Broken Contract (Book 2)(Editing for Publication)

Chapter 2: Welcome Back

Chapter Two: Welcome Back

I found Pauline looking through the glass of the Baby World when I arrived at the office. I was carrying Jason and had Carrie by the hand. I smiled and she opened the door for me. Following me in, she walked around looking at the open space separated by colors. Carrie ran off to her area while I went to introduce Jason to his caretaker. He stared at her for a couple of minutes then gave her a beautiful smile. Satisfied when he went to her arms without crying, I kissed him and leave the room.

Pauline was still standing at the window. She seemed to look wishfully at the caretaker holding and talking to Jason. "It is so nice to have this childcare option if you work here. I've had five applicants for realtors because word is on the street about Baby World. Quiana," she turned to look at me. "Do you think forty-two is too old for a baby?"

Wow. Pauline had never told anyone her age. I felt honored and trusted with this information. I stepped back taking her all in. She was wearing a red pencil skirt, white silk shell and black blazer. Black patent hells completed her look.

"I was surprised after all the years Paul spent as a player, he never had a child. I would be the only woman to have a child for him," her smile is big and bright. "I would like to do that for him. I use to worry about my figure but you are my mentor. Four babies and you look like the day I met you. Just with much longer hair."

I hug her then smile with happy memories. "You have to work hard to get back in shape but it will be so worth it when you lay Paul's baby in his arms. You will never forget the look on his face." I smile again thinking about David holding Jason weeks ago. I gave birth to him at home. It was an awesome experience. He was our third baby. While I lay in the bed exhausted, David bathed, dressed and fed him. It was heartwarming to watch. I think we both came out of the experience loving each other much, much more.

"You are a really bad girl Quiana Lawrence. You tamed the Chicago playboy and gave him four of the most beautiful children in the world."

She knows it pleases me when she says I am Angel's mother too. Angel is David's daughter from a relationship with a college girlfriend. I am happy to always get credit for being Angel's mother. I am not her birth mother but I could not love her more if she came out of me."

"I don't know about taming David but thank you for noticing we have the most beautiful children in the world."

We are so busy talking I missed David's Navigator pull up. He is striding across the lot like a beautiful panther. He is dressed all in black with a silver tie. He is all smiles as he opens the front door. Pauline and I both smile as he nears. For a second I think about Pauline being my best friend yet she knows what it feels like to have lain in David's arms. I am his wife and the mother of his children. She was his lady for a year - his longest relationship before me.

"My love," he says as he kisses my temple. I inhale his spicy fragrance and David personal scent "You eased out and left me. I will deal with you later." I giggle both from his threat and warm breath on my ear.

"Hey Pauline," he smiles at her and pats her arm. "Making any money today?"

"You guys need to know I have had a few calls from grocery store chains wanting to know if the Jewel's store is moving out. It is not a secret. Everyone knows the Jewel's chain is building a free standing store within a mile from here.

"Yea, they are building in the space where I go to exercise. Pauline, I am trying to interest the owners in our center. Expect to hear from the owner of Fit 4 You"

"Sounds good. We are on point with an excellent mix of tenants here. All of us are doing well." Pauline hurries away after glancing at her watch.

David puts his arm around my waist and leads me closer to the Baby World window

. Carrie is interacting with her teacher and the other children in her group. The teacher is holding up pictures and the kids are shouting answers. She looks at the window and sees us and waves. We wave back happy she likes her class.

He puts his hand at the center of my back and directs me to the break area. I get our personal cups and fill one with coffee and the other with tea.

I look in David's eyes and see mischief. "Baby, guess what I will receive today?"

Shaking my head I try to think of what should be coming that would make him so happy.

"The drawings for the banquet center!" I squeal just thinking about the completing of our dreams for the Lawrence Center. We are converting the fifty thousand square feet grocery store into our banquet center. Last week we finalized the purchase of the land at the rear of our property. It is parking for a furniture store. We are going to resurface and stripe for parking for one hundred and fifty vehicles. I can't wait to see the drawing. We requested a theatre, banquet rooms, two offices, a ticket booth, and commercial kitchen. It will be the crowning jewel for our center.

"Baby, I want to hold you so bad. If I look at you too long we may have to go home."

"Is the pain better? Are you still sore?" I look closely in his eyes and I see the answer. The pain is still there. Now I am concern with plans to call the doctor soon."

He pulls me into his arms as he sets the cup on the counter. He looks deep into my soul as he bends his head and kisses me passionately. It feels real good but I know the price he is paying.

"Buy a motel close by so you have a room ready 24/7." It is Paul's voice and he is jealous because he has several months before he and Pauline marry. David gives him a wave as he continues to concentrate on kissing me. Finally he starts to moan and I reach for a chair. Getting him to sit down, he leans his head back against my belly as I massage his neck and shoulders.

"Good morning David. I could sense you were close by." I massage harder and deeper.

"How?" His voice was soft as he responded to the massage "Because you knew I would be somewhere near my beautiful wife?" I look over and into Brandy's eyes. She smiles but the smile does not reach her eyes.

"I left you a schedule for the conference on your desk. I have talked to six possible investors. You have reservations to stay at the hotel. Major networking goes on each night after classes and meetings.