His Best Friend's Baby. Susan Carlisle

had been earlier. It had been a long time since he’d done something as simple as stroll through a park with a woman. He couldn’t remember ever doing so with one who was expecting. People smiled and greeted Phoebe. She returned them. A number of times they turned to him and offered their congratulations. The first time he began to explain but soon realized it was a waste of time. Instead, he nodded noncommittally.

      “I’m sorry,” Phoebe said after the first incident.

      “Not your fault. You can’t help what they think.”

      He had hardly pulled out of the parking area before Phoebe had closed her eyes. She was tired.

      Ryan got a number of reactions when he told someone he was a midwife. He’d gotten used to it. But the one thing he couldn’t get used to was not being able to understand all the nuances of the female body when a baby was growing inside it. The sudden ability to go to sleep anywhere and in any position was one of those. It must be like being in the army. He had learned to sleep anywhere at any time.

      Phoebe blinked with the small jolt of the car stopping. She’d fallen asleep again. It was getting embarrassing.

      “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to go to sleep.”

      “Not a problem. You’re not the first woman I’ve put to sleep.”

      Phoebe gave him a questioning look. She bet she wasn’t. What had her thinking of Ryan in that suggestive way?

      “I’m the one sorry this time. I didn’t mean it like that.”

      “Like what?” She gave him her best innocent look.

      “You know, like …”

      Phoebe enjoyed his flustered expression and the pinkness that began to work its way up his neck.

      She rested her hands on each side of her belly. “I’m well aware of the facts of life and how a man can satisfy a woman.”

      He grinned. “You’re laughing at me now.”

      Phoebe chuckled. “I guess I am.” She opened her car door. “Thanks for the burger and the ride. Also thanks for telling me about Joshua. You have no idea how much it means to me.”

      “Hey, wait a minute.”

      Before she could get completely out of the car Ryan had come round and was standing on the path, reaching to help her. His hand went to her elbow and he supported her as she stood. He pushed the door closed behind her and it made a thud.

      “Listen, if there’s anything that I can do for you …”

      He sounded sincere. “I appreciate it … Uh, there is one thing I could use some help with.”

      “What’s that?”

      His voice held an eager tone as if he was looking for a chance to atone for his earlier behavior. She hated to ask him but couldn’t think of another way to get it done before the baby came. “I had a bed for the baby delivered but it needs to be put together. I would pay you.”

      Ryan looked as if she had slapped him. “You will not. How about I come by Saturday afternoon? If I have to work I’ll call and let you know, otherwise I’ll be here on Saturday.”

      “Thank you, that would be wonderful.” And she meant it. She’d spent more than one night worrying over how she was going to get that baby bed assembled.

      “Not a problem. Do you have tools or do I need to bring mine?”

      “You might want to bring yours. I have a few but only necessities like a hammer and screwdriver.”

      “Then it’s a plan. Why don’t you give me your number?” Ryan took out his cellphone and punched in the numbers she told him.

      “I’ll be here after lunch on Saturday, unless you hear differently from me.”

      “Thank you.”

      “No worries. Furniture I can do.”

      Something about Ryan made her believe that he had many talents if he was just willing to show them.

      “Come on. I’ll walk you to your door.”

      Phoebe didn’t argue this time.

      “See you Saturday.” With that he turned and left her to enter her home.

      She was putting her key in the lock when she noticed the curtain of her neighbor’s house flutter. Mrs. Rosenheim had been watching. She would no doubt be over the next afternoon to get all the particulars about who Ryan was and how Phoebe knew him.

      Ryan was as good as his word. He was there on Saturday just after lunchtime with a tool bag in his hand. Mrs. Rosenheim was sitting at Phoebe’s kitchen table when the knock came at the door.

      “I won’t stay but I am going to check this boy out before I go.”

      Phoebe would have argued but it wouldn’t have done her any good. Despite the fact that Mrs. Rosenheim was probably older than Phoebe’s grandmother would be, she was a commanding presence and was only concerned for Phoebe’s welfare. They had started taking care of each other two years ago when Phoebe had moved in.

      Joshua had only been home once since she’d been living there. He’d not been impressed with Mrs. Rosenheim, calling her the “old busybody bird.” Phoebe had learned to appreciate her concern. If nothing else, she knew someone would miss her if she didn’t come home.

      She opened the door for Ryan. “Come in.”

      “How’re you doing?”

      The question sounded like he was making pleasant conversation, but he was also looking at her with a trained eye. He smelled of sawdust with a hint of citrus. It made her want to step closer. Take a deeper breath.

      “I’m feeling fine.” She smiled and he nodded.

      “Good. I told Sophia that I would check.”

      Mrs. Rosenheim shuffled into the room.

      Ryan looked from her to Phoebe. “Ryan, this is my neighbor, Mrs. Rosenheim.”

      He sat his tool bag on the floor at his feet and extended a hand. “Nice to meet you.”

      “You’re American.”

      “Yes, ma’am. Texan.”

      Mrs. Rosenheim made a noncommittal sound low in her throat. Ryan gave Phoebe a questioning look. She shrugged her shoulders.

      “So you knew Mr. Taylor.”

      A guarded look came over Ryan’s face. “Yes, JT and I served in Iraq together.”

      “Bad thing, leaving Phoebe here all by herself all the time. A man should want to be at home with his wife. She needs someone to watch over her. Help her.”

      Phoebe didn’t miss the color wash out of Ryan’s face.

      “It was his job. The army,” Phoebe said quietly.

      “I know, sweetie. But a woman not only wants a man to help put a roof over her head but to be around when the times are hard.” She directed the last few words at Ryan.

      “Uh, Mrs. Rosenheim, I think we need to let Ryan get started on the bed. I’m sure he has other places he needs to go today.” Phoebe shook her head at him when she started to say something.

      “I’m next door if you need me.” Mrs. Rosenheim made her way out with a last glance at Ryan.

      “Formidable lady,” Ryan said with a grin.

      “Yes. She and Joshua didn’t like each other on sight, but she’s been good to me. She was with the men who came from the military department to tell me about Joshua. I don’t know what I would have done without her shoulder to cry on. She’s also the one who realized I was pregnant when I started being sick.”

      Phoebe suddenly needed to focus on something