through him.
“We’ll let you get back to work,” Duncan said. “Caroline and I are taking a ride into the mountains this afternoon.”
When Alexander remained silent, Ellie followed them to the door. “That sounds fun.” A gust of wind pushed through the opening, tugging at her ribbons. “Have a wonderful time.”
Caroline’s smile encompassed them both. “Thank you. We’ll see you around.”
“Thanks for stopping by.”
They left hand in hand, heads together as they engaged in conversation. This time, Ellie couldn’t hide a wistful expression. She leaned against the closed door and sighed.
Alexander resumed his spot on the chair. “Let’s get this over with so you can enjoy what’s left of your day off.”
She complied without a word of objection. They worked in disconcerting silence until every last cloth and curtain had been replaced. What was she thinking about? he wondered. The McKennas and their happy life? Was she considering finding a replacement husband? Alexander hadn’t spoken to anyone of his adjustment from husband to widower. He’d walked the lonely road of grief alone.
“You did a good job, Ellie.” He felt the need to express his gratitude. “The soft yellow color makes a big difference.”
He hadn’t realized how dreary and depressing the heavy maroon fabric had made the room seem. Sunlight passed easily through the swaths of cotton she’d chosen. If he’d been invested in his own business, he would’ve made the necessary changes himself.
“Thank you.” She smiled. “I had hoped you’d be pleased.”
“I am.” He gestured toward the hallway. “Let me walk you out.”
“What about the discards?”
“I’ll take care of them.”
Outside at the garden, she paused near his cabbage plants. “I can help you finish the weeding, if you like. I interrupted your chore.”
The breeze ruffled his hair. He impatiently brushed it out of his eyes and studied the sky. The towering white clouds didn’t appear to hold rain.
“I appreciate the offer, but I can do it on my own.”
Her smile had a sad quality. “Then I bid you good day, Alexander.”
She was about to turn away when another strong gust whipped her hair and flattened her skirt, molding the material to her slender body. Almost immediately, she moved to cover her midsection, but not before he saw the distinct bulge that couldn’t be explained by anything other than a developing pregnancy.
Cold shock shivered through him.
Her eyes grew round, her lips working in distress. “Alexander...”
The heat of denial raced through his veins. He felt disoriented. Sarah’s laughing face exploded in his mind’s eye. Memories rushed at him. The day she’d informed him he was going to be a father and the indescribable joy he’d felt. Her frequent sickness and complaints about her growing girth. Then, after months of anticipation, the day came that his beautiful baby boy had entered the world. He’d been giddy with pride.
Alexander’s muscles locked up. He had no idea what his expression revealed, but he could plainly see Ellie’s trepidation.
“Why, Ellie?” he scraped out. “Why didn’t you tell me you were expecting a baby?”
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