The House that Love Built

Twenty-Eight




Hunter, Denny, and Owen all sat in a circle around the little baby. Owen had put her on a thick blanket on the living room floor.

“She’s just givin’ away her kid?” Hunter couldn’t believe Owen’s ex-wife had gone and done something like this. But then, maybe he would have been better off if his parents had given him away to someone nice like Owen.

Denny’s left eye twitched as he leaned forward, a crooked smile on his face. “Well, well, I’m a great-uncle.” He smiled more broadly. “Fabulous news!”

“Your ex-wife must be an awful person.” Hunter shook his head as he watched Lauren sleeping.

“Well, she’s definitely not the maternal type,” Owen muttered. He reached over and touched his daughter on the arm. “She was really hungry earlier. She drank the entire bottle but then threw up. Kinda worries me.”

“You did burp her, didn’t you?” Denny tucked a strand of gray hair behind his ear. “Babies gotta be burped.”

“You didn’t have any children. How do you know that?”

“Don’t you even watch television? Haven’t you ever seen someone burp a baby on TV?”

“I think you better call Brooke.” Hunter gazed at the cute little baby. “We ain’t got no idea what to do with her.”

Owen explained that Brooke and her mother were in Houston because Brooke’s father had taken a bad turn. Hunter thought about how Brooke had been real good to him when Grandma died. He hoped she’d be okay.

“Anyway, now’s obviously not the time to tell her.” The baby opened her eyes, and Owen picked her up. Hunter was tempted to reach over and help him. He looked like he was holding something that would break real easily as he finally got the baby settled in his arms. “After all, this is big. She’s going to be . . . surprised.”

Hunter thought about what this might mean. “You gonna marry Brooke?” He walked to the couch and sat down, then leaned over the coffee table with plane parts scattered about. He was determined to get Spencer’s plane to fly.

Owen handed off the baby to Denny. “I hope that’s in the future, but we haven’t talked about anything like that.”

Hunter was relieved to hear that. He imagined that he and Denny would be booted out the door when that happened. Brooke and her kids were great, but surely they wouldn’t want others living with them.

But Denny is family. Hunter rethought the situation and figured he would probably be the only one asked to leave. And this was the only real family he’d ever had. It was normal and all. Everyone got along pretty well, there wasn’t any yelling or hitting, and everyone helped each other. In the evenings, they even prayed together sometimes. It had felt weird at first, praying with grown men, but now it was starting to feel normal. And maybe the prayer thing worked, because Hunter had noticed things changing inside himself.

“Well, I have some news as well.” Denny gently laid the baby back down on the blanket. “I asked Brooke not to mention anything until the deal was closed, but I’m buying her late husband’s business.”

“What?” Owen’s eyes got real big.

Denny sighed. “Yep. Nothing I’m more fond of than vintage books and such—anything old. And that place is filled with fascinating items. I talked at length with Brooke about how she felt about this, and she said it would be a wonderful legacy to her husband and that he would be very happy to have the store reopened.”

Owen was still looking confused, with his mouth all twisted in a weird shape. “What about traveling, your bucket list?”

Denny opened out his arms like he wanted to hug someone. “That was before all of you. I have a family now. And we even have a baby. What a bonus!”

Owen reached over and gave Denny a big old bear hug. “I think it’s great you’re staying.”

Denny laughed. “I figure you’ll need all the help you can get with little Lauren, but if you and Brooke make this a permanent arrangement, I will be on my way.”

Owen shook his head. “I don’t think that will ever be necessary.”

“Of course it will.” Denny gave a little groan as he pushed to his feet. “But that’s the way it should be.”

Hunter didn’t say anything. He was going to have to find another job soon. They were just about done on the house, and now Owen would have the kid he’d always wanted, plus Meghan and Spencer. He’d probably marry Brooke someday. He pictured them all living here and him gone.

He’s right, I reckon. That’s the way it should be.



Friday morning Owen woke up on the living room floor. He’d slept next to Lauren and the diaper bag, with Virginia’s brief instructions beside him. He’d been afraid to put her in his bed, worried that he might roll over on her or she would fall off.

First order of business today was to get a crib and the other supplies Virginia had on the list. Denny had been right about the burping, although Owen suspected his uncle didn’t know much more about babies than he did. No matter. He’d located a YouTube video that showed him just what to do. There was even one about changing diapers.

It would be easier, of course, if Brooke were here to help him with this, but he hadn’t yet told her about Lauren. She’d been so worried about her father each night when Owen talked to her on the phone, and he was nervous about her possible reaction to discovering that he was a father. How would she feel about having this unexpected child in their lives? Owen adored Meghan and Spencer. Surely Brooke would accept Lauren. But her children were older. Would she really want to start over with a new baby?

He smiled, realizing that he was already planning a future for all of them.

“When’re we going?” Hunter walked into the living room dressed in denim shorts and what looked like a new blue T-shirt. They’d all decided the night before that they would go to Austin and get all the baby supplies. At first Owen was going to stay home with Lauren while Denny and Hunter made the trip, but he was uncomfortable being alone with her. He thought their best bet would be to all stay together.

“I need to feed her first.” Owen slid Lauren toward him and started fumbling with her diaper. “Hunter, I made some bottles, and they’re in the refrigerator. Can you go get one?”

Hunter nodded and disappeared. Owen got the sticky tabs loose, pulled the wet diaper away like the video had shown, and slid another underneath her little rear end. Then she smiled, and he thought he might cry. Surely she was the most wonderful gift God could have given him.

“So, how’d that sleeping on the floor work for ya?” Owen hadn’t heard Denny come in, but there he was on the floor beside Owen. “She’s a beauty, isn’t she?”

Owen smiled. “Yeah, she really is.”

“How are we going to carry her to town? Do you have a car seat?” Denny shook his head. “I remember back in the day, before seat belts, car seats, and all that other stuff. We turned out okay.”

“Virginia said this carrier is a car seat too, and she left directions.” Owen handed the piece of paper to Denny.

“She sure went to a lot of trouble to give you notes and instructions for a kid she doesn’t care about.” Denny shook his head again. “Doesn’t make any sense.”

Virginia hadn’t made sense to Owen in a long time. He knew it hadn’t been an easy decision for her. But just the same, it was a choice he couldn’t reconcile in his mind.

It took them another hour to feed Lauren, burp her, change her again, and figure out the car seat. “Are you sure she’s in there right?” Owen pulled on the straps that held the carrier facing backward. “Denny, you drive. I’ll sit back here with her.” He heard Hunter grunt, but Owen wanted an experienced driver for this particular trip to Austin.



By Saturday morning, Brooke’s father was out of the hospital and doing much better. She was eager to see Owen, but she needed to check on things at the store first. She left the kids with her mother, who insisted she could take care of both Daddy and the kids, and was at the store sorting through receipts when Owen called.

Brooke listened from her stool behind the counter as Owen told her about Virginia’s visit—and about the baby daughter he didn’t know he had. “I don’t get it,” she said once she was able to pick her jaw off the floor. “She doesn’t want to see her at all?”

His heavy sigh came through loud and clear. “I’ll admit this surpasses what I thought Virginia was capable of. But I read over the papers she gave me. And she is signing over all rights to me.”

Brooke just sat there. Speechless.

“I know. Unimaginable.” Then Owen’s voice softened. “But you should see her—Lauren. She’s the most beautiful little person I’ve ever seen.”

Brooke smiled, knowing that feeling. But she was still trying to absorb his news. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

“I can’t either, for selfish reasons. I don’t know one thing about babies. Not one single thing. Denny, Hunter, and I went to Austin yesterday, and a salesperson helped us buy everything we might possibly need for a baby, but we don’t even know what half of it is or what to do with it.”

“I do,” she said softly.

“Are you . . . okay with this? I mean, as far as you and me and everything. I know it puts a new twist on things—a newborn in the picture.”

“Did you think I wouldn’t want to be with you anymore because you have a child?” She smiled. “I have two of those. Remember?”

“I know. And I love Spencer and Meghan. But this came out of nowhere, and it’s practically a brand-new baby.”

Brooke smiled at his description. “I think you’ll be a wonderful father, Owen. I really do.”

“Don’t know about that, but I’ve always wanted a child. I just didn’t expect it to be like this. But now that your father’s better, can you come over soon?”

“Absolutely. I can’t wait to meet Lauren.” She shifted her weight on the stool and took a deep breath. “Are you 100 percent sure that . . .” She cringed, not sure how to ask.

“Virginia said that they had a DNA test, which ruled Gary out. And she swore to me awhile back that Gary was the only other person she was with throughout our marriage.” Brooke heard just a tinge of the old bitterness in that pronouncement. “I guess I could have a DNA test too, but I don’t think Virginia would do this unless she was sure.” He chuckled. “Plus, I think she kind of looks like me.”

They talked for a while longer, and Owen ended the call by saying he loved her and missed her.

“I love you too.”

Owen was quiet but didn’t hang up, so she asked, “Are you still there?”

“Yeah. I’m just thanking God for you. And the fact that you’re such a good mother. What if I hadn’t met you? Fallen in love with you?”

Brooke smiled. She’d been thinking the same thing. “God always has a plan.” Without either of them saying it, Brooke knew her role in this new scenario, and she was in a hurry to get started. She quickly finished up with the receipts and then hurried to Owen’s house, her stomach churning with excitement and nervousness.

When she arrived, Owen was on the porch waiting. He grabbed her and kissed her several times. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too. Now, where is that baby?”

Owen grabbed her hand and pulled her over the threshold. And in the next moment Brooke thought for sure she’d stumbled upon Santa’s workshop, with all his elves busily preparing for Christmas. She wasn’t sure she’d ever seen so much baby stuff in one place, and both Hunter and Denny were busy in the living room putting it all together.

Brooke paid them no attention. She went straight to the small portable playpen in the living room and scooped up the baby inside it. It seemed like so long since she’d held a little one.

“Owen, she’s beautiful.” She breathed in the aroma of baby lotion as she cuddled Lauren in her arms.

When Owen didn’t answer, she looked over at him, then at Denny and Hunter, who had stopped working. They were all just watching her.

“What is it?” she finally asked.

“You make it look so easy,” Owen said.

Hunter ran his sleeve across his forehead. “Yeah, you shoulda seen the three of us trying to give her a bath last night. We was all worried about drownin’ her or getting soap in her eyes or something.”

Brooke laughed. “I’ve done this twice before, and most of it is common sense.”

“Well, we’ve all learned the hard way what happens if that little one doesn’t have a good burp.” Denny went back to screwing the legs on a baby swing.

Brooke carried Lauren over to the couch. She was still processing the fact that this was really Owen’s daughter when she heard Owen’s phone ring.

She knew right away that it was Virginia. And that there was a problem.



Thursday morning Patsy kissed Brooke on the cheek before she left to go to the hardware store. Meghan and Spencer were upstairs in their rooms, and Harold was sleeping. Patsy sank down onto the couch, closed her eyes, and basked in the quiet.

Brooke was happier than Patsy had seen her since Travis died, and she seemed excited about what her future might hold, especially with a new baby in the plan. Meghan and Spencer were doing well, although Spencer still seemed on guard where Owen was concerned. Her grandson seemed to want to love Owen, but couldn’t shake the fear that he and his mother might be betraying his father. Harold seemed at peace with his situation, although he had one dying wish, and Patsy was afraid he wasn’t going to see it fulfilled. He wanted Brooke and Owen to get married so that he could walk Brooke down the aisle—if she would allow him to and he was able.

Patsy knew her daughter didn’t move that quickly. She’d only been seeing Owen for a few months. Patsy thought their relationship could eventually lead to marriage, but not anytime soon, even in light of a new baby in the picture. Brooke always made calculated choices.

Still, it had been a special moment for Patsy when she’d spied Brooke and Harold filling the empty door of the photo album that Travis’s parents had given Brooke.

Meghan came into the room and cuddled up next to Patsy on the couch. “Mommy said Owen has a new baby.”

“That’s right.” Patsy ran her hand through one of Meghan’s pigtails. “Isn’t that exciting?”

Meghan nodded. “Spencer says we won’t be seeing Owen very much now that he’s going to have his own little girl.”

“Now, I don’t think that’s true. But little babies do require a lot of attention. I bet you’ll be able to help take care of little Lauren. Won’t that be fun?”

Meghan nodded solemnly, and Patsy envisioned them all as one big family. That brought a smile to her face. Please, Lord, let Harold live long enough to see it.

As Meghan sat nestled against her, she thought about how she was going to lose Harold all over again, this time permanently. The doctors had said he might make it to Christmas. Patsy prayed every night that this might be true, that he’d live to see Brooke and his grandchildren opening presents on Christmas morning. She remembered with a twinge of pain all the Christmases he had been denied because she wouldn’t allow it, just couldn’t forgive back then.

Harold started to cough, so Patsy eased Meghan away. “I need to go check on your grandfather.”

“He’s going to die, isn’t he?” Meghan folded her hands in her lap and kept her chin down.

Patsy squatted down in front of her and lifted her chin. “Yes, I think God will call him home soon. But you know what?” She paused. “He will get to meet your daddy in heaven when he gets there. That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

Meghan blew on a strand of hair that had escaped a pigtail and hung in her face. “Do you think I can write a letter for Grandpa to give Daddy?”

Patsy fought the tears building in the corners of her eyes as she kissed Meghan on the forehead and stood up. “You know what? I think that would be very nice.”

Then Harold started coughing harder, and Patsy hurried to his side.





Twenty-Nine




Brooke stood in the middle of Owen’s living room on Saturday morning fidgeting, sweating, and pacing. Virginia’s phone call had been a demand of sorts: “If you want to keep Lauren, then I want to meet the woman who could be raising her.” It was brilliant in a way, even if it was manipulative. Virginia had made sure that Owen had sufficient time to be fully attached to Lauren, then made the demand. How could Brooke say no? Denny and Hunter had bolted out of the house early. Brooke wished she could do the same. She felt like she was being interviewed for a job she hadn’t applied for.

“Don’t look so nervous,” Owen said as he walked into the room and wrapped his arms around her. “She won’t bite.” He kissed her on the neck. “I don’t think.”

Brooke pulled away. “I just don’t know why she is so insistent about this. We’re not even . . .” She looked down, shrugged. “You know.”

Owen lifted her chin and smiled. “You know exactly what we are and where we are going.”

It wasn’t a proposal, but Brooke felt warm all over, even as her stomach continued to churn. She smoothed the wrinkles from the yellow sundress she’d chosen for today, then combed through her hair with her hands.

Owen leaned down and kissed her softly, then whispered, “You look beautiful. And thank you.”

“Well, I’m not going to have her denying you your daughter just because I won’t meet with her.”

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.” Owen took a deep breath and looked at his watch. “She said ten o’clock, but she’s always late.” Five minutes—and many paces—later they heard a car pull in. “I bet that’s her.” Owen walked to the window and pulled back the curtain. “Yep.”

Owen walked to the front door and Brooke heard it open, but her feet stayed rooted to the floor in the living room. She straightened her dress again and finally walked to the entryway.

After what seemed like forever, a woman in blue-jean capris, a clingy yellow top, and heeled white sandals stepped over the threshold. She had thick, wavy brown hair and wore black sunglasses. The woman eyed Brooke up and down, and when she seemed to be done, Brooke extended her hand and introduced herself.

Virginia pushed the sunglasses up on her head, and Brooke saw she’d been crying. “Nice to meet you, Brooke.”

Owen motioned for them all to go into the living room. Virginia immediately went to the portable playpen in the living room where Lauren was sleeping. Brooke waited for her to pick up the baby, but she just stared down at her for a few moments.

“She’s a beautiful baby.” Brooke swallowed hard, unsure what to do or say.

Virginia put her purse on the couch. “Owen, I’d like to talk to Brooke alone, if that’s all right.”

Brooke held her breath, but Owen spoke up right away. “No, it’s not all right.” His nostrils flared, and Brooke touched his arm.

“Owen, it’s really okay with me.” They all knew the purpose of the visit.

“Are you sure?” Owen touched her on the arm, and Brooke felt Virginia’s eyes blazing into her. Maybe the woman had changed her mind. Maybe she’d realized what a great catch Owen was and wanted him back.

Brooke nodded, not sure about anything, but Owen moved toward his bedroom. Once they heard his door close, Virginia sat down at one end of the couch. Brooke sat down at the other.

“I can’t imagine what you must think of me.” Virginia pressed her glossy lips tightly together.

“I’m not here to judge.”

“Owen tells me that things are serious between the two of you.” Virginia eyed Brooke up and down again.

“Yes, I think so.”

“Have you talked about getting married?”

“No, not really.” Brooke recalled Meghan’s outburst and Spencer’s reaction. They had a way to go before everyone in her family was fully onboard.

“But it’s a possibility?”

I hope so. “Why do you ask, Virginia?”

“I think that’s obvious.” She rummaged in her Gucci bag and finally pulled out a tissue. “You could be raising Lauren. At the very least, you’ll be a big part of her life.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “So before I sign her over, I want to make sure you’re trustworthy.”

Sign her over? She’s not a car title. “But you don’t have to give up your rights. He hasn’t signed the papers yet. He said he wants to wait, to make sure you won’t change your mind. There is a way this can work where we can all be part of Lauren’s life. A baby can never have too much love.”

Virginia smiled. “Owen is a good man.”

“Oh yes.”

“But it’s all been decided.” Virginia looked away from Brooke for a few moments, then back at her. “And it’s fine.” She dabbed at her eye with the tissue. “I just felt like I had to meet you. Believe it or not, I’m trying to do what’s best for Lauren. I’m from a broken home, and I don’t want her running back and forth between houses like I did. That’s not to say I’m doing it all for her, because I’m not. I admit that. But this is still the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” She hesitated, staring at Brooke. “I promise you, I would not be a good mother.”

“But you could be. It’s a hard job that comes with no instructions, but we all learn. And it’s the most rewarding job there is. Virginia, don’t do this if you have any doubts whatsoever. Don’t let anyone pressure you.”

Virginia straightened. “I don’t have doubts. Tell Owen to sign the papers. But . . .” Her eyes drifted around the room toward the swing, the carrier, and the playpen. “Can you please send me pictures?” She reached into her purse and pulled out a card. “Here is my e-mail address.” Her voice faltered. “Just an occasional picture . . . would be wonderful.”

Brooke gazed at the card, still not fully comprehending. “Sure. But—”

“I’m afraid Owen won’t do it.”

“He would if you asked him to, I’m sure.” Brooke took a deep breath and blew it out slowly.

Virginia stood up, so Brooke did too. In that moment, something seemed to shift in her, and all traces of vulnerability disappeared. “I want you to know I won’t be interfering in your life. Gary has lots of travel plans lined up for us. A baby didn’t really fit into those plans.”

“You don’t have to choose.” Brooke didn’t want to step over the invisible lines that had been drawn, but it was true.

Virginia locked eyes with Brooke, a look so intense it would haunt her for months to come. “Yes. I do.” She picked up her purse and added, “I’m going.” Tears started to stream down her face as she headed toward the entryway, but her expression was stony.

Brooke grabbed her arm, frantic to do something to ease the woman’s pain, self-inflicted as it was. “Don’t you want to say good-bye to Lauren?”

Virginia threw her arms around Brooke’s neck. “I can’t. Take care of my baby.” Then she ran out the door and slammed it behind her.

Owen came out of the bedroom just in time to see Brooke cover her face and cry. Once it started, she couldn’t stop.

“What did that witch say to you? What did she do?” He drew her into an embrace. “I’m so sorry, Brooke. I shouldn’t have ever left you alone with her. Baby, what is it?”

Brooke just kept shaking her head and crying. Finally she caught her breath and said, “I just feel so incredibly sorry for her.” Then she gently pushed Owen away and looked into his eyes. “She’s going to miss everything.”

Owen pulled her once more into his arms. “But we are going to have it all.”

Brooke knew that both of their lives had changed forever. He held her for another minute before he eased her away and kissed her several times on the lips.

“Everything is going to be okay.” After a final kiss on the forehead, he asked, “We are still having dinner here, right?”

Brooke sniffled, glad for a change of subject. “Yes, we’re having dinner. Tell the boys we’re having chicken-fried steaks and mashed potatoes. I’ll bring the ingredients and cook ’em when we get here.” She smiled. “Sure hope Hunter got that plane fixed. Spencer can’t wait to try it out.” She picked up her purse and slung it over her shoulder. “So I will see you and Miss Lauren tonight.”



After Brooke left, Owen picked up Lauren and carried her to the couch. He sat down and stared into his baby girl’s blue eyes.

“Hello, daughter.”

He felt like he could just watch her forever. Just the sight of her face brought healing to his heart.



“Spence, close my car door, would you, please?” Brooke had her hands full as she walked toward Owen’s door. Meghan ran ahead and knocked, and it sounded like Owen, Denny, and Hunter all yelled, “Come in,” at the same time. “Meghan, it’s okay. Open the door.”

Brooke walked in after Meghan, halfway expecting the men to meet her in the entryway so she could unload some of the food she was carrying. But when none of them appeared, she walked into the living room—and smiled. Little Lauren lay on a quilted pad on the floor, and Owen, Hunter, and Denny were sitting in a circle around the baby, eyes glued to her. Meghan and Spencer ran to join them.

“I’ll just go get started on dinner,” she said. No response. Grinning, she repeated it a little more loudly. Owen stood up and rushed to her.

“Sorry.” He reached for the bags. “I think I’m getting this down, taking care of her. But you’ll have to help me with the bath thing. Hunter has still been doing it with me, but it seems like it should be a one-man job.”

“You’re going to do just fine. Really.” She followed him to the kitchen, then began unloading the groceries.

“Oh. I forgot to tell you.” Owen put a hand to his forehead. “She threw up. I tried to call you, but there was no answer.”

“When?” She laid the cubed steaks on the counter.

“About an hour ago, I guess. I cleaned her up as best I could without actually putting her in that little bathtub you bought. But what made her do that?”

“Sometimes babies just spit up. Did you remember to burp her?”

“I tried. But I couldn’t really tell if she did it.”

She turned to face him and smiled. “Welcome to parenthood, Owen. There is a learning curve.”

“Do you care if I go back in there?” Owen pointed toward the living room.

“Nope. I have this under control.”

Brooke got to work breading the steaks and boiling potatoes. She knew where everything was in Owen’s kitchen. She’d been the one to organize it all. No one did much cooking in this room but her, except when Denny made eggs. By now it felt like home.

After they ate, everyone went outside to see if Spencer’s plane would fly this time. Brooke wasn’t sure who was more nervous, Spencer or Hunter. “You have to do it just like I showed you earlier.” Hunter handed Spencer the remote for the airplane.

Brooke carried Lauren, blocking the baby’s eyes from the setting sun with a light blanket. She was gently bouncing Lauren in her arms when she caught Owen staring at them. He winked at her and smiled.

They all watched in suspense as Spencer worked the controls on the remote. Owen and Denny started to clap as the plane inched forward, then gradually accelerated until it lifted off the ground.

“Keep it steady!” Hunter had his hands on either side of his head and didn’t look like he was breathing.

Brooke was hoping Spencer didn’t fly the plane through someone’s window and also was wondering if he knew how to land it, but she loved watching her son’s excitement and his confidence at the controls. She looked up as Owen put his arm around her. He kissed her on the cheek, then touched Lauren’s cheek with his finger, then nodded toward Meghan. “My three favorite girls,” he whispered.

“Careful!” Hunter was jumping up and down now. “Careful!”

“I got it! I got it!” Spencer turned the plane around. Brooke took a few instinctive steps backward, then a few more.

“It’s coming right toward us.” Brooke turned and hurried back toward the house with Lauren.

“I said I got it!”

Brooke watched from the porch as the plane slid onto the concrete and stopped a few feet in front of where they were all standing. Spencer’s face glowed, and Brooke’s jaw dropped when her son ran to Hunter and hugged him.

“You did it!” Hunter yelled.

Brooke thought she might be glowing too. It was a perfect night. She’d left her parents cuddled together on the couch watching a movie. Her father had been feeling well enough to get out of bed and move around a little bit, although they’d declined the dinner invitation. Owen beamed like any new father, and Brooke was pretty sure she’d be playing a significant role in this beautiful child’s life.

She sniffed at Lauren’s few wisps of hair, enjoying that incredible baby smell, as she looked out at her untraditional family. That’s exactly what they were—a family. Denny and Hunter leaned over the plane, engaged in intense conversation about something with Spencer. Owen held Meghan’s hand. The whole scene was such a gift. Thank You, God.

She turned to go in with Lauren. But as soon as she opened the door, she knew something was terribly wrong.

“Owen! Owen!” She clutched the baby tighter and hurried down the porch steps. “Hurry! Inside! Hurry!”