Sweet Gone South by Alicia Hunter Pace

others.”
    “I’m weak and shallow,” Missy said with a shrug. “And deceptive. Harris put me on notice right after I bought Beau’s Christmas outfit with the smocked Santa and sleigh. He says we are done with these fancy baby clothes. I guess he wants him in cammo and football jerseys. Only too bad for him, Easter is coming and I’ve got a plan.” She sighed. “I am going to be in all kinds of trouble.”
    Luke had a feeling Missy had never been out of favor with Harris Bragg for one second over anything. She was the kind of woman who did what she wanted and made the man who loved her like it. Luke remembered what that had felt like.
    “Thank you for bringing Emma today.”
    “No problem. Emma is precious. Plus, when Emma is around, Beau doesn’t try to draft his sick, pregnant mother into playing Kill The Big Spiders, a game of his own invention.”
    Missy didn’t look sick. She looked energized, like she reveled in pregnancy. Like Carrie had.
    “How goes your search for a nanny?” Missy asked.
    “I’m working with an agency in Birmingham. They’re sending three for me to interview tomorrow. If one of them doesn’t work out, I don’t know what’s next.”
    “Have you tried finding someone in town?”
    “I’m not opposed to it. Do you know anybody?”
    “No,” she admitted. “I’ve already asked my housekeeper and she didn’t know of anyone. If I hear of someone, I’ll let you know.”
    “Thanks again, Missy. Once I get a nanny, I’ll return the favor. Emma, we need to go. Come and say your thank yous.”
    • • •
    Four hours, one diner meal, two games of Candy Land, and three stories later, Luke settled into a chair on the balcony behind his apartment. He opened a beer and turned on the baby monitor. It was a little balmy for March — the perfect weather for a run. If Lanie had been home, he might have asked her to listen for Emma on the monitor so he could go. Or maybe not. But it was a moot point. Though her car was parked beside his, the shop was dark and when Emma had wanted to show Lanie her crown, there had been no answer at her apartment door.
    Lanie didn’t seem overly fond of him, but she always had a smile and sweet word for Emma. Come to think of it, she’d make a good nanny. She seemed to understand toddler logic perfectly and Emma went into raptures every time they saw each other. Too bad her shop was doing so well. Of course, judging from what she charged for rent, he probably couldn’t afford her — and he could afford a lot. If she ever went bankrupt, he’d make her an offer she couldn’t refuse. There would be a bonus if she’d get rid of the casserole brigade. The second wave had started as soon as they’d gotten their dishes back. Maybe he’d put out the word around town that he’d seen rats in the candy kitchen. Yeah. He’d seen her fishing them out of a vat of fudge. If that wouldn’t close down a candy business, nothing would.
    The lights of a big black truck drew Luke back from his shameful fantasizing. That would be Nathan Scott, Lanie’s boyfriend, and yep, Lanie was with him. Back before Nathan Scott destroyed his knee during his senior season, back when he’d been the favorite Heisman trophy hopeful and a surefire first round NFL draft pick, the press had called him Angel. If he’d ever known, Luke had forgotten why, but it probably had something to do with his flawless face. Asshole.
    Luke opened a second beer.
    The truck stopped behind Luke’s car and Lanie jumped out holding a square takeout container. For once, she wasn’t wearing those candy clothes. In fact, she had on a skirt. Luke sneaked a peek at her legs. If he was going to fantasize about her bankruptcy, he certainly wasn’t above ogling another man’s girlfriend. If he’d been Scott, he’d have opened the truck door for her. Mr. Touchdown unfolded himself from the driver’s seat. He certainly hadn’t dressed up for his date. Trust a football coach to go out in shorts the