A Mummy For His Baby. Molly Evans

getting to be that time, isn’t it?” Beau patted his stomach. “I could eat something myself.”

      “That’s good, because my mom sent along a huge jar of beef stew she made today.” Aurora pointed to the jar on the counter. “And homemade bread. If you’d like some I’ll be happy to share.”

      “Awesome. I never turn down free food. Especially homemade.” He pulled his phone from his pocket. “Let me check on Chloe first. She’s still at the sitter’s.” After a short conversation, he nodded. “Good to go.”

      “I’d love to meet her some time.”

      “Oh, I’m sure you will. I have her in the office sometimes.”

      “Great. Babies are such fun.”

      “Says someone who hasn’t had a child yet.”

      “Are you telling me I have a skewed perspective?” With a grin, she parked her hands on her hips.

      “Yes.”

      The grin was returned, and she could see some of the pain of this morning had eased. This banter was fun.

      “I dare you to make that statement again after you’ve been up three nights straight with a teething infant.”

      “Oh, no, thanks. Not accepting that challenge.”

      In minutes they had poured the still steaming stew into bowls, buttered bread, and sliced some cheese to go with it.

      “Sorry, I don’t have any wine. It doesn’t go with my medications.”

      “Oh, that’s okay. I’m not much of a drinker.”

      He scooped some of the stew into his mouth and closed his eyes.

      “Oh, my God, that’s good. She could open her own restaurant and just serve this. She’d make a fortune.” His brows shot up. “Hey, maybe you could talk her into opening her own diner or something? Then she’d be too busy to run your life.”

      “I like the way you think.” Aurora laughed again and relaxed a little more.

      Watching him enjoy the stew—a simple meal in her new place—stirred good feelings.

      Forbidden feelings—especially after that comment about having her own baby. That had been her lifelong dream, to have a family, but it wasn’t meant to be apparently.

      Recalling how Beau’s wife had tragically died after giving birth reminded her that having a family wasn’t without risk. And as she sat there in the small apartment, across from Beau, she wondered if the risks were worth it.

      There was only one way to find out.