Stepping Up: Book Six in the Who's Your Daddy series by Rhonda Marks Page A

son!
    Summer let out a little yelp and turned her head in Vance’s direction. “We’re going to have a little boy,” she said as her tears streamed down her face.
    He reached over to the counter and pulled out a couple tissues to dry her eyes. “Are you happy about that? Did you want a girl?”
    She shook her head. “Oh no, I’m quite happy. I was having nightmares about combing a little girl’s hair every day.”
    Everyone burst out laughing at Summer’s remark, causing a couple nurses to look inside the room to see what was going on. They continued to chuckle while the doctor wiped away the gel on Summer’s belly and helped her to sit up.
    “I’ve heard a lot of reasons why a mother wished for a son or daughter, but this is the first time I’ve heard it based on doing hair! Girl, yours must be a handful!”
    “And a half,” Summer added. “I remember how my mother had to take a couple aspirin after washing me and my sister’s heads. I wouldn’t wish that task on my worst enemy.”
    Vance raked his fingers through his straight, blond locks and made a face. “Now you know you won’t be able to do much with our son’s, if it’s anything like mine. We’ll have to keep it cut short so it’s not sticking straight up in the air.”
    “I can live with that.” Summer held out her hand so he could assist her getting off the exam table. “One less battle in the morning.”
    The doctor handed them the pictures and a DVD of the exam. Summer carefully slid them into her purse and they walked out to the reception area to make the next appointment.
    “We’re getting close to the end, Summer, so I’ll need you to come in every two weeks from now, okay?” the doctor announced. Mr. Ryan, will you be accompanying Summer from here on out?”
    He looked at Summer with a questioning look in his eyes. “May I?”
    Summer hesitated for a second then gave a sharp nod of her head. “Sure, if you’d like to come.”
    “I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be,” he said with a smile.
     
    The sun beamed down on Devinne, melting the ice and snow that had blanketed the town for most of the winter. Folks complained that it had been the worst winter since some of them were kids. But with spring right around the corner, smiles were replacing the gloomy faces around town.
    Vance pulled into one of the many empty spaces in the diner’s parking lot. He let out a sigh as he made his way to the front door. Just like every other day this past week, only one lone diner sat inside. How was the place going to survive like this?
    “Hey there,” Ginny called out from her usual spot in the kitchen. “If you’re looking for the boss lady, she’s down at the bank.”
    Just the mention of the bank caused Vance’s stomach to lurch. Although he knew he was not directly responsible for the possible foreclosure of the business, he still felt bad for what was going on. If only he had kept his distance. But then he wouldn’t have met the woman he now knew he couldn’t live without.
    “Hey, Ginny,” he called out as he walked into the kitchen. “Can I ask you a couple questions?”
    “Sure, shoot.” She set aside the pot she was drying and gave him her full attention.
    “I’m planning something special for Summer and I’d like to take her out tomorrow night.”
    Ginny’s face lit up with a smile and gave him a wink. “About time, young man.” Just as quickly though, that smile faded. “I like you, Vance, really like you. But I love Summer.”
    “I understand.”
    “Well, let me make myself clear nonetheless. Her mom and I were like sisters, and I promised her on her deathbed to look after the whole family.” She stepped up to Vance and poked him in the chest. “Don’t hurt her again.”
    Vance took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. “I give you my word. I plan on spending the rest of my life making her happy.”
    Instantly, Ginny’s smile returned and she grabbed Vance around the waist to give him a hug.