Baby Girl: Dare to Love by Celya Bowers

“We could meet them if you like.”  He had every intention of going home and take a nap. 
    She took the phone, but didn’t use it. 
    “Jemma, aren’t you going to call?” 
    “If I call, my mother will think that I think that she can’t take care of the kids.  I mean, I’d like to hear my baby girl’s voice this morning.”
    “Then call.  Surely, your mother will understand.”
    She hesitated.  Then she finally dialed the phone.  “Hi Mom.  I know she’s fine.  Really?  Okay.”  She ended the call and sat the phone on the console.   “Thank you.  They’ll be home in about thirty minutes.”  
    Kyle parked in front of her house.  He exited the car and helped her out of the BMW.  They walked in silence to the front door.  That was when he realized that Jemma didn’t have her house key. “I forgot you don’t have your keys.”
    “No worries.  It’s one of those new high-techy locks.  Voice print.” She stepped closer to the front door and cleared her throat.  “Jemma Patterson.”
    Kyle watched in awe as the door clicked and she opened the door.  “See?”  She invited him inside and they sat on her couch.  “I had a really nice time.  I’m sorry about falling asleep on you, but it was the best sleep I’ve had in years.”
    “Then there’s no need to apologize.  I hope my family wasn’t too much for you.”  He knew he needed to get out of the house before her family returned.  He didn’t want Kassie to see him bringing her mother home on a Sunday morning. 
    She shook her head.  “No, everyone was wonderful.  Thank you for a wonderful evening.” She rose from the couch.  “I hate to rush you off, but I need to change before everyone gets back.”
    He rose as well.  “I understand.  We’re still on for tonight?”
    She peered at him with those green eyes.  “Of course.” 
    Kyle’s heart raced with the possibilities.  “Great.”  He kissed her quickly on the lips.  “I’d better get out of here or I won’t be able to guarantee my good behavior.”  He kissed her again, slower this time, wanting to savor the moment.  
    Jemma moaned, moved closer to him and wrapped her arms around him.  The kiss deepened, until breathing became a priority.  “Yes, you better get out of here before we both get into trouble.”
     
    “Mommy!” Kassie called out as she entered the house with the rest of the family.   Jemma had changed clothes and was now sitting on the couch, making out her grocery list.  She was only out for one night and it seems her family devoured most of the food in the house. 
    She rose and went to meet her daughter.  “Hi, baby!”  She hugged and kissed her daughter. It was their first night apart since Jared’s death.  Kassie looked like she passed the test with flying colors.  Maybe they were both moving forward.  “Did you have fun last night?”
    Kassie nodded.  “Watch movies.  Just like you and Mr. Kyle.”  She glanced around the room.  “Where’s Mr. Kyle?  He didn’t say good-bye.”
    Rats.  She didn’t think about that.  “Honey, he had to leave, but he’ll be back later.  He’s going to join us for movie night.  How does that sound?”
    She smiled again.  “Good.  I like Mr. Kyle.” 
    Jemma wiped away tears. “I’m glad.”  She kissed her daughter on her cheek.  “I like him too.”
    Kassie nodded.  “Can I go play?”
    “Sure, baby.”  Kassie and her cousins headed upstairs. 
    “How can three kids sound like fifty people going up the stairs?”  Janna asked sitting beside Jemma. 
    “Who knows?” 
    “Okay, enough small talk.  How was the date?” 
    Jemma watched the parade of people leave the room.  Her parents went to check on the kids, while Damon, went to the kitchen.   “It went well.  Dinner was lovely, then we went for a drive.  We ended up at his place.”
    “How?”
    She really hated to rehash the drama, but it was needed.  “I kept bringing up Jared.