A Love Too Soon 2nd of Carrington Series

By Callie Norse

Book 2 of the Carrington Series... All books can be read separately
A touching, tender, story of young love...
When Maggie’s aunt and uncle adopt an older boy, he and Maggie immediately become good friends. The families spend a great deal of time together. With Toby being new in town, he isn’t acquainted with any other kids. Maggie becomes his best friend.

As time goes on they begin feeling an attraction, which neither understands as they are at the age of puberty. They eventually succumb to desires. When Maggie learns she is pregnant, she leans on Toby for help. He comes up with a plan. Maggie is reluctant, but knows no other way. This plan, along with many twists and turns along the way, will keep you intrigued.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Callie Norse
• Release date: Dec 4, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310990786

Callie Norse

Callie loves to write novels. She claims writing completes her. She debuted with For the Love of Lisa in September 2010. Before publishing, she allowed a few to read the book. They convinced her it needed to be published and gave her overwhelming support and encouragement to continue writing. She knew after completing the first book she wanted to write a series, but wasn’t confident she had what it took. After receiving such great response, she then wrote A Love Too Soon, published in August 2011. Readers are always anxiously awaiting a next book of the series. Therefore, The Anniversary...not to be forgotten... Callie lives in Illinois with her husband. They have three sons and six grandchildren. She hopes to continue writing, but the Carrington series is complete. She wants all her readers to know that each of the Carrington series is complete in itself. None will leave you hanging. Each in the series starts a new story of their lives, a continuation of their lives, but a COMPLETED story, unlike some series, which leave you hanging making it necessary to read the next in the series.

Book preview

A Love Too Soon

Callie Norse

Carafe Publishing

A Love Too Soon

Copyright 2011 by Callie Norse

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

One

Push, Marta, push. It won’t be long now. The baby is almost here. Greg Carrington, 30, and his wife Marta, 29, are still practically newlyweds. They have been married only eleven months. This is Greg’s second marriage. It has been two years, since he lost his first wife, Lisa, to pancreatic cancer. Marta was Lisa’s best friend. She had admired and loved Greg since their high school days, keeping her distance because he was Lisa’s. After Lisa became ill and knew she was dying, she made a wish. She asked her sister, Lori, to help bring Greg and Marta together, to marry. Her love was so strong for Greg she couldn’t bear to think of him alone as a single dad to Maggie, their six-year-old daughter, at that time. She knew of Marta’s feelings for Greg.

Greg never thought he could possibly love another after Lisa. He felt she was his one true love―that love you find only once in a lifetime―a love many never find. He may have been wrong. He now has a second wonderful love. Marta is like Lisa in many ways, lovely inside and out and a very passionate lady. How could he not fall in love with her? Maggie has always been close to Marta. She has easily accepted Marta as her new mommy, and is extremely excited over the forthcoming new baby. It won’t be long now.

Dr. Fontell had delivered Maggie, and had continued to be Lisa’s gynecologist over the years. She knew how much Lisa had hoped she was pregnant when she became ill. Lisa had held on to this hope, until she was forced to face the reality her illness was pancreatic cancer—not a pregnancy.

Now, Dr. Fontell is about to deliver Marta and Greg’s baby. Marta hadn’t wanted to know the baby’s sex. It is still unknown to them. One last push, Marta, that’s all it will take! Dr. Fontell is about as excited as Marta and Greg are.

Marta, her shoulder length brown hair wet with perspiration, bore down one last time—Greg caught the baby. Marta was excited to hear his little garbled cry.

Sweetie, we have a boy, and he’s a cutie! Greg was already a proud daddy.

Dr. Fontell cleared his airway and laid him on Marta’s tummy and then showed Greg how to cut the cord. Once the cord was cut Dr. Fontell placed him in Marta’s arms.

Ohhh, he is so sweet, so precious—our little Ethan. She looked up at Greg to see his approval of the name they had discussed. He was nodding and smiling―so proud. There were tears in his eyes. Not only was he proud of precious little Ethan; he was also proud of Marta for how well she had endured labor. They had taken natural childbirth classes. Marta was determined she would not put drugs into the baby’s body. And, she hadn’t!

The baby needed to be checked out better and cleaned up. The pediatrician, Dr. Lane, quickly assured them he was fine. His little round face was adorable, all scrunched up as he fussed, wrapped in a blue blanket, wearing a tiny blue crocheted hat which covered traces of light brown hair. One thing for sure, he had Greg’s dimples―like Maggie. As Marta held him, Greg was kissing him and holding his little hand, his tiny fingers clutching to Greg’s finger.

What do you think, sweetie, should we call Lori now and ask her to bring Maggie over? Greg asked anxiously.

Yes, please do. Maggie will be so excited to see him.

Lori heard Greg’s voice when she answered the phone, Lori, it’s a boy…all 7 lbs. 2 oz., 20 in. long.

Is everything okay?

Everything is great. Are you ready to come see him, and bring Maggie?

I’m out the door right now! She hung up without giving Maggie a chance to talk.

In a few short minutes Maggie came bouncing in with Lori and Steve, Lori’s husband, trailing behind. Daddy, Daddy… Is it really a boy? Is his name Ethan? Hold me up so I can see him! Greg held her up to the side of the bed. Maggie was all smiles, Ohhh, Marta, he is sooo cute. Look, he is sucking his fist. He is so tiny. Can I see his little feet? Marta unwrapped him so she could see his feet. Ohhh, look at them. Isn’t he a dandy! Greg chuckled at her wording.

Lori and Steve crowded in behind Maggie. Lori was crying, as she was so happy for them. She thought of how much Lisa had wanted another baby. She knew if Lisa was looking down from heaven, she must be happy for them. To not think of Lisa at a time like this, was impossible. Steve shook Greg’s hand and congratulated him. Good work, Greg.

Thanks, he is precious, isn’t he?

They didn’t stay long as Marta needed to rest.

Do I have to go? Maggie pleaded.

Yes, honey, Marta needs a little nap. It has been a busy day for her.

Ok, Daddy, but I’ll be back when she wakes up. I’ll go tell Toto he has a new little brother. I still think you should’ve named him Herbie. Toto was her little brown and tan Yorkie, named after the dog in the Wizard of Oz. Marta laughed, knowing Maggie would carry this name out further. She had suggested earlier if it was a boy, they could name him Herbie, for the movie. Then when he got older he could have a Volkswagen car. If it was a girl, she joked they could call her Rapunzel and she could grow her hair long.

After they left, Greg took the baby from Marta and placed him in his little bed beside Marta so she could nap. He closed the drape and turned the lights out. He hadn’t gotten much sleep himself since Marta had gone into labor early in the evening the night before. He lay down on the daybed there in Marta’s room after Marta and the baby were fast asleep. Just as Greg started to drift off, something caused him to open his eyes and look over at the baby. There was a golden glow next to the baby’s bed. Was he seeing things? He was extremely tired. Maybe he had fallen asleep and was dreaming, or possibly it was a reflection from something. Perhaps the drape was open a crack and light was coming through. He drifted off to sleep.

He wasn’t sure how long he had been asleep, evidently for quite some time, as he heard Maggie and Lori’s voices. The room was lit up from the open door, and Maggie was again making over Ethan. Marta was waking. Greg sat up, suddenly remembering the glow he had seen. He couldn’t get this off his mind. He didn’t feel he had dreamed it, nor did he feel it was a reflection or light from the window. Something told him Lisa had been there, but he didn’t say a word to anyone about his suspicions.

Maggie and Lori stayed for over an hour. Maggie wasn’t ready to leave. She couldn’t stop giggling as she watched Ethan while he was waking up, stretching and making cute little faces.

Lori noticed Greg was quiet. She assumed he was just tired. Of course, she had no idea he had Lisa on his mind…wondering if she’d been with them a few hours before. He thought if ever she were to return again, it would be now to see the new baby—the baby she had wanted so badly, herself. As much as he loved Marta, he found himself wishing Ethan was Lisa’s and his baby. He knew it was wrong for him to be thinking this. It was a time for him to be happy. He wanted to be happy, and he was…before he saw the golden glow at Ethan’s bedside. He mustn’t let anyone suspect he was feeling this way. He could hear everyone making over the baby—as if they were off at a distance. The thoughts of Lisa and the golden glow were foremost in his mind.

After Lori left with Maggie, Marta asked if he was feeling okay.

"Sure, hon. I’m just a bit overwhelmed and a little tired. How are you feeling? You have been through a lot in the past twenty-four hours. And, you’ve done beautifully. I’m proud of you, sweetie."

I’m too happy to feel anything other than happiness and pride. Ethan is so beautiful—if it’s okay to call a boy beautiful.

"Of course it is. He won’t mind. He is beautiful, isn’t he! Maggie sure likes him. I think she broke her record of how many times she can giggle in a short time."

Marta chuckled, I think you’re right about that. She did giggle a lot. I hope after his newness wears off she won’t feel slighted and be jealous of him. After all, she has been the center of attention for eight years.

Somehow, I don’t think we’ll have to worry about that. At least I hope not.

Ethan began to get a little fussy. Greg reached over and took him from the little bed and handed him to Marta. She was already preparing herself to nurse him. Greg enjoyed watching her as she slipped open the bra cup and exposed her amazing breast. He loved watching Ethan nurse contentedly and wondered how babies knew what to do instantly. As Ethan nursed, Greg couldn’t help but imagine how large her breasts would actually get when her milk came in. If she was a D-cup before she got pregnant, what would she soon be? This he was anxious to see!

Mart, would you mind if I go get something to eat? I’m feeling a little famished. Your supper should be coming soon now, I would think.

Sure, honey, it’s fine. Go on down to the cafeteria and get a bite.

I was thinking of going down the road to that little restaurant. I need some air.

Ohhh…okay. If that’s what you want. We’ll be fine here.

Greg left the room without as much as a kiss. Marta was having trouble understanding why he needed some air. He didn’t seem himself at all. She thought back to something Lisa had told her after Maggie was born―Greg had not left her side the entire time she was in the hospital, except to grab something at the hospital cafeteria and bring it back to the room to eat. This puzzled Marta. What could be wrong? Ethan was an adorable baby. It was as if Greg had postpartum depression. She doubted that as she had never heard of the daddy getting them.

Greg drove around for some time. He found himself at the cemetery, at Lisa’s grave. He knelt beside her grave. "Lisa, sweetie, was that you beside the baby today? I know you’re watching. You must be wishing he were yours—ours. I, too, wish he were ours. It’s so difficult for me, seeing Marta in that hospital bed; her being the baby’s mommy instead of you. Lisa, I still love you and need you. Why did God have to take you? We had so many plans. We wanted more babies, and now you are dead, and I am having babies with Marta. She is a wonderful gal—she is just not you. I need you!" The tears were streaming down his face. He knew he must get control of himself, get something to eat, and get back to the hospital to Marta—and pretend to be deliriously happy.

Marta looked concerned when he walked back into the room. He leaned over the bed and kissed her. Is everything okay here? You don’t look so well.

I was concerned over how long you were gone. I was afraid something had happened to you.

Sweetie, I’m so sorry I was gone so long. I ran into an old friend and we had a long talk. I lost track of time.

All is well…you’re back now, that’s what counts.

Greg said very little that evening. Marta was still puzzled over how quiet he was. She was glad he decided to stay the night there in the hospital room with her and the baby. The way he was acting, she was afraid he would go home. There was no way Greg would go home, as he was waiting for Lisa to reappear. He slept with one eye open all night. Needless to say, he got very little sleep. Lisa never appeared again.

Marta and the baby were discharged the next morning. This should have been a joyous day for them, but Greg’s actions were concerning her. She knew something was bothering him, if he would only talk to her about it. He was far too quiet and somber. He couldn’t shake the Lisa thing. He wanted so much to be with her—for he and Lisa to be bringing a baby home—the baby they had wanted to have, together. Marta was glad it was only a short drive. She would have gone crazy if Greg’s lack of conversation had gone on many more miles. She kept trying to start a conversation, but his replies were short, and then there was silence again. Greg helped her out of the car and released the car carrier. He carried the baby in one hand and took Marta by the arm with the other. Once in the house, he placed the baby in the wooden cradle he had made, which was now in the parlor. He helped Marta onto the sofa and went back to the car to get her suitcase. She was nursing Ethan when he got back to the parlor. He sat down beside her and reached his finger out for Ethan to grasp as he nursed. Marta smiled, hoping he was coming back from wherever his mind had been. It wasn’t like him to be so distant. When Ethan finished nursing, Greg asked, Mind if I hold him a minute? He carefully took the baby in his arms, and held him close as he slept. And what about Mommy, are you hungry? It’s about lunch time.

Yes, a bit. Anything here for lunch?

I was thinking I could run down to one of the little shops and pick up something. What would you like?

Baked potato soup sounds really good to me right now. Remember that little shop, where we got it last month?

Sure do. I’ll run down and get some. I do wonder when Lori and Steve will be here with Maggie. Maybe I’d better call and check before I take off. As he was dialing the phone, they drove into the drive. Maggie came bouncing in.

Where is that cute little bitty brother of mine? She spied him in Greg’s arms. Ethan stirred as she kissed him on the cheek. Hi, little Herbie, she teased.

Lori and Steve then appeared. I made some potato soup for you. I sat it on the counter for now…thought you might like it for lunch.

Amazing, Marta smiled, I was just telling Greg I was hungry for some potato soup.

Don’t you know, I read minds these days? Lori laughed.

She handed Marta a gift, which she quickly opened and held up a tiny blue sleeper for Greg to see. Isn’t it adorable? Our first little boy outfit!

Maggie helped pick it out. She liked the little giraffe on the front. Maggie, don’t you have something for Ethan? Lori glanced over at the chair where Maggie had laid her gift. Maggie quickly grabbed it and tried to hand it to Ethan who was still sleeping in Greg’s arms.

Marta better open it. I don’t want to drop our precious little Ethan, Greg said.

Maggie handed it to Marta and helped her open it. They all chuckled to see it was a little Herbie squeak toy. Maggie couldn’t wait for Ethan to wake up, so she could show it to him.

Lori turned to Steve, Should we tell them our good news now?

Of course!

And what might that be? Greg asked, puzzled.

"The adoption agency called yesterday. They have a ten-year-old boy for us!"

Greg was excited for them. He knew after many years of trying to adopt a baby, they had agreed to take an older child. That’s great―really, great! When will you get him? Did they give you any details?

His name is Toby. He has been living with an aunt and uncle for some time since the death of his parents. They didn’t really want to take him; therefore, they weren’t taking good care of him. Eventually, he was pulled from the home and put in foster care temporarily waiting for adoption, Steve explained.

Lori continued, We can see him tomorrow and decide if we want him. We were told he’s blond with blue eyes. He’s a bit on the quiet side because of all he’s been through, but he’s a well-mannered boy with no physical health problems.

Marta was extremely happy for them. Well, it certainly sounds like you may have yourself a son!

Can I go with you to see him? Maggie begged.

No, honey, you can meet him later. Tomorrow is a private time for Lori and Steve to meet him. Greg knew this wasn’t what Maggie wanted to hear.

Oh, okay, but let me know when he comes to live with you, and I’ll come over. Does he like dogs? Can I bring Toto?

Lori chuckled, We don’t know if he likes dogs. Maybe we’ll ask him tomorrow. We certainly hope he likes animals with the little zoo we have.

Maggie soon decided for herself all kids like animals―dogs, cats, sheep, and all other.

Ethan began to stir. Maggie noticed and quickly grabbed the Herbie toy. When she held it up for him to see she imagined he had smiled at it. Marta chuckled, knowing it was probably only gas.

Would you like to hold him, Lori?

I thought you would never ask! Lori carefully took him from Greg and sat down beside Marta. He is adorable. Have you decided who he looks like yet?

He definitely has his daddy’s eyes. They sparkle just like Greg’s.

Somewhat embarrassed, Greg added his two cents, I think he looks a lot like Marta, actually, except for the eyes, maybe, he chuckled.