Toys and Baby Wishes Read Free

talk to your aunt...calmly," Lexa
emphasized, "You'll realize she's not going into this blindly.  The
widower who's moving in with her is an accountant."
    "You have an answer for everything, don't you?" he
goaded, suddenly wanting to get a rise out of her.  To that end he stepped
closer.  Lexa's perfume wafted around his head; his heart suddenly beat
harder.  A slice of desire startled him.
    "No, I don't.  But I've had experience with scores of
people."
    "The truth is you feel powerful influencing people's
lives, changing their direction," he accused.
    "The truth is, Mr. Flannigan, it makes me feel good,
not powerful.  The truth is you don't want to let go of your aunt.  The truth
is you don't want her to be independent and not need you.  And the truth is I
don't think you'd know the truth if it bit you in the seat of your too-tight
jeans!"
    Josh needed to regroup.  Alexandra Kittredge had brought up
some wrinkles he hadn't anticipated--wrinkles that, if she was telling the
truth, couldn't easily be smoothed away.  "I want what's best for Clare,
what's good for her."
    "You might not know what that is.  Only she knows. 
I'll leave so you can discuss this without interference." 
    He reached for Lexa's arm and when his fingers closed around
it, he saw the same jolt of awareness he experienced reflected in her eyes. 
"Don't leave without saying good-bye to her.  She'll think I ran you out
the door."
    "Clare loves you.  She needs and wants your support. 
This isn't easy for her."
    Josh's eyes narrowed.  Lexa sounded so sincere.  If she was
on the level, he wondered what had drawn her to Clare, what made her care so
much.  He released her arm and let his hand drop to his side.  "I want to
see her happy.  But I want her safe."
    "Even people over sixty might have to take risks to
find happiness."
    Had Lexa Kittredge taken many risks in her life?  He decided
to find out more about her.  But not now.  His aunt was his primary concern. 
He didn't stand in Lexa's way when she started toward the den to tell Clare she
was leaving.  He watched the sway of her hips as she walked, and he made up his
mind.  No, he and Alexandra Kittredge weren't finished yet.  Not by a long
shot.
    ***
    After Lexa returned to her town house from Clare's apartment
Sunday evening, she showered and made herself a salad.  Wrapped in a chenille
robe, she settled at her computer to skim the news feed.  But her mind wasn't
on the headlines.
    Joshua Flannigan was a force to be reckoned with.  But Clare
was independent enough to do what she wanted.  Lexa felt a deep affection for
her.  Initially, she'd gotten involved with Clare because she needed something
to keep her mind off the ramifications of becoming an adoptive mother.  She was
worried about Dani.  Lexa desperately wanted her sister's child, but right now
she was more concerned about her sister.
    The phone rang and she decided to let her answering machine monitor
it.  But when she heard Dani's voice leaving a message, she grabbed the phone
on the end table.
    "Dani, I'm here."  Lexa flicked off the tape
recording and asked, "How are you feeling?"
    "About the same.  The doctor says the nausea will pass
in a couple of months.  I saw a lawyer."
    "And?"
    "He doesn't feel there will be any problems as long as
we're both sure this is what we want.  He said to think about it for another
month or so then call him and he'll start the paperwork.  Lexa, are you sure
you want to adopt?  It's too hard to raise a child as a single parent.  That's
why I..."
    Lexa's heart tore as she heard Dani's anguish.  At that
moment she despised the man who refused to support Dani.  "Honey, it's
different for me.  I have a sound income.  I have access to good day care here
in Chambersburg.  You know, you could do it if you really want to.  Dad would
help you."
    Tears threaded Dani's voice.  "I can't do it, Lexa. 
You're strong.  I can't believe how you've done everything on your own