LITMIR.BIZ

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thought trail away, and Harper put down the carrot peeler and went to her side.

      “I know you’re worried, but we’re almost at the end of the first trimester. Besides, he didn’t take out a billboard or anything. It’s his brother. Who’s here in person. Don’t be too upset.”

      Adele let out a breath. “I know. And I don’t mean to put extra pressure on you.”

      “I know that.” Harper smiled easily, though deep down she felt as if a whole family’s hopes were pinned on her keeping this baby healthy. She didn’t want to be responsible for any big disappointments. “You’ll feel better when you can hear the heartbeat. It’s not long now. Besides, I feel great.” Most of the time, anyway. Beyond a bit of fatigue and a few hours in the morning where morning sickness had become an issue.

      Adele smiled and nodded. “You’re right. Let’s finish this up and get dinner on the table. We can eat out on the deck.”

      Harper finished preparing the vegetable platter, then checked on the chicken and the falafel on the grill. Adele brought out dishes for four and Harper set them out as Adele put the risotto in a bowl and brought out a pitcher of ice water.

      The guys came a few moments later, still talking and laughing, and the early evening was more mellow in its heat, providing an easy warmth. Harper poured water in everyone’s glass as Adele took the food off the grill, and in moments they were all seated and ready to eat.

      Plates were filled, but then Drew lifted his glass. “Adele, I know Dan was supposed to keep it a secret, but I’m over the moon about your happy news.” He turned his gaze on Harper, his dark eyes warm. “And you, Harper. What an incredible gift you’re giving my brother and sister-in-law. To your happy family,” he finished, and they all clinked glasses before drinking.

      Harper looked up at him over the rim of her glass. He was watching her steadily, and those pesky nerves started again.

      She was pregnant, for God’s sake. One of the reasons she’d been so willing to do this now was because she wasn’t involved with anyone. And it wasn’t like she was thinking about starting something with Drew. He was the baby’s uncle, after all. It was just that every time he looked at her she got this silly feeling all over. All she could think of was the cheeky look on his face when he’d said, “I don’t bite. Unless you want me to.”

      She looked away and instead cut into her falafel.

      Dinner conversation moved on to small talk about work and the summer weather, and the mood was easy and relaxed. Harper had been hungry, and the rice and falafel took away the gnawing sensation that had been bordering on queasy. When Adele asked if anyone wanted tea, the men refused but Harper was more than ready for a cup. “I’ll get it, Adele. I know where everything is.”

      She rose from her seat and tried to ignore Drew’s gaze following her as she went to the kitchen. For heaven’s sake, she didn’t look any different. But his perception of her had changed. That much was clear.

      The kettle was on heating and she was reaching for a couple of mugs when Adele came through the sliding doors. “The boys are talking shop,” she remarked, selecting a tea flavor from the selection she kept in a box on the counter. “For all Drew’s outdoorsman ways, he’s a good businessman. When they started talking US versus Canadian tax law implications, I had to bail.”

      Harper laughed lightly. “It was nice, what he said earlier.” She grabbed a mint pouch from the tea box and dropped it into her cup.

      “Yeah. It’s funny, though. He can’t take his eyes off you.”

      And there went that zingy feeling through her body again. She ignored it and shrugged. “It must seem really strange.” She smiled at Adele. “What we’re doing is pretty unconventional.”

      “Are you sure that’s all it is? I’ve known Drew awhile. I mean, we had that break where we didn’t see each other at all, but when Dan and I were dating before, I got to know him pretty well. I’d say it’s more interested than curious.”

      “I doubt it. Besides, guys don’t find women who are pregnant with someone else’s baby all that attractive, you know?”

      “Maybe. Still. Did something happen between you two at the wedding or something?”

      Harper shook her head and reached for the kettle. She poured water into the cups as she answered, the task allowing her to avoid meeting Adele’s gaze. “No. I mean, we danced and stuff, but just your typical best man and maid of honour duties.”

      Which was an out-and-out lie.

      “Well, he seems very happy with what you’re doing.” Adele reached over and touched Harper’s hand. “As we are. We’ll never be able to repay you.”

      Harper smiled and turned her hand over, squeezing Adele’s fingers. “So you’ve mentioned a time or two.”

      “Sorry. I know I probably go on a lot.”

      “It’s okay.” Harper withdrew her hand and dipped her tea bag up and down. “I know you’re excited, and I want you to be a part of this pregnancy, every step of the way. It’s all good.”

      Except Adele had a tendency to hover a bit, and Harper wasn’t sure how to deal with that. With understanding, surely. She’d rather bite off her own tongue than hurt Adele’s feelings. Adele was the sister she’d never had.

      They took their tea back out to the deck. The sun had dipped behind the mountains, the air cooling. Once Harper and Adele returned to the table, the discussion morphed into things to do around town, and some of their favorite outdoor activities and spots.

      “Of course, Harper has to be extra careful now,” Dan said, aiming a smile in her direction. “Precious cargo and everything.”

      Harper shrugged. “I do, but the exercise is still important. I still love going out in the mornings and getting some sunrise pictures. I can do some cool things with the lighting.”

      “Surely you don’t go alone, though,” Adele offered, sipping her tea. “I mean, anything could happen. The wildlife alone...”

      Drew stepped in. “I’m sure Harper takes proper precautions. She’s not naive, after all. She’s been doing this a long time.”

      She appreciated the support and it annoyed her at the same time, as if he felt he had to speak for her when she could obviously speak for herself. Still, she didn’t want to upset Adele and Dan. “I am careful,” she replied. “And there’s no reason why I can’t maintain my regular schedule for months. I do intend to work right up until the date.”

      “Even wedding bookings?” Dan asked.

      She shook her head. “No. I’ll book until I hit eight months. I don’t want to disappoint any brides. And once the baby is born, I’ll take a few weeks off to recover and then get back to it.”

      Once the baby was born. It was a weird thing to think about. In reality, she was just the incubator. But there was no way she would come through this without having some emotions about it. She was going to feel the baby kick. Bring it into the world. She figured getting back to a regular schedule would be important.

      “Still,” Adele said quietly. “You won’t take any unnecessary risks.”

      “Of course not.” She knew the stakes. She’d willingly accepted them when she’d offered to do this. “I’ll be careful, you know that.”

      The mood had dipped a little, so Harper drank the last of her tea and stood. “And now, I’ve totally overstayed my welcome. I should get home. Thanks for having me over for dinner...again.”

      “How are you getting home?” Drew asked.

      “Oh, walking. It’s not far.” She laughed. “Nothing’s really far in Banff, you know?”

      “I’m going back to the hotel. I’ll walk with you, if it’s okay.”

      “Sure,

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