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Stevie was delighted by the sounds of Julie and Bruce. The couple made a nice harmony together. Maybe . . .
She watched Zane lever out another wine cork, thoroughly charmed by her husband, who smiled as he took orders from her mother. A good man. Her whole body quaked as the scare from the river assaulted her again. For the last two nights, she’d dreamed she’d missed Zane’s coat and he’d gone in the water never to come up.
What if he wasn’t here today? She grew weepy at the thought as she mechanically set the table. It was more important than ever that Zane was still at her side.
She didn’t understand how she’d managed to hold back a diving man of Zane’s size and weight. Her shoulder still ached where she’d torn a muscle.
She was strong. But she wasn’t that strong.
Only someone as huge as her father could have stopped Zane.
Miss you, Daddy.
Dean Mercer brought over the silverware holder, and Stevie took it from his hands. “Show me how to do this,” he asked. “There are too many spoons.”
She laid out one setting in demonstration, knowing it was more than they’d ever use. Dean studied the setting. “Got it.” He perfectly set the next, and Stevie’s eyes smarted at the sight of a man who wanted to please her mother. Together they finished the table.
Carly bustled over with the dish of cranberries and a serving bowl of green beans. “That looks perfect!” She beamed at Dean.
It’s just silverware. Her sister’s praise seemed excessive. Stevie narrowed her eyes at Carly. She’d worn a constant smile all day and acted secretly pleased about something. Seth passed by and his hand lingered at his wife’s waist. The heated look they exchanged made Stevie happy for the two of them . . . but something was up.
She’d pry it out of Carly later.
“Time to eat!” Patsy stated as Dean set a big platter of sliced turkey in the middle of the table. Everyone scrambled to find their seats. Zane played waiter, pouring wine in all the wine glasses and then took his chair next to Stevie, grasping her hand under the table. Dean sat next to her mother, and James took her father’s old place at the other end of the table. Everyone talked at once, a joyful clamor of family.
Stevie looked around the table, her heart bursting with happiness. Tears burned again.
I’m so damned emotional.
Zane squeezed her hand, and she looked at him. There was a questioning, caring message in his eyes.
He knows I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster since the river.
It’s time.
Stevie stood up, and the voices slowly cut off as everyone looked at her expectantly.
“I’m so happy right now,” Stevie said, ignoring the crack in her voice. “Our family is safely together, and we welcome our new friends. I hope we don’t scare you away,” she said earnestly to Dean and Julie.
A smattering of laughter.
“It’s been a difficult few years, but I think we’re better for the trials we’ve each faced. I know I am.” She met Zane’s loving gaze. Stevie picked up her water goblet and held it, ready to make a toast. Patsy’s gaze locked on Stevie’s glass, and she gasped.
Small Town Rule #4: Everyone knows your announcement before you make it.
Stevie looked at Zane and blurted. “I’m pregnant.” And burst into happy tears.
“Whaaaat?” Carly shrieked, and Zane knocked over his chair as he leaped up and embraced Stevie. Patsy cheered, and James and Bruce let out whoops of excitement.
“Oh my God,” he whispered in her ear. “That’s so incredible!”
Stevie sank into his hug, her emotions swinging like a pendulum from happy to crazy-ecstatic and back to happy again. At that moment, everything was right in their world.
He pulled back, and she saw his eyes were wet. “When did you find out?”
“The morning of the day you nearly went in the river after Liam.” Stevie gave a watery sniff. “I had a special evening planned for the two of us, and I was going to tell you then. But instead I nearly lost you!” Her voice rose and her tears started fresh.
“You went to that shoot-out knowing you were pregnant?” He paled, and moisture started down his cheeks. “What if . . .” He choked and hugged her to him again, letting the sentence and anger float away. “It doesn’t matter now.”
“Dammit, Stevie!” Carly jumped to her feet and put her hands on her hips. “I was going to announce that I’m pregnant!”
“We’re pregnant,” Seth amended in a normal tone. He stood and put an arm around his wife’s shoulders with a grin as he met Stevie’s shocked gaze.
That’s what was up with Carly.
Patsy clapped her hands, bouncing in her seat. “My girls! Two babies! When are you due?”
“Next summer,” Stevie and Carly announced in unison. The sisters stared at each other in delight.
“This is going to be awesome,” Carly stated, a big grin on her face.
“Yes, it is,” Stevie agreed, leaning against her husband and looking into his dark eyes. She felt completely connected to him; the two of them made a complete whole. But in the air around them, she sensed a tiny life force that would change that equation. For the better.
She couldn’t wait for the future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2016 Rebekah Jule Photography
Inspired by classic female heroines such as Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Laura Ingalls Wilder, Kendra Elliot has always been a voracious reader. Now a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Kendra is a three-time winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Romantic Mystery/Suspense. She was also an International Thriller Writers finalist for Best Paperback Original and an RT Award finalist for Best Romantic Suspense.
Kendra was born and raised in the rainy Pacific Northwest, where she still lives with her husband and three daughters, though she’s looking forward to the day when she can live in flip-flops. To learn more about the author and her work and to connect with her, visit www.KendraElliot.com.
Truth Be Told (Rogue Justice Novella Book 2) Page 9
