The Unclaimed Baby by Sherryl Woods Page B

next drink will be the one that makes them a menace on the road.” She gave a rueful shrug. “I guess I’m not likely to be the life of the party ever again, am I? In fact, I’m sure there are those in my family who blame me for putting a damper on all our gatherings.”
    â€œI’m sure your family understands exactly where you’re coming from. How could they help it?” He regarded her intently. “Maybe sometime you’ll tell me more about your husband.”
    Sharon Lynn was startled by the suggestion. “You want to hear about Kyle? Why?”
    â€œBecause he was important to you. Why is that so shocking?”
    â€œBecause no one else even mentions his name anymore.”
    â€œMaybe they’re afraid of bringing up bad memories.”
    â€œI suppose, but it makes it lonelier, you know? As if he never even existed.”
    Cord held out his hand, waited until she’d put hers into it again. “We’ll make a deal then. Anytime you feel like talking about him, you come to me and I’ll listen.”
    â€œYou won’t mind?”
    â€œI’d only mind if you thought there was anything you couldn’t share with me.”
    She stared at him in amazement. He meant it, too. What a remarkable man Cord Branson was! It wasn’t the first time she’d thought that, but it made her wonder how many more surprises her relationship with him was likely to hold. Just knowing that he understood her feelings about possibly losing Ashley, knowing that he shared those feelings, was a small comfort. Knowing that he would listen if she needed to talk about Kyle or the accident made her feel doubly blessed. His offer had been a generous one.
    â€œThank you.”
    He gave her a quizzical look. “For?”
    â€œListening to me go on and on.”
    â€œNow, darlin’, that was my pleasure. It gave me a reason to stay right here with my two favorite girls.”
    Ashley gave him a toothless smile as if she’d understood exactly what he was saying. Sharon Lynn’s smile was more restrained. There was a huge lump in her throat that wouldn’t quite go away. How much longer would either of them have their baby girl to hold and fuss over and love?
    She turned away so he wouldn’t see her tears. “I hate this,” she murmured. “I hate this endless waiting.”
    â€œMe, too,” he said quietly. “Maybe you should call Justin and see what he’s learned. Get it over with.”
    â€œI don’t know if I dare. I’m not sure I want to know the answer.”
    â€œIt’s the not-knowing that’s a killer. Once we know, we can deal with the rest.”
    She sighed heavily. “I suppose you’re right.” She reached for the phone at the end of the counter anddialed the sheriff’s office. She was surprised to find the old dispatcher back on the job.
    â€œHey, Becky, is Justin around?”
    â€œNo. He’s gone over to Garden City. Is it urgent? I can get him on the radio and tell him to call you.”
    â€œThat’s okay. Just tell him when he gets back. That’s soon enough.”
    â€œWill do.”
    â€œHow’s the baby, Becky? I thought you had another week of maternity leave coming?”
    â€œI did, but Justin started growling around here and the temp just up and quit on Friday, so here I am.”
    â€œI know he’s glad to have you back.”
    â€œThat’s what he says today. By tomorrow my return will be old news and he’ll be jumping down my throat like always.”
    â€œYes, but you know how to growl right back,” Sharon Lynn reminded her with a laugh. “Justin has never intimidated you.”
    â€œThat’s because we’ve known each other since kindergarten. I know all his dirty little secrets. Whoops, I’ve got another call coming in. You take care now.”
    â€œBye, Becky.” She hung up the phone slowly.
    â€œNo