Page 10 of Carly's Heart

“It is not. It’s a synthetic one, but the importance of what you’ve done is real.” It was real, but he wasn’t telling her that. “Do you want help to put it on?”

“Please.” She lifted her hair with one hand while the other arm cuddled Layla close. He stepped to the side of the bed and slipped the chain around her neck. He nearly dropped it twice when his fingers fumbled from her nearness and the sweet softness of her skin. He finally managed to get it fastened. “There you go.”

“Thank you, Birch. You’ve made today extra special.” The pendant lay low on her chest, right near her heart.

“You know what’s even more special?” he asked.

“What?” She giggled and the hairs on his arm stood up and trembled.

“I heard a rumor that any minute now, Tanya will be here with butter chicken and rice.” He grinned.

“Oh. That’s awesome. Birch, you are the greatest friend I ever had.”

“Hey, that’s Tan’s doing, not mine. But I’ll take that compliment anyhow. “He hugged her praise to his heart. Someday, when she was back to a normal routine, he’d ask her out.

♥♥♥

“DID YOU WANT TO HOLD Layla?” Carly asked uncertainly, looking up at the large man standing beside her bed. Birch was so sweet, but she’d never seen him around babies. Would he even know what to do? She was nervous but asking him felt right.

“Are you sure? I’d love to if you show me how.” His eyes lit with eagerness.

She patted the bed. “Sit here.” Careful not to strain anything, she scooted over so he’d have more room. He sat facing her, one leg bent up, the other foot planted firmly on the floor.

“Her neck is weak. You have to support it at all times. Put your arm like this.” She bent her elbow to show him how. With a deep breath, she gently placed the baby in his arms.

His huge body dwarfed the tiny bundle and he stared at her, his jaw slack, his eyes bright. He seemed awestruck. His free hand cupped Layla’s cheek. “She’s almost as beautiful as her mother,” he whispered.

“Thank you. She’s pretty special.” She didn’t want to think about Birch calling her beautiful. He was being nice. That’s all. She touched the lovely pendant he’d given her and smiled.

“Did you know Layla was my grandmother’s name?” he asked without looking up.

“I did,” she whispered past the lump in her throat. “Your family has done so much for me. You welcomed me when I moved to town six years ago. You supported me while my marriage fell apart. You moved me. You fixed my car. Thanks again for that. You’ve helped me in so many ways. I wanted to do something to show your family how much they mean to me, and to Layla.”

“We’re honored.” He cleared his throat. “Honored.”

“Thank you, Birch. For everything.” They sat staring at the baby for a long time. They were still staring when Tanya arrived with dinner.

“Okay. I have to run,” Birch blurted. He gently placed Layla back in her arms, stood and left in such a hurry he nearly knocked over his sister.

“What was he doing here?” Tanya asked. “He suggested I should get food for you. I didn’t expect him to be here.”

“He came to drop off sleepers for Layla.” She didn’t mention anything else.

“And flowers?” Tanya asked, her eyes wide.

“Yes.”

“Wow.”

“Wow, what?” Carly asked. The gesture was sweet, something a family friend might do. Why was Tanya making a big deal of it? She shifted so the necklace slid under her loose top. No sense in letting Tanya notice that too. It felt special, like something just for her and not for sharing.

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