Page 66 of Only Just Begun

“She’s a sweet little girl who, like Buzz, knows exactly how to get what she wants,” Mandy said. “Shall we order?”

“I ordered for us.”

“How did you know what I wanted?” She looked curious rather than angry.

“Deduction. BLT and coffee,” Ted said. “Seeing as you were talking to Piper, I thought it may be a while, and I was hungry.”

“Good choice.”

“I’m sorry, I should have asked.”

“I said it was okay, Ted.”

“The truth is, you’re right. I’m used to getting my own way, and like things run my way.” Why was it always her that seemed to get him talking? It wasn’t like she really pried, and yet he found himself saying things he rarely told anyone.

“Were you always like that?”

He nodded. “What about you, were you always a nervous mouse?”

That forced a laugh from her, but then the smile fell from her lips.

“No. Not always.”

“Did you lie a lot as a child too?” Ted wanted a smile back on her face. He hated Mandy’s current sad look.

“I don’t lie.”

“Excuse me, but in the last twenty minutes you’ve lied twice. Once to your aunts and then to Piper.”

She blushed. It added to her appeal, which he didn’t need.

“Oh, that. I just thought it was best in both cases.”

“Here we go.” Piper arrived and stopped the conversation. She lowered their meals to the table, then went and got their coffee. She’d just put them on the table when she let out a low moan.

Ted leapt to his feet.

“Sit.” He urged her into a chair. “That moan sounded like pain to me.”

“I’m okay… ouch!” She grabbed one of his hands and one of Mandy’s. “Damn me, that’s sore.”

“Mummy?” Grace appeared, looking worried.

“Hey there, baby girl,” Piper managed to get out with a smile that would have had any small child running for cover.

Ted eased his hand out of the death grip she had on his fingers and picked up Grace.

“Shit!” Piper started panting. “I think it’s starting.”

“Let’s call Daddy, sweetheart.” Ted pulled out his cell phone and called Dylan. “Phil’s, now, bud. I think your baby is coming.”

Dylan swore loudly, then cut the call. Next, he called Joe.

“Hey there, Uncle Joe, can you come down to the cafe? I think the stork may be delivering.”

Once the calls were done, he took Gracie up to the bar and collected her milkshake and fries.

“I want Mummy.”

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