a high-profile case, Bree volunteered to run the necessary errands for the wedding, returning rental items and finalizing payment.
Today she wanted to get to the office early enough to have her first two cups of coffee while reviewing notes before the arrival of her clients.
Her receptionist was on the phone when she arrived.
“Good morning, Casey,” Bree greeted.
“Hey, beautiful.”
She loved the woman’s bubbly personality and genuine demeanor. Her patients adored Casey.
“How was the wedding?” the receptionist asked.
“It was very romantic and beautiful,” Bree responded. “I don’t think it could’ve been more perfect.”
Casey’s infectious grin always set the tone for the day. “I know Jordin looked stunning.”
“She did,” Bree confirmed with a smile. “Speaking of weddings, have you and Eric set a date yet?”
Casey nodded. “We’re getting married in October. On the tenth.”
“That’s wonderful.”
“Now that we’ve picked our wedding day, the engagement feels more real to me.” Casey handed her a stack of files. “You’re booked all morning and two appointments after lunch.”
“Light day...”
“Don’t worry, you have a full day tomorrow.”
Bree strolled into her office. Her eyes landed on the photograph of her son that sat on her desk. Her heart sang with delight whenever she thought about Emery.
When she lost her husband, Caleb, just before their second wedding anniversary, Bree wasn’t sure she would ever recover. As a psychologist, she worked with others who were dealing with grief, but when it came to her own... Bree found herself in a bad state of mind.
It wasn’t until she decided to adopt that she found hope again. When she met Emery, it was love at first sight. The moment she laid eyes on him—Bree knew he was the child for her.
* * *
Bree picked up Emery and headed home. She was thrilled to see her little boy and looked forward to spending some quality time with him after dinner. He was a very happy and secure soon-to-be three-year-old.
“Mommy, I wanna ’nana.”
“Don’t you want to eat dinner, sweetie?” she asked. “Mommy’s making fried chicken and macaroni.”
“Shick’en...mac’roni...yummy.”
Bree laughed. “That’s what I say. Yummy.”
As soon as they arrived home, she turned on the television for Emery, then went straight into the kitchen, where Bree washed her hands, then poured oil into a fryer. While it heated, she seasoned four chicken drumsticks and boiled water for the macaroni.
She placed the chicken in the fryer and the cheese and macaroni in the oven, put a load of Emery’s clothes in the laundry and then returned to the kitchen. She washed her hands and checked on the food. Bree enjoyed being a mother. She considered it her one true purpose in life.
For a moment, she allowed herself to think about her late husband. He had been her best friend and she missed him. Enough time had passed since Caleb’s death for Bree to consider dating.
Although she had gone on a few dates, she had not met a man who could hold her interest for one reason or another.
After dinner Bree cleared the table and filled the sink with hot water.
She was down to washing the skillet when the telephone rang.
A telemarketer.
Her mouth thinned with displeasure.
Bree put another load of clothes in the washing machine before giving Emery a bath.
She was glad that he went down easily. She hadn’t finished the story before the little boy was sound asleep.
“My little man...you’re so tired.” Bree kissed his cheek. “Sleep well.”
She tiptoed out the room.
Bree folded the rest of the laundry and carried it to her bedroom. She watched television as she put the clothing away.
After a quick shower, she got into bed with her laptop.
A friend of her emailed copies of the photographs she’d taken at Jordin’s wedding. An easy smile curved her mouth as she scanned through them. She was truly happy for her friend. Ethan seemed to be a wonderful person and it was obvious that they were very much in love. Bree prayed they would have a long life together.
Her eyes landed on a photograph of Jordin’s brother.
“You’re a cutie, Austin DuGrandpre,” she whispered. They hadn’t been formally introduced, but she knew who he was—Jordin and Jadin spoke of him often.
Bree continued to stare at the photograph.
He looked so handsome in the light gray suit he wore. Tall, lean and muscular, Austin wore a smile that lit his chestnut-colored eyes and accented the tiny scar over his left eyebrow.
I wonder if he’s dating anyone?
She chuckled to herself. She couldn’t seriously be thinking about Jordin’s brother in this manner.
Bree turned off the computer. If she hadn’t, she’d be staring at Austin for the rest of the evening.
* * *
“Mrs. Holbrooke, it’s nice to have you back,” Austin greeted when Jordin strolled into his office a week later.
Her smile broadened. “I hear you’ve been holding down my clients for me. Thanks.”
“I didn’t have to do much.”
Jordin sat down in one of the chairs facing him. “How are things with you?”
“I’m fine. Why?”
“We didn’t get to finish our conversation about Bree and Emery.”
“It was your wedding day—not the right time or place but nothing’s changed,” Austin responded, girding himself with resolve. “I want my son.”
“I understand completely,” Jordin said. “I would feel the same way if I were in your shoes. This is just such a complicated situation. I had no idea that Emery was your child. I celebrated with Bree when the adoption was finalized.”
“I didn’t know I was a father.” He paused a moment before asking, “But you still think that I should wait?”
“For now,” she responded. “I know Bree
