***
Under normal circumstances, Cole would have given Dean hell, but he understood his friend’s anger. No responsible man would be happy if the woman they loved did what Kayla had done. But it was pardonable, Cole thought grimly. So he rather curbed his anger and pleaded with his friend to forget about the past and move forward. That was what Kayla needed right then. Not Dean’s anger.
“I know I was harsh but… fuck! You know Kayla, Dean. She’s not going to allow me back into her life. We both know that. And it’s killing me. I said some really nasty things to her.” Dean groaned.
“She said she was going to call me this evening but I’m not going to wait for that call. I’ll go to her and have a talk with her. I’ll try and see her mindset, know how she feels and see how best you can proceed. You better say a prayer and keep your fingers crossed, asshole.”
“I will. Thanks, Cole.” Dean sighed.
“Talk to you later.”
***
“Oh God, you poor, poor child.” Lucy Broody whispered, covering Kayla’s hand with hers.
They had finished eating at the posh Raby Restaurant. After making sure Kayla was full, Lucy had asked her what exactly was going on between her and Dean. Kayla had told the older woman everything. She had left nothing out…well except the cruel words Dean had thrown at her. Though Kayla knew Dean had meant every word, she also knew he’d been angry. It wasn’t her place to get Lucy angry at her son.
“Has your doctor checked you out?” Lucy asked with a frown.
“Yes.” Kayla nodded. “The baby’s fine. I’m fine.” She shrugged. “He doesn’t expect any problems.”
“Good,” Lucy murmured, taking Kayla’s hand into hers. “Would you do me a favour, Kayla?” Lucy asked, looking into Kayla’s eyes with so much…anxiety.
“Anything for you, Lucy,” Kayla said with a smile and immediately kicked herself mentally. What if…”
“I’m sure your own doctor is a good one and more than capable of seeing to you, but would you please allow me to…take that role? You will make me the happiest grandmother alive if you allow me to be your doctor…at least for the duration of the pregnancy. Please.” The look on Lucy’s face was eagerness, hope, and pure excitement.
“Ow Lucy.” Kayla looked at Lucy with surprise and…some joy. She hadn’t expected that from Lucy. Kayla thought Lucy’s request was going to be in connection with her and Dean’s breakup. But it looked like the woman was more concerned about the baby than its parents’ problems. Looking at the excitement in the older woman’s eyes, Kayla just knew she couldn’t say no. “I’ll be honoured.” She said with a tremulous smile.
“Oh, honey…” Lucy immediately stood up and went around the table to draw Kayla into her arms for a tight hug. “Thank you so much. You have no idea how much that means to me, my dear.” Lucy beamed and went back to her chair. “Now, can I see you this Friday?” Lucy gushed, looking all excited.
“Why not?” Kayla laughed. “What time should I get there? I have nothing doing till I resume work next week so…”
“Good. Eleven a. m. will be perfect.” Lucy said, signaling the waiter for their bill.
And for the first time since walking out of Dean’s house two weeks earlier, Kayla felt some lightness within. Kayla couldn’t stop smiling. She felt happy.
***
“Cole, I know you mean well but I’m fine.” Kayla insisted. “I don’t need Dean to survive…”
“You need him in your life, Kayla.” Cole cut in.
“I don’t,” Kayla replied stubbornly. They were sitting in her kitchen, waiting for the cake in the oven to bake.
“I don’t care what you say, Kay. You both need each other. This is the time to stick together. If not for yourselves, then for your baby. Be sensible here, darling. ‘Cause if you act stubborn and cause any misery to that innocent baby, so help me God, I’ll…”
“Nothing will happen, Cole. Chillax. He said he doesn’t want me anymore. I’m not the kind of person to go begging him to take me back. I did say I was sorry but he wouldn’t accept my apology. He’s entitled to his opinion and feelings. And I did hurt him, Cole. Now I have to concentrate on my baby and do what is right by it. What can I say? Shit happens!”
“You’re not fooling me with all this hard talk, you know,” Cole said softly.
“What else can I do?” Kayla’s voice cracked as she looked down at her entwined fingers on the Kitchen Island. “What can I do?” She whispered.
The two of them sat quietly for a while each lost in thought, till the oven beeped, signaling that the cake was done. Cole stood and went to take the cake out and placed it in front of a now-beaming Kayla.
“At this rate, you’re going to be a size twenty by next week, lady.” Cole drawled.
“Fuck off, asshole.” Kayla laughed as she cut a slice of cake and popped it into her mouth. She gave a loud moan, making Cole laugh.
Cole opened the fridge and took out a bottle of Shandy for himself and poured a glass of pineapple juice for Kayla.
“Come on.” He said to Kayla, who picked up the hot cake and followed Cole into the living room.
The two friends settled on the couch and ate the delicious hot cake with their drinks whilst they watched the season finale of ‘Suites’.
Cole saw Kayla yawn at a point and stood up to clear the table. By the time he got back from the kitchen, Kayla’s eyes were already shut.
“Hey, go to bed,” Cole said softly. “I’ll call to check up on you in the morning, okay?”
At Kayla’s nod, Cole hugged her and told her to take good care of herself and to remember that he loved her very much.
“Don’t make me cry, you jerk,” Kayla murmured and wiped at her eyes. “Tell Briana that I said she has to get ready for a shopping spree. I need to change my wardrobe.” Kayla purred, making Cole chuckle.
“Women!” He muttered and ducked out before Kayla’s hand could connect with his shoulder. “Lock the door.” He shouted from outside, making Kayla laugh.
As if she wasn’t sensible enough to lock her door, Kayla thought with a shake of her head. Cole was nuts, but she loved him like the brother she never had.