Love Inspired May 2015 #2 by Missy Tippens, Jean C. Gordon, Patricia Johns Page B

dishwasher. “I hope someone comes forward. In the meantime, I could come this afternoon if you want a few hours to go to the job site.”
    â€œYou’d do that again?”
    â€œSure. I close at noon on Saturday.”
    â€œThen yes, I’d appreciate that. As payment, I’ll bring carryout home with me and feed you dinner.”
    With arms crossed in front of her, she clutched her elbows, looking tense, nervous. “How about I make dinner? I love to cook and rarely take the time for just myself.”
    Surprised, he eyed her. “After babysitting all afternoon, why would you do that for me?”
    â€œBecause...I love to cook?” She laughed, and some of the earlier tension left the room.
    He sure loved to hear her laugh. He leaned back, crossed his arms over his chest and decided to tease her a little. “Doc, why spend a Saturday evening with me and a baby when you could invite some nice man over and cook for him, like a real date?”
    â€œWell, now, that would be rude of me since I already invited you. Of course, if you decline...”
    He barked a laugh. “No, I’m not declining. A good home-cooked meal sounds amazing. I admit, I’m seriously wondering your angle.”
    â€œQuit trying to figure me out.” Her smooth cheeks turned pink. “If I offer, and you want to accept, then accept. Don’t get caught up in motivations.”
    The problem was, they both seemed to have complicated motivations. And it was going to drive him up the wall trying to figure out hers. He needed to stick with the facts.
    The fact was, she was willing to help him with Abigail...for now.
    â€œI’ve been thinking,” he said. “I might send Remy some photos of Abigail, hoping it’ll make her want to come home.”
    Pain sliced across Violet’s expression. Was she sympathizing with Remy?
    â€œI guess it couldn’t hurt to try,” Violet said. “But Remy told you a break in contact would be easier on her.”
    â€œI’m not trying to make it easy on Remy. I’m trying to reunite Abigail with her mother.”
    And he wouldn’t quit trying to do that, even if he was finding he enjoyed Abigail more each day.
    Even if giving up the baby would end time together with Violet.

Chapter Six
    T ired of jogging clothes and work clothes, and determined to look a bit more feminine, Violet loaded Abigail into the car as soon as Jake left for work that afternoon. She headed to Chloe’s Closet.
    â€œCome on, Abigail,” she said as they entered the store with a jingle of bells. “Come see the fun clothes and accessories that lie in your future.”
    â€œI’ll be with you in a minute,” Chloe O’Malley called from somewhere in the back of the shop.
    Fall clothes filled the display at the front, the first items for the change of season, which was still a couple of months away.
    One wall was lined with candles and cute, creative items for the home. Scattered about were racks of costume jewelry and handbags.
    Back in her teens, Violet had shopped at boutiques like this, where they stocked only one or two items in each size. Her mother had bought her fine clothes...anything Violet wanted.
    Now, with her business building so slowly in addition to student loans, she had a limited budget. Time to search the sale rack.
    â€œOh, hi, Violet. What can I help you with today?”
    She lifted the carrier so Chloe could see the baby. “I’m sitting again but thought I’d drop by and see if Abigail will cooperate while I try on a few things.”
    â€œOh, I’ll be delighted to help. What are you looking for?”
    â€œSomething casual, comfortable. But nicer than my work clothes.” Violet looked down at her black slacks and utilitarian white blouse. “A little color might be nice.”
    â€œDo you have a date?” Chloe’s silvery-blue eyes twinkled. “Maybe an outing with the baby and then a