Page 18 of Jam and Jingle Bells
I shrugged and held my hands out. “I guess that’s not a bad thing, as long as no one from the neighboring towns decides to start trouble.”
She frowned and folded her hands on the desk. “I’m so sorry that happened to Ellis. I guess I’m angry because that could have been any of us. I’m glad you were able to help him get it straightened out.”
My fingers automatically went to my lips where his had been last night. The kiss had ended as softly as it began, and he’d walked me to my car without another word. Once I was safely in the driver’s seat, he whispered he’d pick me up at seven and left me there to think about the kiss.
“I’m just glad it was relatively easy to clean up and move on. If that fire had caught, he might have lost the whole business.”
She shook her head and pursed her lips. “Not good at all. We’ll look out for him in the coming months to make sure he doesn’t need anything.”
“Thanks, Ivy. He’s new to town and a little lonely. He would appreciate it I’m sure.”
“It’s what we do here,” she answered, leaning back in her chair. “and thanks again for your help last night. If you hadn’t agreed to run the coffee hut, I would have been in trouble.”
I cocked my head to the left. “Why did Shep need help this year? Why is he even doing it anymore? As city director, can’t he delegate that job now?”
She nodded as she rocked in her chair. “He could, but he doesn’t want to. He loves the tree lighting ceremony and he doesn’t trust it to go off without a hitch if he isn’t there. He’s been in charge of it since Bells Pass hired him on, and he’s not about to turn the reins over to anyone else.”
“That makes sense. You were awfully cute together, I have to admit. You were even more in love than you were last year when you got married, and I didn’t think that was possible.”
She nodded, a shy smile on her face. “Well, I did vow that I’d love him more tomorrow than I did today. I guess that’s true after all. Today is our first anniversary, so after Shep is done with a meeting, we’re going to go pick out a Christmas tree. We want to get the house and the diner ready for the season.”
I pointed behind me and out the door. “I noticed the diner didn’t have any holiday decorations up yet. I was surprised, to be honest.”
She sighed and looked anywhere but at me. It was like she was nervous or something. “I haven’t felt well for a couple of weeks, which is why I stuck close to Shep last night. I was afraid if I tried to work the coffee hut I might fade too quickly and have to leave. Shep made me promise to wait until this weekend to do the decorating when he could help me. I promise it will be festive in here by tomorrow morning.” She crossed her heart with her finger like a third-grader.
I frowned and leaned toward her, keeping my voice low. “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. Mel mentioned at Thanksgiving that you weren’t helping with the dinner because you were sick. I thought it was a passing bug, though. Are you okay?” I asked, taking stock of her. She looked tired and her eyes had black bags under them. She definitely wasn’t getting enough sleep. “Maybe you need more iron.”
“I’m definitely taking extra iron,” she agreed, “but this is a passing thing. Hopefully, in a couple of months, the queasiness will pass.”
“Another couple of months? That’s a long time to feel sick, Ivy. Can’t the doctor help? Viruses don’t usually last that long. Do you have an ulcer or something?” I asked, confused by the whole conversation. “Why would you want to suffer for months?”
She laughed, the sound surprising me in the quiet room. “You ask a lot of questions. To answer the last one, I don’t want to suffer for months, but the tiny human I’ll hold in my arms at the end of the next seven or so will be worth it,” she said, patting her tummy.
I jumped up in shock and awe. “Oh my gosh, Ivy! Oh my gosh!” I ran around and grabbed her, hugging her carefully so I didn’t hurt her. “I had no idea! Oh, my word,” I said, my hand at my mouth. “You’re going to be a mommy,” I whispered, bending down by her chair. “I’m so happy for you and Shep. How is he taking it?”
She patted my cheek and smiled. “He’s already the overprotective dad. You think Mason is bad with Holly, wait until you meet Shep the dad.”
I laughed, nodding as she spoke. “I can see it. If you have a girl, oh boy, she’s never dating.”
She clapped and nodded, her eyes shining brighter than just a few minutes ago. “You know it. We didn’t plan on getting pregnant this early in our marriage, but I guess we don’t control the timing of everything in life.”
“That’s the truth, but you and Shep have loved each other for twenty years. I think you’re ready for this. Everything is okay, right?”
“Yes, the doctor said the baby is perfect and growing like he or she should be. It’s early yet, so we aren’t telling a lot of people, but alas, I’m afraid that won’t last long.”
I giggled and plunked down into my chair again. “In Bells Pass? No, it’s not going to last long. I won’t tell anyone, but I can promise you, the knitting club is probably already placing bets on your due date. You did skip the Thanksgiving dinner after all.”
She scrunched her nose and swallowed, hard. “You’re probably right, but what can a girl do? I wanted to come, but too many smells mixed together makes me queasy, especially if I have to look at the food while smelling it. I didn’t think anyone would appreciate watching me hang my head over a wastebasket while they were trying to eat.”
It was my turn to scrunch my nose up. “Um, probably not, so thanks for thinking that one out.” We both laughed hysterically until we had to wave our hands and suck in air to stop. “It must be tough working here if you have a problem with food odors.”
“It’s not as bad if I’m not looking at the food or eating it. Plus, if I stay in my office, it’s not as strong. The doctor gave me some pills to take when it gets really bad, but that involves me lying in a bed, so I try to avoid them.” She set her hands flat on the desk with determination. “I can say it’s getting better ever so slowly. The doctor said strong morning sickness is a sign of a healthy pregnancy, so I’m grateful for that. I’m just so excited to have Shep’s baby that I don’t let it get me down.”
I had my hands to my mouth to cover my smile. “I’m overjoyed for you and Shep. I can’t wait to have a baby shower! Promise me I get to do his or her first haircut!” I begged, my hands folded in front of me.”
“Promise made. There’s no one else I’d bring them to, ever.”
I grinned, my hands to my chest. “This town is blossoming with love. You and Shep, and now Mel and Mason. Oh! My mom and Stan! Did you know they’re engaged?”
