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The others sat and started piling their plates with food. The banter continued between the sisters for the duration of the meal, with Jo keeping a watchful eye on her mother, worried that a repeat of earlier could happen again. She knew her mother had been shaken up by what happened; she had been, too, but she also realized that it was not the news she wanted to share with the rest of the family, and she didn’t want to embarrass her, so she kept the conversation light and funny to give her mother time to cope with what she was feeling.
“I need to tell you guys something.”
At the somberness of Cora’s voice, everyone at the island turned to her and waited with anticipation for her to continue.
“Umm, Jules called yesterday. She thinks… she thinks she might be pregnant.”
There were audible gasps at the table after her announcement. Jo subtly shook her head in encouragement for Cora, who was looking at her, to continue.
“She should be arriving this week. I told her to book a flight to Seattle and then take the ferry, and I’ll come to pick her up at Clinton.”
“Oh, sweetie. I’m so sorry this is happening now,” Becky spoke, reaching for her daughter’s hand and giving it a comforting squeeze. Cora patted the hand she held in gratitude.
“We’re all here for you, Cora, and for Jules. We’ll get through this together,” Andrea, who was beside her, spoke reassuringly, resting a hand on her shoulder.
“I know, and I’m grateful for all of you,” Cora replied, giving her family a smile of appreciation. Aurora reached across the island to offer her own support and held her aunt’s hand.
“I’m heading over to the inn,” Andrea informed everyone after breakfast. “Marg called. The furniture I ordered for the lobby and sitting area has arrived. I’m going to help set it up.”
“I’m coming too,” Aurora informed her mother.
“I’m heading into town with Jamie to pick up a few things for a project we’re working on. He should be here soon,” Cora chimed in with her own plans.
“Well, I guess that leaves you and me, Mom,” Jo threw across the island to her mother. “Want to spend the day with me?” she offered.
Becky’s brows raised in surprise before she smiled in appreciation. “I would love to spend time with you, honey. What do you have in mind?”
“I haven’t quite thought it through, but maybe we could take a stroll down to the rose garden Dad built for you, and we can take it from there,” she suggested. “Who knows if there’s time, but we could probably go get an ice cream cone in town afterward.”
“I’d love that,” her mother replied. “Let me help with these dishes, and then I’ll head up to take a shower.”
“That’s fine, Mom. We’ve got it under control,” Cora intercepted. “You can go freshen up.” The other sisters nodded their agreement. Becky had no choice but to head upstairs to take her shower. Aurora left them to make a call to James, her fiancé.
Cora and Andrea began clearing the island of the dirty dishes and taking them over to where Jo was using the detached pipe head to rinse the dishes of any debris before washing them with soap.
“So, about Mom’s party,” Cora started, “I’m heading into town with Jamie to get the rest of the fixtures for the platform he’ll be setting up at the back of the inn.”
The other two bobbed their heads in understanding.
“Drea, did you find the album with Mom’s old photos?” Cora turned to the middle sister to ask.
“We found it. Rory’s helping me with the story for the video. Also, remember I’ll need you two to come by the room to add your appreciation speeches to the film.”
“Okay,” they agreed.
“So, everything looks to be on track for this weekend. Kerry says she’s started prepping to make the birthday cake, and Chef says the preparations are coming together.”
“Oh, I forgot. I promised Daniel I would help with the meal prep,” Jo explained, happy that she could contribute to their mother’s celebration.
“That’s great, Jo,” Cora commended. “I’ve already invited some of Mom and Dad’s closest friends. Uncle Luke and Aunt Stacy are lining up the rest of the family.” Cora sighed with satisfaction. “This is going be the greatest celebration of all. A day to remember. It has to be.”
All three sister’s half smiled, reminded of the urgency of celebrating their mother’s birthday on the weekend, cognizant that this could be her last birthday with the family.
