Page 11 of Delivery After Dark
“Thank you.”
“Do you know what you’re having?”
“A girl.”
“I hope she’ll be a friend to our Violet.”
“We’d love that. How long until the adoption is final?”
“Three more weeks. We’re in the home stretch.”
“I hope it goes by quickly for you.”
“There’re my girls now,” Jared said, brightening at the sight of his wife, Lizzie, carrying their daughter into the Beachcomber.
Jared waved to Lizzie, who came over to join them.
“Hey.” She raised her cheek for a kiss from Jared. “How was the service?”
“Terribly sad, but also lovely. Morgan gave a beautiful eulogy.”
Lizzie sought out Morgan in the crowd. “How’s he doing?”
“Seems to be hanging in there.”
“Has he said what his plans are?”
“Not yet.”
“I hope he sticks around,” Oliver said. “I can attest that this is a good place to pass the time while you heal from a tough loss.”
“We couldn’t agree more,” Lizzie said. “We love this island and everyone who lives here.”
“We do, too,” Oliver said.
“Did you find a house?” Jared asked.
“We’ve made an offer on a place on the west side. We’re waiting on pins and needles to hear.”
“Oh, exciting,” Lizzie said. “I’m so glad you’re staying.”
“We are, too,” Dara said. “After spending this year here, we couldn’t imagine raising our daughter anywhere else.”
“Violet can’t wait to meet her.” The baby had light brown hair, big hazel eyes and chubby cheeks.
Morgan came over to say hello, shaking hands with Jared. “Thanks for coming today.”
“Of course,” Jared said. “Billy was a friend. He’ll be missed around here.”
“If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that,” Morgan said, smiling. “The outpouring has been incredible.”
“That’s Gansett for you,” Lizzie said. “People show up.”
Police Chief Blaine Taylor and his pregnant wife, Tiffany, came into the bar and walked over to see Morgan. Tiffany’s ex-husband, Jim Sturgil, had died along with Billy during the storm. Their young daughter, Ashleigh, had taken her father’s death hard.
Tiffany had dark circles under her eyes. Her husband stayed close to her as they exchanged hugs with Morgan.
“How’s your daughter?” Morgan asked.
