Angel's Rest(58)

“Or Regency England,” Sarah added. “He’s not going to lose out on a title or a fortune.”

Sage sighed heavily. “Reading those historical romances again, aren’t you, Sarah?”

Nic rubbed her eyes. “Mostly I don’t want my baby to be hurt. If Gabe can’t be in our lives all the way, then we’re better off if he’s not in them at all. Rejection by one’s father is a cruel burden to bear. I won’t have this child feel unwanted and unloved.”

“I understand your caution,” Celeste said, reaching out and patting Nic’s hand. “I just think you’re a bit premature. Gabe Callahan is not your father. He has a good and loving heart, but it’s been damaged. It’s still healing. And you know what the best medicine for a wounded heart is, don’t you?”

When Nic didn’t respond, Sage answered, “Love.”

Celeste nodded. “Allow yourself to love him, Nicole. That’s one of the greatest gifts a mother can give to her child, you know. To love her child’s father. I firmly believe that once Gabe’s heart heals, he’ll discover that you and your child already have a place there.”

“I think Celeste is right,” Sage agreed. “Give him time, Nic. He’ll come around.”

“It’s a big risk for her,” Sarah cautioned.

“But the potential reward is great,” Sage returned.

Nic sighed heavily. “Look, there’s no sense straining my brain about it. The man said no and walked out. He wasn’t wishy-washy about it one little bit.”

“Nevertheless, what’s the harm in being prepared?” Celeste asked.

“I appreciate the thought, but again, this isn’t the 1950s. Pregnancies don’t necessarily equal weddings anymore. It’s the day of the baby mama, not the wife.”

“Not in Eternity Springs,” Sarah said. “Not for you.”

“Not for Gabe Callahan, either, I suspect,” Sage added.

Nic sighed. “Even if Gabe and I were to decide to marry, we wouldn’t have a wedding. We’d get married at the courthouse.”

“Why?” Sage asked.

“Because I won’t marry in a religious ceremony unless love and commitment are involved.”

“Oh, Nic.” Celeste clicked her tongue. “God’s blessing upon a marriage is never inappropriate.”

“Maybe so, but I’d feel like a hypocrite.”

Sarah met Celeste’s and Sage’s gazes. “I’ve known her since she was nine years old. No sense arguing with her about this one.”

“That’s right.” Nic smiled around at her group of friends. “Thank you all for helping me through my meltdown. I’m calmer now. I can think more clearly. You are dear, dear friends and I am so glad you’re in my life. Now we should probably get back to the dance. The cookie plate is liable to be empty by now.”

“Wait,” Celeste said, holding up her hand. “There is one important thing we neglected to say.”

She took Nic’s hands in hers, gave them a squeeze, and said, “Congratulations, Nicole. I wish you great joy with your little one. Children are a blessing from God.”

“She’s right,” Sarah agreed. “Congrats, girlfriend.” She gave Nic a hug, then moved aside so Sage could do the same.

“Be happy, Nic,” Sage said. “I can’t wait to see the baby you and Gabe produce. He’s bound to be gorgeous. Having the two of you as parents, he’s hit the genetics jackpot.”

With the mood lightened, the women headed for the door. Sage paused beside the elk placed in a corner at the back of the room and observed, “I couldn’t concentrate to learn anything with all these glass eyes staring at me.”

“You should check out Linda Horten’s fourth-grade class,” Sarah told her. “She has dozens of the smaller animals around her room—five times the number of eyes.”

Sage shuddered and linked her arm with Celeste’s as they entered the hallway. “Maybe it’s my city-girl upbringing rearing its head, but personally, I’d rather learn animals from pictures in a book.”

Celeste laughed. “As a newcomer to Colorado, I’d prefer learning what a black bear looks like this way as opposed to the way I was educated. I’ll never forget opening my front door last fall to put a letter in the mailbox and finding a bear on my porch.”