“You took her shooting?” Brooks asked in surprise.
“Yes. Right after she was rejected for a bank loan. I thought she needed something that would make her feel in control. Shooting does that for me; I thought I’d share it with her.”
“And then she offered me the money for the bookstore,” I added. “Two birds one stone.”
“Now about this mountain lion business . . .” Muddy began.
I winced.
“I’m guessing you’ve heard enough from everyone around you, so I’ll say no more about it.”
“Bless you.”
“All right then. You two enjoy your night.”
She looked at me for a moment and then in two strides, she came toward me and enveloped me in her arms “Glad you’re safe, sugar,” she whispered.
I tried to remain stoic, but the tears came unbidden.
She pulled back and smirked. “Oh yeah, I was definitely right.” She glanced at Brooks for a moment before looking back at me, her eyebrow raised.
“The hospital confirmed it. I’m pregnant.” I swiped at my cheeks.
“You weren’t shocked at all by the news, were you?” Muddy asked Brooks.
“No, I wasn’t.” He shrugged.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it. Tomorrow night, dinner at the Ridge.” She pinned me with a stare.
“Yes, ma’am.”
She nodded and then quietly let herself out of the apartment.
“I forgot to ask her how she got a key,” I said with amusement.
“She must’ve gotten it from Salem or Hadley.”
“Must have.”
“Sit, Freckles. I’ll fix you a bowl.”
I ate two large helpings, much to Brooks’ amusement.
“How’s your head feel?” he asked.
“Not bad,” I said. “When am I allowed to go to sleep?”
“Few more hours,” he said. “Only after we know it’s not going to get worse.”
“How are you going to entertain me?” I demanded.
He flashed a wicked grin.
“I didn’t mean sexy time,” I said. “And to be honest, I don’t feel up to it.”
“I was teasing,” he said. “We can get back into bed and cuddle.”
“You’ll be the big shrimp, and I’ll be the little shrimp?”
