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“He really is a criminal,” Allison whispered. “He took advantage of both of us. He probably chose us because we were vulnerable. In different ways, but still marks. We were marks.”
“Don’t say that. We weren’t. I genuinely believe he loves you. I stood in that jail and looked into his eyes. He begged for you, Allison. He hates me and he begged me to help you. He would do anything for you.”
Erica wasn’t sure why it was so important for her to convince her friend, but she knew she had to.
Allison shook her head. “I know you’re trying to help and that’s sweet, but you’re wrong. He risked everything. He took a chance, and now we’re all paying the price.”
She pushed away her plate. “The worst part is I still miss him. I touch his clothes in the closet. I close my eyes and pretend he’s there. I tell myself he’ll be home soon. But he’s never coming home and we’re never getting our life back. Worse, I don’t know him anymore. Or trust him. So what happens now?”
“Nothing,” Erica said quietly. “Because you don’t have to decide. You’re upset and you should be. He did put everything on the line and you’re the one paying. But you’re safe and what matters is focusing on staying healthy for Jackson and Bethany. The rest can take care of itself.”
Allison nodded. “Let’s talk about something else. How was work?”
Erica groaned. “That’s not a cheerful topic. Know anything about HVAC systems?”
“Not really.”
“Then let me tell you. They’re pure evil.”
“What about diapers?” Summer asked as she pushed the cart through the large baby store.
“We’ll have those shipped to the house.” Erica looked at her daughter. “She’ll need ten to twelve a day.”
“Diapers?” Summer’s voice was a yelp. “Seriously? How is that possible? I remember from when Jackson was born. I even changed him when I was there, but I didn’t realize how many diapers.” She glanced at the list on her phone. “Babies need a lot of stuff. It’s kind of poor planning, evolution-wise. They’re helpless. Newborn puppies can smell and sense heat.”
“And crawl. Babies can’t even do that. But we’re stuck with what we have. What’s next?”
“A crib.”
They walked over to the furniture department, where Erica immediately felt overwhelmed. There were dozens of faux rooms set up with cribs, dressers and changing tables, along with rocking chairs. The options ranged from dark wood to painted furniture covered in dancing unicorns.
Summer stared at the too-happy unicorns. “Not that.”
“I agree. Let’s go simple. I’m thinking a bassinet. It takes up less room and when Bethany outgrows it, she can take the crib and Jackson can move into a toddler bed.”
She walked over to a display of well-made furniture in light pine. “She’ll need a changing table. I’d totally blanked on that.” She smiled at Summer. “That’s a lot of furniture, so it’s good you gave her the bigger bedroom.”
“It’s working out. Do you like this one?”
“Uh-huh. There’s lots of storage in the changing table. She’ll want supplies right there in the room with her.”
They pulled out drawers and made sure the shelves were sturdy. Erica made a note of the model numbers and they continued to the clothing and bedding.
“We want real cotton,” Summer said. “It’s breathable and washes well. Or a cotton jersey knit. And organic is better. That means the cotton was grown without chemicals.”
Erica grinned. “Apparently I’m not the only one who went online.”
“You’re not but I never thought to look up diapers.”
They started going through the clothing. Summer pulled out simple, gender-neutral styles and colors while Erica found herself drawn to the pinks and purples with lots of detail.
“Oh, Mom. That little dress isn’t practical.”
Erica fingered the soft lace. “I know, but it’s pretty. The girl clothes are so cute.”
“Maybe Bethany’s like me and doesn’t want to be dressed like a doll.”
“When she can tell me that herself, I’ll listen.”
