“Goodbye, Trevor. I would ask you to give my love to the children, but I know how important it is for you to protect them from my influence.”
Okay, so it was a cheap shot. She figured she deserved a couple. Because she was afraid she would give in to her craven heart and change her mind, she nodded curtly and turned on one heel. He didn’t try to stop her when she walked away—and that only hurt her all over again.
12
JAMIE WAS EXPECTING a call Friday afternoon. Susan had delivered a healthy baby boy Wednesday night and had expected to be released from the hospital Friday morning. She’d promised to call and report on their progress. When the phone rang, Jamie snatched it up, picturing Susan at home with her son. The image was bittersweet. As happy as she was for her friend, Jamie couldn’t help being aware of how slim the chances were that she would ever hold her own child.
She was startled to hear Trevor’s voice on the other end of the line. “Jamie. It’s Trevor.”
Her first instinct was to tell him again that she didn’t want to talk to him. She simply couldn’t get involved with him again without trust. But something she heard in his voice made her hesitate. “Is something wrong?”
“It’s my brother, Trent.”
The depth of anguish in his tone struck at her heart. “Oh, God. What’s happened?”
“He’s been in a plane crash. There’s a chance he—” “I’m so sorry,” she said. “What can I do?”
He had recovered his voice, though it was still gruff. “My parents and I are flying to him immediately.”
“Of course. Who will watch Sam and Abbie?”
“That’s why I called. Can you take care of them for me?”
She was so startled by the question that it took her a moment to answer. “You want them to stay with me?”
“Yes. It would be ideal if you could stay here with them, but I’ll bring them to you, if that’s better for you. I know I’m asking a lot…”
“What about Emily? Or your nanny?”
“Emily’s still in Alabama with Wade’s family. Sarah left yesterday for a week-long vacation in Florida. Even if Sarah had been in town, I would have called you first. Sam’s going to be upset enough that I’m leaving. Having you with him will make it easier for him. But if you’d rather not, there are other people I can call.”
“It isn’t that I mind. But I’ve had so little experience with children. I’m afraid I’ll do something wrong.”
“If I didn’t think you could handle it, I wouldn’t have asked.”
Jamie had to believe him. No matter what their personal history, he would never leave his children with someone he didn’t trust to take care of them. “When are you leaving?”
“As soon as we can.”
“I’m on my way.” There were tears in her eyes when she hung up the phone. She blinked them away and dashed toward the bedroom to throw some clothes in a suitcase. Maybe she was only a convenience for him again, but she could no more have turned him down than she could have flown. He needed her, and so did his children.
Trevor met her at his door less than half an hour later. The expression on his face made her eyes fill again. “Oh, Trev. I’m so sorry,” she said, putting her arms around him.
He gathered her close for a fierce hug, and for several long moments they just stood there, holding each other, Jamie offering comfort, Trevor accepting it. He finally drew away. “Abbie’s taking a nap,” he said roughly. “Sam’s in his room. He’s upset that I’m leaving, though I think he understands that I have to go. I wrote down everything I could think of that you need to know. I’ll call as often as I can.”
“We’ll be fine,” she assured him. “Go to Trent.”
He started to speak, then choked. Jamie rested a hand against his cheek. “Your brother’s going to make it. I feel it.”
“Jamie Flaherty’s brand of optimism,” he murmured, putting his hand over hers. “I’ll try to hold on to it.”
“You do that. Do you want to say goodbye to Sam before you go?”
“I’ve already told him goodbye. And I just looked in on Abbie. I’d better go. My parents are anxious to get to the airport.”
“I’ll take good care of your children.” “I know you will.” He brushed a kiss against her cheek. “When I get back, we’re going to have that talk. And this time you’re going to listen.”
Her heart was in her throat when she watched him pick up the suitcase he’d had waiting by the door and let himself out. She couldn’t help being aware that he had turned to her in his time of need. He had trusted her with his children. She would have to give careful thought to what that meant.