Free Love Inspired May 2015 #2 by Missy Tippens, Jean C. Gordon, Patricia Johns

him or to the baby. Not when the baby was most likely temporary.
    Jake’s not temporary, though.
    Jake leaned down in front of her face and smiled.
    She’d missed what he’d said. “Excuse me?”
    â€œI was saying the little gal just woke from a nap. I changed her diaper and put her in the bouncy seat.”
    On the floor beside the couch, Abigail kicked her feet, making the seat jiggle.
    â€œYou’ve bought her more paraphernalia?” Violet asked.
    His neck reddened at her question. “Yeah. I figured she was getting sick of looking at my chest.”
    Violet’s eyes darted to his broad chest and doubted anyone would tire of that scenery.
    She dragged her gaze away and nodded toward the baby seat with brightly colored toys suspended above it. “Yes, visual stimulation is nice.”
    â€œThanks again for coming. In case you need me...” He offered his cell phone. “Can we switch numbers?”
    â€œOh, sure.” She handed over hers and added her phone number to his contacts. Then they switched back.
    It felt like such a date-type thing to do, so personal, that it made her heart flutter in her chest.
    â€œListen,” he said. “I have another favor to ask already.”
    â€œSure.”
    â€œDon’t say that so quickly. This is a biggie.” He ran a hand through his unruly brown hair. “I checked out Remy’s address from the hospital records. It’s a place called Peace House in Atlanta. From their website, it appears to be a domestic violence shelter.”
    Violet gasped. “Jake, no.”
    â€œYeah, that was my reaction.” He winced, his eyes sad. “The phone is disconnected. I emailed them through the website but got no answer. I’d like to go to the address, in Atlanta, to investigate.”
    â€œI think that’s a good idea.”
    â€œI wanted to impose again and ask if you can either babysit Abigail or...” He looked into her eyes. “Or go with me to help with the baby.”
    â€œWhat if the father’s still alive and Remy has been trying to protect Abigail?”
    â€œThat occurred to me, too,” he said.
    The thought of Abigail being in danger from an abusive father made Violet’s stomach drop.
    If Jake somehow found Remy, would he turn the baby over to her mother? Violet wanted to be there to assess the situation. “Most domestic violence shelters are in undisclosed locations. But I think you do need to check the address she left you. I’d like to go with you...in case...well, in case Abigail needs me.” Her face burned because she wasn’t just worried about the baby.
    â€œWhat day’s good for you?”
    She lifted her chin and put on her business face. “How about I try to clear my schedule for Friday?”
    He let out a deep breath as if he’d been holding it. Yet the crease between his brows didn’t ease. “All right. I’ll arrange it.”
    Staring into each other’s eyes, neither seemed to know what to say.
    Days ago, she would have thought of him as her worst enemy. And he probably felt the same.
    Strange how concern for a tiny baby could bring two people together.
    Jake suddenly jerked his gaze away and clapped his hands together. “Well, I’ve got to go. Diapers are by the changing table in the first bedroom on the left. And there are more in the diaper bag.”
    â€œThat’s fine. Would you mind if I take Abigail to the grocery store? I figured I could take care of some of my errands.”
    â€œDon’t mind at all if it’ll help you. I just hope she’ll cooperate.”
    The baby gave a little peep of irritation as if ready to fuss.
    â€œI guess that’s my cue to leave,” Jake said with a laugh. “There’s an extra house key in the diaper bag. I’ll put her car seat base in your car on the way out.”
    As soon as Jake left, the infant let out an irritated cry. Violet picked