She shook her head, cupping water and splashing her face. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, Charity girl.” Her father was all concern. “You’re under the weather.”
“Let’s move our party to the dining room,” Widow Rainey announced, encouraging the others to carry tea and cups and all the plates of dainty finger foods Filly had made for them. As soon as the room emptied, Charity could breathe.
And that tiny, delicate little flutter happened again. She smiled, running her hand over her stomach. She glanced at Felicity, too excited by the flutter to hide it.
Felicity was all smiles.
“What is it?” her mother asked. “What’s going on? I can tell when you two are up to something. And you, Charity Ann, are definitely up to something.”
She shrugged. “I guess I am. I’m not sick. Mom, Dad…I’m pregnant.”
“My goodness,” her mother gasped, sinking into her chair.
…
There was a long stretch of silence. Felicity held her sister’s hand, more than a little surprised that she decided to share her news now. It would have been nice to have some sort of heads-up, to prepare. But there was no angry outburst, were no tears. There was more silence. Her mother sat, staring vacantly at the tile floor. Her father kept opening his mouth, then closing it—a deep furrow creasing his brow.
“It will be fine,” Felicity interjected before her parents could collect themselves. “She has a job; there’s plenty of room here for them both. We’re going to share baby duty, with Jack and whoever else joins the family.”
“The father?” Their dad looked devastated.
Charity shook her head. “No.”
Felicity squeezed her hand, relieved the rest of the story could wait. One thing at a time. Besides, it’s not like it would change anything. Charity would still be pregnant and raising this child alone. As far as Felicity was concerned, those were the only two things that mattered.
“Clearly there was one,” her mother argued. “Unless… Don’t tell me you went to one of those, those sperm places, Charity Ann.”
“Maybe we should hold off on questions for now,” Felicity suggested. “Especially since Widow Rainey is here.”
“What does that mean?” her mother asked.
“The woman can’t keep a secret,” her father answered, nodding.
Hands on her hips, her mother faced her father. “Now, Herb, she’s a delightful woman. You be nice.”
“She is a delightful woman. But she can’t keep a secret to save her life.” He patted her on the shoulder. “Filly’s right. This can wait. Your guests won’t.” He held the door wide for his wife.
But her mother hesitated, looking more than irritated.
“He’s right, Mom.” Felicity smiled. “Let’s get a few things figured out here before we share Charity’s news.”
Her mother sighed, scowled at her husband, and left—their father following.
“That’s done.” Charity sighed, looking relaxed for the first time in weeks. “And the baby’s moving.” She pressed her hands to her stomach. “Or I have serious indigestion..” She shrugged, laughing.
Felicity hugged her tight. “Enjoy every second.”
“Except the throwing-up part.” Her sister wrinkled her nose.
“Except that,” she agreed. “You okay?”
Charity nodded.
“Should I be worried that Sheriff Martinez was here?” Had Nick done something else? It was always there now, that doubt and fear. He seemed less angry and more in control of his emotions since he’d started working out with Owen. But the potential was there.
“Only if you have a fear of cherries jubilee ice cream,” Charity answered. “He brought some to me.”