Angel's Rest(94)
“And one happy woman,” she murmured, watching curiously as Ali ended a phone call then threw her arms into the air and cheered. She climbed out of her car, danced a little jig, then waved at Nic. “Good morning!”
“It appears so. You look like a happy camper.”
“I am. My husband, Mac, just called. He’s been offered a federal judgeship. It’s been his dream for as long as I’ve known him.”
“That’s wonderful news. Congratulations.”
“Thank you. I’m so proud of him. Proud for him.” She beamed a smile at Nic, then added, “Don’t you look cute today. Love your shirt. That twist front is chic. I wish they’d had maternity tops that stylish when I needed them.”
“Thanks.” Nic rested a hand on the bump that these days seemed to be growing by the hour. “I don’t know how long I’ll be able to wear it, though. This empire waist is British Empire–size. The rate I’m going, I’ll need it to be galactic empire–size.”
Ali laughed. “Before I forget, I stopped to visit with Celeste for a few minutes and Gabe flagged me down on the way out. He asked me to ask you to swing by Angel’s Rest on your way home and pick up the boxer. Apparently he’s too curious about the rock work being done by the hot springs, and he’s making a pest of himself with the workers.”
“Oh, now. That’s a big fat lie. What’s probably happening is that there’s a dog lover or two in the group and they’re spending too much time in Gabe’s estimation playing with Tiger.”
Ali grinned and nodded. “You might be right. Celeste did say that Gabe has been spending most of his time down by the hot springs. I know dogs are loyal creatures, but I have to say that Tiger is the most dedicated dog I’ve ever seen. Especially to someone who goes out of his way to pretend he’s not the dog’s master.”
“You see that, do you? Gabe rescued Tiger from a trap last fall and the dog has been his shadow ever since. Gabe loves Tiger, but he refuses to admit it.”
“What’s the deal with his name?” Ali asked as they stepped up onto Sarah’s front porch. “When someone asks what his name is, Gabe says he doesn’t have one.”
Nic rolled her eyes. “What can I say? My husband is a stubborn fool.”
She rapped on Sarah’s door, then, in the way of the casual habits of old friends, opened the door and stepped inside. “Sarah? Ali and I are here.”
Sarah called down from upstairs. “I’ll be down in a minute. Make yourselves at home.”
Nic inspected the treats in the kitchen with interest and was delighted to spy not only her favorite brownies but lemon bars as well. Lemon bars now had a special place in Nic’s heart.
“Would you like coffee?” she asked Ali. “Sarah always has a pitcher of iced tea in her fridge, too. Let’s see what else she has.” Nic opened the refrigerator door and peeked inside. “Milk, bottled water, OJ, tomato juice …”
“How about a glass of iced tea?”
At that moment, Sarah breezed into the kitchen, a harried look in her expression. “Sorry. Mom’s having another bad day. I don’t think the new meds are really helping the situation at all.”
Nic took three glasses out of Sarah’s cabinet and filled two of them with ice, then poured two glasses of tea and one of milk. “Sarah, honey, you are the best daughter a mother could have, but you need to start thinking about—”
“I know. I know.” Sarah blinked back tears as she grabbed a spiral notebook and pen from the counter and sat down at the table. “Just … not yet.”
Nic met Ali’s gaze. “She’s also a little over the top about Lori’s being a senior next year.”
Ali shook her head, then reached out and clasped Sarah’s hand. “You’re allowed to be over the top. I know I get weepy-eyed thinking about Caitlin going off to school. It’s a very emotional time for both mothers and daughters.”
“Yeah, well, Lori’s emotional involvement revolves around her impatience to leave Eternity Springs,” Sarah grumbled. “Although I will say that’s changed somewhat since your son came to town, Ali. She has a serious crush on Chase.”
Ali shook her head. “He’s a horrible flirt.”
“So what’s the scoop there, Ali?” Sarah asked. “Are you glad that your son is the Double R’s newest trail rider?”