Page 11 of Carly's Heart

♥ Chapter Seven ♥

“I can’t believe Tanya cancelled,” Carly said as she buckled Layla’s seat into her car outside the hospital. She was excited and terrified to take her Little Bean home.

“She got a call from one of her profs about an assignment,” Birch replied. “She thought it best not to delay the virtual meeting. She sent me. I hope that’s okay.” His dark eyes filled with worry.

“It’s perfect. I’m glad you brought my car.” She gave him her best smile. “I’m really grateful you came.”

“Your car is a deathtrap, but the seat won’t fit properly in my old truck.” His truck had two bucket seats and no rear seat.

She stood and looked at him. “My car is not a deathtrap! It’s just rusty. You checked it over yourself. And guess what? I’m getting a new one. A new to me one!”

“Thank heaven for that.”

She fiddled with the buckle again wanting to be certain she had it right for Layla’s first trip. “Thanks again,” she said to cover her nervousness.

“Think nothing of it.” She went to close the door, but he stopped her and leaned into the back seat. “Let me check that,” he said. “I stopped by the firehall and had them teach me how to do it properly.”

“You did not,” she said. “You’re pulling my leg.”

“I did too. It’s important to keep our little one safe.” He checked all the belts and connections, and finally declared it safe. “Climb in, Little Mama, and I’ll take you home.”

“Little Mama?” She laughed. ‘Our’ little one? Since when was Layla his and why did him claiming her baby feel so right?

“Yup. You are little, and a mama. It makes perfect sense.” He waited for her to get in and closed her door behind her. “Do you have everything? Diaper bag? Flowers? Souvenirs?”

She laughed. “Souvenirs? From a hospital?”

“I don’t know. I’m just being thorough.” He buckled up and drove to her place. She watched him. His focus was entirely on the road. He obeyed every speed limit and traffic sign, but she suspected something was on his mind.

“What are you thinking about?” She asked when they were halfway home.

“Nothing.”

She reached out and touched his arm. “Birch, there’s something on your mind. I’d like to know what it is. Please.”

He huffed and drove on. Finally, he said, “I’m worried about you being home alone with an infant. What if something happens? What if there’s a problem?”

He was so sweet. “We’ll be fine. If there’s trouble, I’ll call the hospital. Or the police. If it’s minor, I know I can depend on you and your family. We might be physically alone, but there’s a world of friends waiting to help us.”

He grunted. “Call if you need anything.”

“I will, Birch. I promise.” She gave his arm a squeeze. Not because he needed reassurance, but because she loved the way his muscles tensed under her fingers.

“Good.” He dropped the subject and they drove in silence until he parked her car back in her stall. “I’ll bring all the other things up after I get you and Layla safely settled.” He took the baby and car seat from her and gestured for her to go ahead.

---