Twilight at Blueberry Barrens (Sunset Cove #3)(84)

His brow furrowed and he blinked. “What is it?”

Of course, he likely had no idea what this even was. “It’s a pregnancy test, silly. We’re going to be parents!” She flung her arms around his neck.

He went still, then whooped and picked her up, spinning her around the kitchen until she was laughing and breathless. When he set her on her feet, the room was still whirling around her, and she grabbed hold of his shirt to steady herself.

He pressed a kiss on her lips. “A baby. I can’t believe it. When?”

“I’m only about two weeks late. With everything going on, I hadn’t even noticed until this morning.” She pressed her hand to her tummy. “I felt a little queasy and suddenly thought of it.”

“So a spring baby.” His expression sobered a bit. “Um, like I said, I have some news too. I wasn’t sure how to tell you.”

Her stomach roiled, and she went to sit down. “Could you get me a cracker first?”

With a worried glance her way, he reached into the cupboard and pulled out a sleeve of soda crackers. “Want some peanut butter with them?”

Did she? She examined the way she felt and shook her head. “Just crackers for now.” She bit off a piece of the cracker he handed her and waited for the salty flavor to quell the nausea. “So what’s up?” She wasn’t too worried. It wasn’t like he was about to get fired or anything. Then something in his expression made her stop and inhale. “Is it bad?”

“I think it’s good, but I wanted to see what you thought.” He pulled out a chair and sat across the table from her. “We’ve got an offer for the cranberry farm. A good offer. Dad wants to take it.”

It seemed a clear decision to her. “Then take it. It will relieve you of the burden of it all. I know it’s been in your family for a long time, but your heart is really with the Coast Guard. And with the baby coming, not having that extra work will give you more time to spend with me and our new little ensign.”

His grin spread across his face. “A baby. I’m still shocked.”

“Me too.” She couldn’t wait to go shopping. And to tell her mom. Kate would get drafted into helping her pick out a layette and fix the nursery once she got over the shock. She realized Luke’s grin had faded. “What is it? You don’t seem all that excited. You don’t want to sell?”

“It’s not that.” He chewed on his bottom lip, then reached across the table to take her hand. “I know we just finished this house, but I’ve been asked to transfer to Washington State. When I first heard about it, I planned to ask for an extension of my duty station here because of the farm, but, well, now that it won’t be a concern, I’d be free to take it. If you’re willing to move, that is. And maybe the baby changes everything.”

She opened her mouth, then closed it again. The baby would be far from Kate, who would make a terrific second mother to the little one. Her mom lived in Boston, close enough for frequent visits with her new grandbaby. And there was Luke’s dad as well. On the surface the right answer should have been no, she wanted him to try to get out of the assignment. But looking into his earnest brown eyes, she didn’t have the heart to throw water on his enthusiasm. He loved the Coast Guard. This could be a great opportunity for him. Her mother had enough money to fly to Washington whenever she pleased, plus Claire had her plane and could always make frequent flights back.

She took another bite of cracker. “I’ll go if that’s what you want. I can be happy wherever you are.”

His eyes lit up. “You’re the best wife ever.” He squeezed her fingers. “When can we tell people about the baby?”

“Not for a little while. We want to make sure everyone is okay. I’ll tell Kate, of course.”

“Of course. I hope she’ll be happy.”

“She will be.” But Claire dreaded the telling, just a little.

*

“Out enjoying this gorgeous day?” Kate mounted the wide steps leading up to Claire’s porch. Jackson bounded up after her and went to lay his head on Claire’s lap. The afternoon sun was hot on Kate’s bare arms, and she dropped into the swing beside her sister out of the glare. A plate of soda crackers and cheese sat on the table beside the swing, and Claire’s skin looked a little green. “Are you feeling okay? Yesterday was pretty traumatic. I feel like I’ve been through a war.”

“A little tummy upset.” Claire reached over and grabbed the plate. “Want one?”

“Okay.” Kate took a cracker and a slice of cheese and munched on it. “I needed to bounce some things off my Yoda today. You’re like the wise older sister.”

Claire gave her a slight punch in the ribs. “Say that with a smile.” She fed a cracker to the dog, who settled on the floor to eat it.

Kate grinned. Every problem felt surmountable today. Nothing could mar her mood after yesterday’s frightful events. Drake was alive. Claire was alive. She was alive. It all could have gone very differently.

Claire dusted the crumbs from her fingers. “So what’s on your mind?”

“The summer is nearly over. Drake will be going back to Boston.”

Claire’s finely shaped brows rose. “I thought he was thinking about traveling back and forth for a while with the idea of eventually living here permanently.”