LITMIR.BIZ

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Grace added, kneeling down next to the firefighter. “I somehow got her back into the chair. Otherwise I’m sure she would’ve crumpled to the floor.”

      The firefighter kept his gaze on Mary Jo. He had kind eyes and, despite everything, she noticed that he was attractive in a craggy, very masculine way. He was in his late twenties, she guessed, a few years older than she was.

      “My name’s Mack McAfee,” he said. “And that guy—” he pointed to the other firefighter “—is Brandon Hutton.”

      “I’m Mary Jo Wyse.”

      Mack smiled, maintaining eye contact. “When’s your baby due?”

      “January seventh.”

      “In about two weeks then.”

      “Yes.”

      “Have you had any other spells like this?”

      Mary Jo was reluctant to confess that she had. After a moment she nodded.

      “Recently?”

      “Yes…”

      “That’s not uncommon, you know. Your body’s under a lot of strain because of the baby. Have you been experiencing any additional stress?”

      She bit her lip. “A little.”

      “The holidays?”

      “Not really.”

      “I’m new to town. I guess that’s why I haven’t seen you around,” Mack said. He opened a response kit he’d brought into the library.

      “Mary Jo lives in Seattle,” Grace said, now standing behind Mack as the other firefighter hovered close by.

      “Do you have relatives in the area?” he asked next.

      “No…” She figured she might as well admit the truth. “I was hoping to see the father of my baby…only he isn’t here.”

      “Navy?”

      “No…I understood his family was from Cedar Cove, but apparently they’re out of town, too.”

      “Ben and Charlotte Rhodes,” Grace murmured.

      Mack twisted around to look up at Grace. “The judge’s mother, right? And her husband. Retired Navy.”

      “Right.”

      “David Rhodes is the baby’s father,” Mary Jo said. “We’re not…together anymore.” David had told her one too many lies. She knew intuitively that he’d have no desire to be part of the baby’s life.

      Mack didn’t speak as he removed the blood pressure cuff and wrapped it around her upper arm. “How are you feeling now?” he asked.

      “You mean other than mortified?”

      He grinned up at her. “Other than that.”

      “Better,” she said.

      “Good.” He took her blood pressure, a look of concentration on his face.

      “How high is it?” Grace asked, sounding worried.

      “Not bad,” Mack told them both. “It’s slightly elevated.” He turned back to Mary Jo. “It would probably be best if you relaxed for the rest of the day. It wouldn’t hurt to stay off your feet, either. Don’t do anything strenuous.”

      “I’ll…I’ll try.”

      “Perhaps she should see a physician?” Grace said. “I’d be happy to take her to the clinic.”

      “No, that isn’t necessary!” Mary Jo objected. “I’m so sorry to cause all this fuss. I feel fine.”

      Mack met her gaze and seemed to read the distress in her eyes. “As long as you rest and stay calm, I don’t think you need to see a doctor.”

      “Thank you,” she breathed.

      Although the library was closing, the doors suddenly opened and a tall, regal woman walked in. She was bundled up in a wool coat with a red knit scarf around her neck and a matching knit cap and gloves.

      “Olivia,” Grace said. “What are you doing here?”

      “Why’s the aid car out front?” the other woman asked. She immediately turned to Mary Jo, and a stricken look came over her. “Are you in labor?”

      “No, no, I’m just…a little light-headed,” Mary Jo assured her.

      The woman smiled. “I already know who this must be. Mary Jo. Are you all right?”

      “This is Olivia, Charlotte Rhodes’s daughter.” Grace gestured at her. “She’s the woman I called to get the information about Ben and Charlotte.”

      “Oh.” Mary Jo shrank back in her chair.

      “David Rhodes is my stepbrother,” Olivia explained. She smiled sympathetically at Mary Jo. “Although so far, he’s been nothing but an embarrassment to the family. And I can see that trend’s continuing. But don’t assume,” she said to Mary Jo, “that I’m blaming you. I know David far too well.”

      Mary Jo nodded mutely but couldn’t prevent a surge of guilt that must have reddened her face, judging by her heated cheeks. She was to blame, for being naive in falling for a man like David, for being careless enough to get pregnant, for letting the situation ever reach this point.

      “What are you doing here?” Grace asked her friend a second time.

      “I’m meeting Will at the gallery. We’re going to lunch. I saw the aid car outside the library as I drove by.” Olivia turned to Mary Jo again. “I was afraid something like this had happened. Thank goodness for young Mack—” they exchanged a smile “—and his partner over there.” Brandon was helping an older couple with their bags of groceries and stack of books.

      Mary Jo felt no less humiliated. “I should never have come,” she moaned.

      “I’m glad you did,” Olivia said firmly. “Ben would want to know about his grandchild.”

      Mary Jo hadn’t expected everyone to be so…nice. So friendly and willing to accept her—and her dilemma. “It’s just that my brothers are upset and determined to defend my honor. I felt I should be the one to tell David’s family.”

      “Of course you should,” Olivia said in what appeared to be complete agreement.

      Mack finished packing up his equipment. He placed his hand on Mary Jo’s knee to gain her attention. When she looked back at him, she was struck by the caring in his gaze.

      “You’ll do as I suggested and rest? Don’t get overexcited.”

      Mary Jo nodded.

      “If you have any other problems, call 9-1-1. I’m on duty all day.”

      “I will,” she promised. “Thank you so much.”

      Mack stood. “My pleasure.” He hesitated for a moment and looked directly into her eyes. “You’re going to be a good mom.”

      Mary Jo blinked back tears. More than anything, that was what she wanted. To be the best mother she could. Her child was coming into the world with one disadvantage already —the baby’s father had no interest in him. Or her. It was all up to Mary Jo.

      “Thank you,” she whispered.

      “Merry Christmas,” Mack said before he turned to leave.

      “Merry Christmas,” she called after him.

      “You need to rest,” Olivia said with an authority few would question. “When’s the last time you ate?”

      “I had a decaf latte at Mocha Mama’s before I came to the library.”

      “You need lunch.”

      “I’ll

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