"Would you like me to try?"

"Please." This was not a word she was used to hearing from Jolene-and it gave her hope.

Pulling out a kitchen chair Rachel motioned for Jolene to join her at the table. "Let's look at this together." She had no intention of doing the work for Rachel. Her goal was to help the girl understand the concept so she'd be able to solve algebra problems logically.

"The teacher said we'd learn the quadratic formula next year. Do you know what they use it for?"

Rachel remembered learning it, but not its purpose. "Sorry, no."

"I know," Bruce said, sounding superior.

"Really?" Rachel was impressed-but wary.

"Sure," Bruce said. Standing, he swaggered over to them. "The quadratic formula is used to solve for x."

"Daddy!"

Rachel tried to conceal a smile but with little success. "You should go back to your online game," she advised.

Glancing at the textbook, Bruce winced and said, "Gladly."

Rachel read over the problem, then wrote it down on the pad Jolene had brought.

"Do you get this stuff?" Jolene asked.

Rachel nodded. "I do. I've always had an ability with numbers."

"How come you work in a salon, then?"

"I use my mathematical skills there every single day, Jolene. Not everyone who's good with math works in a bank or an accounting office. For example, I need to calculate how much coloring to put into the mix when I'm doing a dye job."

"Oh." This appeared to be a revelation.

They worked together for the next forty minutes, until Rachel thought Jolene had grasped the concept and could finish a series of problems without help.

Jolene stood and gave Rachel a tentative smile. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

The girl returned to her bedroom, and Rachel moved into the living room, just in time for her favorite cop drama on TV. Bruce came in a few minutes later. "That went well, don't you think?" he said enthusiastically.

Rachel nodded. This was almost the way it'd been between her and Jolene before the wedding.

"School is out next Wednesday," she said. She dreaded summer vacation and the changes it would bring into their lives. Jolene was too old for day care and too young to be left alone all day without supervision.

"I've got her signed up for that drama camp for the first two weeks," Bruce reminded her.

Yes, but the expense would be a real challenge to their budget, especially if they had to continue this through the rest of the summer. What Bruce didn't know was that in a few months she'd need to stop working, which would take a big bite out of their income.

"It's expensive. And if we have to cover this cost all summer..."

"Yeah, but we don't have any option, do we?" Bruce put his arm around her shoulders.

In previous summers Jolene had spent one or two days a week with Rachel, the rest of the time at municipal or church programs. But these days, the girl wasn't interested in attending any summer camp that also catered to "little kids."

"I...might have a solution."

"What?" Bruce asked eagerly.

"I could do half days." She'd been making excuses lately to explain why she was so often tired and lacking in energy. She also worried that it wasn't good for the baby if she spent too much time around the chemicals in the salon.

If she was at home half days, she could at least keep an eye on Jolene....

He considered that. "But you keep saying Jolene would rather not be around you."

"She wouldn't."

"Then you staying home with her might not be such a great idea."

"In other circumstances I'd agree with you. But I'm making this suggestion as much for me as Jolene."

Bruce studied her as if he had difficulty following her line of thought.

"Haven't you noticed how tired I've been these past few months?" she asked.

"Well, yes, but I blame myself for that." He slid his hand between her thighs. "That's not why I need to cut back to half days."

"You're tired because of all the extra hours you had to put in after Teri quit," he guessed.

"Well, yes, and...for other reasons."

"Other reasons? Like what?"

"Bruce," she said, exhaling softly. "I'm trying to tell you something important here."

"I'm listening, I really am."

"I know you are." She took his hand. "But you're not hearing me, are you?"

"I'm trying."

The best way to say this was straight out, Rachel decided. "I'm pregnant," she told him quietly.

Bruce blinked. When he apparently realized what she'd said, he leaped off the sofa and started pacing. He shoved his hands through his hair. "Did you just tell me you're...pregnant?"

"Yes."

"You're sure? This isn't a false alarm?"

"I'm sure."

"Have you been to the doctor?"

"Yes."

"When?"

"Last month."

"Last month?" He spewed out the words. "You've known this for a month?"

"I found out the night Teri had the triplets."

Bruce stared at her. "But how-"

"This might be news to you," she broke in, "but guess what? I didn't get pregnant all by myself. This baby has a father."

"Me."

"No kidding!"

"I'm...not sure what to say."

"How about-oh, I don't know-*Wow,' or *That's great,' or *I couldn't be happier,' or-"

He knelt down in front of her and grabbed both her hands, smiling the goofiest, happiest smile she'd ever seen. "How about *Thank you'?"

Rachel swallowed back tears. "That works."

He placed his hands on either side of her face and kissed her. Rachel flung her arms around his neck and reveled in his love.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" he asked.

"I was afraid," she whispered.

"Afraid," he repeated. "Of what? We both want a baby. We've talked about it. Okay, we'd planned to wait, but it happened-and frankly, I think it's wonderful."

She slipped her fingers through his hair. "I hoped you'd feel that way. The pregnancy came as a shock to me, a total surprise, and I was afraid it would to you, too."

"This is the best kind of surprise. I can't believe you kept it to yourself for so long."

She looked away. "I had to. Because of Jolene."

The instant she spoke, she saw doubt pass over his face.

"It was the one thing she asked us to do. To wait. Not to have a baby yet."

"We can't live by her dictates," Bruce argued. He kissed her again with an adoration that made Rachel go weak in his arms.

"I know and I agree, but Jolene has had to deal with a number of significant changes this year. Adding my pregnancy to the mix complicates everything."

Bruce frowned. "I still think we should tell her right away."

"No," Rachel pleaded. "Not yet. Let's give it a few weeks. Once school's out, I'll start working half days. I'm hoping that the time I spend with her one-on-one will allow us to repair our relationship." Maybe just being together, without Bruce, would make a difference. Maybe Jolene would stop competing for her father's affection. Maybe she and Rachel could regain the love and trust they'd once shared.

"Well...today was good. She asked you to help her with math."

Rachel nodded.

"Maybe it'll work."

"Well, I want to make the effort."

He continued to look a bit uncertain.

"Let me tell her about the baby," Rachel said. "I want her to know what an important role she'll play as the baby's big sister. My goal is for Jolene to be as excited about this addition to our family as we are. To welcome this child, prepare for her-"

"Or him."

"Or him," she added, smiling, "with joy and anticipation."

Bruce exhaled slowly. "Fine. I'll leave it up to you. Tell her when you feel it's right."

"Thank you," she whispered.

He sat back down beside her and they watched the rest of the police drama together. Twice she caught him staring at her.

"Bruce," she muttered the second time.

"What?"

"Try to wipe that silly grin off your face."

"I can't."

"Try harder."

"Don't want to."

Rachel groaned. "You're going to make this impossible."

"No, I won't."

The credits rolled across the screen. "Are you tired yet?" Bruce asked.

"It's only nine o'clock."

He stretched out his arms and gave a loud yawn.