.

Placing my hand in his, I allow him to help me out. “How was your day?” he asks, pressing a kiss to my temple.

“Good.” I smile up at him. “Great, actually.”

“I’m glad. Did you buy lots of things for the baby?” he asks, pressing his hand against my belly.

“A few.”

“All the things,” Amanda says as she and Rodney meet us at the back of her SUV. She opens the back and digs around in a bag, pulling out the bibs. They’re a light shade of green and one says I love my grandma and the other I love my grandpa. “Look at these.” She holds them up so that Rodney and Lachlan can read them.

Lachlan slides his arm around my waist, and I can’t help but lean into his warmth. “Our kid is going to be spoiled, Mags. Just warning you now.”

“Not spoiled, loved,” Rodney tells us.

“And a little bit spoiled.” Amanda chuckles. “Who am I kidding? A lot spoiled. Just wait until I know the gender.” She beams at us.

“Good thing I bought a bigger house.” Lachlan grins.

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