Child of His Heart. Joan Kilby

Or the baby in her womb.

      “It’s lovely,” she agreed.

      “Perfect for lunch in the park.”

      Be firm but nice, she told herself. He would know the reason for her backing off soon enough. For now he would just have to think of her as fickle. “I was going to call you. I…” Despite her resolve to be brave, her voice wobbled. Hoping he hadn’t noticed, she cleared her throat and said more firmly, “I won’t be able to make it.”

      There was a moment’s pause, and then he said easily, “No problem. We’ll do it tomorrow.”

      “Tomorrow’s no good, either.” Her hands wanted to twist themselves around the strap of her leather handbag. She forced them to be still, and radiated calm and certainty. Aloofness.

      A tiny frown line appeared between his eyebrows, but his voice was even. “What day would be good?”

      Erin took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Nick. This isn’t going to work out. I…I’ve got to go. I’m late.”

      She started to walk away, heart pounding.

      “Wait!” He strode after her and put a hand on her arm. “I don’t understand. What happened between Saturday evening and this morning to change your mind?”

      She couldn’t stand it; her gaze dropped. For some inexplicable reason, the sight of her Jimmy Choos with the kitten heels toe to toe with his polished black leather brogues filled her with loss. Lifting her eyes to his, she answered, “I…I’ve had time to think. You know how people in small towns talk.”