AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I can’t imagine Cara causing problems.”
“Not the way you think, but she had some struggles growing up and my parents were slow getting her the help she needed. Once they understood the issue, everything changed, but they’ve felt guilty ever since, all their talking and fretting over her.
*
Lady followed Ellaup the beautiful curving Georgian staircase to the second floor but when Ella knocked on the bedroom door Lady went back down the stairs.
Cara was just returning to bed from the bathroom, and she smiled as Ella entered the room. “He called,” she said, relief in her voice. “We just talked. Alec has a big project and he’s trying to get it done so he can get home.”
“So, you two are okay?”
“Yes.” Cara sat down on the edge of her bed and pulled her robe close to her bump. “I’m sorry I was so dramatic earlier. I’m becoming so emotional. I hate it.”
“Probably the pregnancy hormones, but no one minds.”
“I do.”
“At least you feel better now.”
Cara nodded. “Much better.”
“Good, because we need to talk about this weekend.” Ella sat down next to her sister on the bed. “I am worried about Saturday’s party. Baird and I have been discussing we agree this isn’t the time for you to be entertaining—”
“You and Baird agree on something?”
Ella smiled ruefully. “Yes. Shocking, isn’t it?”
“Not really. You both have the hots for each other—”
“Okay, that’s not a conversation we’re having. But Baird and I do think that in light of Alec having such a big… project… at work, he’s not going to want to come home and have to socialize for hours here. I remember you saying that Christmas isn’t the easiest time of year for him, and with everything you two have going on, please postpone the party. Wait until the new year. Maybe even until the babies arrive. Your neighbors and friends would rather you have a healthy pregnancy than take risks now. Cancel the party. Or I will.”
Cara’s smile faded. “You’re serious.”
“Yes, and you should be, too.” Ella paused, let her words sink in. “So, do I have your permission to cancel the party? Because the sooner we get the word out, the better.”
“Fine. But no mention of my pregnancy, okay? Just in case…”
“I promise.” Ella paused. “And one more thing.”
“What?” Cara asked darkly.
“Would you like to go out for a drive? Baird thought you’d enjoy a change of scenery.”
Cara stood. “Yes, yes, please. I’d love that more than anything. Did he say where we’d go?”
“Not yet.”
“While I get dressed, see what he thinks about driving to the Peaks. I’d love for you to see some of the National Park.”
Chapter Four
Baird carried Caradown to his car, with her protesting the entire way, asking if he needed to stop and rest, or if his back was hurting.
Baird did groan once or twice for her benefit, which made her laugh, and even Ella was smiling, glad to see Cara’s mood so vastly improved.
It was a perfect day for a drive, too. There were no clouds in the sky and the bright winter sun painted the rolling hills and valleys shades of gold. Baird turned on music, a Scottish folk band, but he kept the volume low so they could talk, but no one seemed interested in talking. It was nice just to be out, soaking up the sun and the freedom of being away from the house.
Baird and Cara conferred about where to go and what to see, and after some discussion, Baird drove them through Wye Head and then Buxton before heading north to Winnats Pass.
