Pregnancy Countdown

“Funny thing about airport terminals. They’re loaded with coffee kiosks and bars with wide-screen televisions.”

Nora shook her head trying to dislodge the fuzz clinging to her brain. Weariness was making it difficult for her to think clearly.

“Where are your baggage-claim tickets?” Mark asked.

“I only have my carry-on.” She gestured to the bag he held in his hand.

“How did you manage that? When Ginna goes away for more than a day she requires at least two suitcases.”

“I only needed a black dress,” Nora said dully. She was tired enough to take a nearby chair, curl up in it and go to sleep.

Mark squeezed her shoulder, offering silent comfort as they walked toward the entrance.

“I’m impressed.” She looked him over from head to toe. “What threats were used to get you into formal wear?”

He moved off a couple paces. He spread his arms out wide and cocked one hip in a fashion-model’s pose.

“Like it? It was my wedding gift to Gin. Plus she said if I showed up at her wedding wearing my favorite shirt she’d personally burn every piece of clothing in my closet. Since she’d been in a pretty crazy mood the past few weeks, not to mention she always backs up her threats, I wasn’t taking any chances.”

Nora nodded. She knew her friend would have done exactly that. “She’d invite everyone over for a barbecue and marshmallow roast.”

Mark winced. “Yeah, she does have that cruel streak.” He again flashed a smile that weakened many a woman’s knees, including Nora’s once upon a time.

They were silent as they exited the terminal and headed for the parking lot.

Mark stopped at an elegant-looking Jaguar sedan and unlocked the passenger door for Nora before going around back to open the trunk and set her carry-on bag inside.

“Your father let you take one of his cars?” She slid onto the buttery-soft leather seat.

“He said you should be picked up in style. I won’t tell you what he said will happen if I get so much as a microscopic scratch on it,” he added ruefully as he slid onto the driver’s seat.

Nora smiled. She knew Lou Walker, Mark’s father, only too well. The older man was an expert in the art of restoring classic automobiles. His family liked teasing him that he treated his vehicles like beloved children. She didn’t doubt that Lou demanded nothing less than a blood vow that Mark would protect the Jaguar with his life.

The engine purred like a satisfied kitten as Mark drove out of the parking lot.

“I won’t be offended if you want to nap on the way home.” Within moments, he was driving onto the freeway that boasted more than moderate traffic even at the late hour. “I can imagine you’re exhausted with all that flight delay.”

She smiled her thanks and leaned back against the headrest.

In no time, the gentle glide of the car lulled her into a light doze. Mark glanced at her a couple times as he drove down the freeway.

He’d always thought Nora was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever known. Tonight was the first time he’d ever seen her looking weary and dejected. Her skin was pale and her emerald-green eyes weren’t flashing their usual fire. Even her copper-penny hair had lost its luster. She looked like a woman who’d lost an important part of her world. Which he knew she had.

Nora and her grandmother had been close. The elderly woman had raised her after Nora’s father abandoned his family, and her mother retreated into herself. She never talked about it much, but Mark guessed that she wasn’t more than five or six when it happened. Nora had been helping his sister, Ginna, plan her wedding when she’d received word her grandmother was dying. Nora had immediately flown to Seattle and remained with her grandmother until the end. Mark had been looking forward to dancing with Nora at the reception, but it wasn’t to be. While Ginna had recited her wedding vows to Zach, Nora had attended her grandmother’s funeral.

All it took was Ginna’s mention that Nora was returning that evening for Mark to suggest he pick her up. His reason being, after the week she’d had, Nora shouldn’t have to worry about finding transportation home.

Nora and Mark had dated for a few months a couple of years ago. The only description he could give to their relationship then was stormy. He recalled times she’d appeared insecure, which he couldn’t understand since he’d never given her a reason to doubt his fidelity. His father had raised his sons to revere the opposite sex, and if there was one thing Mark was good at, it was revering women. To this day, he didn’t know the exact reason why Nora had broken up with him.

“NORA. Nora,” The male voice whispered her name. “Hey, you’ve arrived at your castle, Sleeping Beauty.”

Her lids felt leaden as she strained to lift them. “I don’t think I can move. Could you just wave a wand and pop me into my bed?”

Mark chuckled as he climbed out of the car. “Sorry, I left my wand at home. Besides, with my luck, you’d end up in a parallel universe.” He walked around to the passenger door and opened it. “Let’s just try it one step at a time, shall we?” He took her hand and helped her out. He gazed at the house, frowning. “Has anyone been staying there while you were gone?”

“Just dust bunnies.” She looked in the same direction. “Oh, the lights. I put a few lamps on timers so it wouldn’t look as if the place was deserted.”

“Good idea.” Mark left her long enough to pull her bag out of the car’s trunk.

He was on her heels as she entered the house.

“Thank you for picking me up,” she said, reaching for her carry-on.

“Wait a minute.” He set the bag down. “You don’t think I’m going to leave without checking the closets and under the bed, do you?”

Nora laughed. “Everything is fine, I’m sure of it.”

“I don’t see the Brumb anywhere around.”

“I wouldn’t have left Brumby alone this long. He’s staying at the Canine Castle,” she said, explaining her dog’s absence.

“Ah.” Mark nodded. “Five-star facilities for the discriminating canine. Since he isn’t around to keep the place safe, I consider it my duty to ensure everything’s all right.” He wandered toward the back of the house.

Nora walked into the family room and set her purse down on a table. She could hear doors opening and closing. She was grateful she’d picked up her clothes before she left for Seattle. Looking around the room, she felt as if she should be doing something, but had no idea what.

Inside, she felt numb. All she wanted was to be left alone so she could lie down and give in to tears. Again.

“All’s safe,” Mark announced, coming into the room.

Nora managed a brief smile although she felt as if her lips were ready to fall apart along with the rest of her.

“Thank you again for picking me up.” She none too subtly herded him toward the front door.

He held up his hand in a stop position. “One more thing. I’ll be right back.” He walked outside.

“Mark!” Her protest was ignored as he walked swiftly down the front walk.

She stood in the open doorway and watched him take something out of the car. He returned carrying a small pink box.

“Ginna asked me to give you this,” he told her, handing her the box.

Nora held the box in one hand and opened it with the other. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she stared at a slice of white cake decorated with delicate lilac flowers. She knew the filling was tart lemon and the frosting rich enough to send anyone into immediate sugar shock. She, Ginna and Cathy, Ginna’s mother, had sampled more than their share of wedding cakes before the final decision was made. She blinked rapidly to keep the tears at bay. It didn’t work. She looked up.

“This is so sweet of her,” she whispered.

“Aw, Nora, don’t cry,” Mark pleaded, getting that panicked look all men get when facing a tearful woman. “I’m no good with tears.” He took the box out of her hand before she dropped it, and gently pushed her toward the family room.

He set the bag on the coffee table and turned to face her.