The image put a smile on his face, and by the time he pulled into Katie’s driveway, he felt way more in control of his emotions. As he climbed out of his truck, Hunter decided he’d bring Katie some flowers and cupcakes the next time he dropped Eli off. He knew she had a sweet tooth and was particularly fond of Mrs. Henderson’s tuxedo cupcakes with the chocolate ganache in them. It was a good plan and hopefully enough to make her forgive him. He was good friends with her husband and promised to help her out whenever he could. No doubt Brian would give him hell for everything that went down today.
He quickly made a mental note to treat them both to dinner when Brian got back from deployment.
Smiling, he climbed up the front steps and knocked on the door.
“I’ll get it!” someone called out, and he wracked his brain to think of who would be here. Brian’s mom had moved out last week and…
The door opened, and for a moment he was completely confused. He didn’t recognize this woman, and his first instinct was that something had happened to Katie.
“Who are you?” he demanded as he stepped in close, ready to shove her aside to make sure Katie and his son were safe.
Big brown eyes went wide as they stared back at him.
Next came a smug grin followed by total disgust.
She was easily a foot shorter than him and looked like a strong wind could blow her over, and yet she seemed more than ready to go toe-to-toe with him.
Five minutes ago, he would have relished having a heated argument with someone, but something about this woman left him feeling more than a little unsure of himself.
Weird.
“You’ve got a lot of nerve coming here with all that attitude after what you did,” she said, crossing her arms across her chest. “I ought to put in a call to Child Protective Services! What kind of parent are you?”
And right then and there, Hunter was pretty sure his jaw hit the ground.
Two
Violet prided herself on being a friendly, mild-mannered person, but neglectful parents were a definite trigger for her. And after spending the day with that sweet little boy and then having his parents forget about him? Yeah, it was safe to say that she was utterly riled up.
Taking a step toward him, she kept her voice low. “I just want you to know that people like you make me sick. How dare you forget about that little boy in there who…”
It was his turn to step in close.
And tower entirely over her.
“I’m going to stop you before you say something you’ll regret.” His voice was low and deep and somewhat menacing, and it was clear he was angry.
Angry neglectful parents threw her over the edge.
“Oh, you’re going to stop me?” she mocked, her back going ram-rod straight. Not that it did her any good. The guy was so much bigger than her that it was almost comical. “All I’m saying is that poor, innocent child doesn’t deserve to be…”
There was a cry from inside the house before Katie called out, “Is Hunter here?” and before Violet could respond, he pushed past her and into the house. She turned and watched as he scooped Eli up in one arm and kissed him on the cheek before crouching down in front of the chair where Katie was currently sitting in potential labor.
Great.
Walking into the house, she shut the door but kept her distance–wanting to observe what was happening.
“What’s going on, Miss Katie?” he asked softly. “Someone doing some acrobatics in there?”
Katie chuckled. “He’s trying to kick his way out; I just know it.”
“He? Do we know for sure it’s a he? Could be a little girl in there. You know, a future Rockette or something.”
With her hand rhythmically rubbing her belly, she smiled. “I suppose that’s an option, but this little bean feels way more active than Kira ever was when I was pregnant. I’m thinking boy, and I’m thinking linebacker.”
He laughed. “I’m sure no matter who’s going wild in there, they’re just anxious to come out and meet you.”
“You’re sweet,” Katie said, sighing.
“Okay, so how far apart are the contractions?” he asked.
“There’s no pattern to them. They’re kind of all over the place,” Katie said, her expression slightly pinched. “And some are kind of intense and others, not so much.”
Feeling like she’d heard enough–and seriously, who was this guy to come here and have anything to say? His lack of parental concern had probably caused Katie’s stress and, therefore, the early contractions.
She moved with purpose across the room and crouched down beside her friend. “Do you want me to take you to the hospital? We can call Rose to come over and stay with Kira, this way we can know for sure what’s going on.”
Bad parent guy chose that moment to chime back in. “I really don’t think that’s necessary,” he said calmly. “It sounds like Braxton Hicks.”
“Who the hell is Braxton Hicks?” she demanded. “Is he your doctor? I don’t remember seeing that name on the list on the fridge!”
Rather than answer or even acknowledge her, he kept his attention fully on Katie. “Did you have them with Kira?”
“I did, but I don’t remember them feeling quite like this.”
He nodded. “Have you been drinking enough water?”
“Water?” Violet cried, jumping to her feet. “What does water have to do with labor?”
But no one was listening to her. Katie’s attention was on…wait…what was his name? Harry? Harmon? Gunther? Oh…wait, not Gunther. Hunter. Ugh…
“I don’t think I’ve had my usual amount today. I took Violet out to show her the town. She’s never been to Magnolia Sound before and I wanted to get out for a bit. Since it was only Eli and Kira today and the weather was so nice, we walked down by the park and then went to the beach.”
He gave her a patient smile. “So maybe you just overdid it, huh?”
And then her friend did something she rarely did. She blushed as she admitted, “Now that I’m thinking about it, I probably did. Lately it seems like I get tired a lot easier and yet I don’t try to rest a little more. I know it’s hard to believe, but sometimes I forget I’m eight months pregnant and can’t run a marathon.”
Hunter placed his hand on Katie’s knee. “Maybe you should go and lie down for a little while. On your left side would probably be best.”
“What does the left side have to do with contractions?” Violet asked, none too nicely. “Isn’t she supposed to be comfortable?”
Again, no one was listening to her.
Katie started to stand up, and before Violet could help her, Hunter was already doing it.
While holding a three-year-old in one arm.
He was incredibly gentle and his voice was soft and oddly soothing as he walked Katie back to her bedroom. With nothing else to do, Violet followed.
“You get settled and comfortable and I’ll get you some water. Or would you prefer a cup of hot tea?” he asked.
“Violet?” Katie asked, suddenly remembering she was even there. “Can you please refill my water cup? The big blue one. Thanks!”