“Perhaps she should see a physician?” Grace said. “I’d be happy to take her to the clinic.”
“No, that isn’t necessary!” Mary Jo objected. “I’m so sorry to cause all this fuss. I feel fine.”
Mack met her gaze and seemed to read the distress in her eyes. “As long as you rest and stay calm, I don’t think you need to see a doctor.”
“Thank you,” she breathed.
Although the library was closing, the doors suddenly opened and a tall, regal woman walked in. She was bundled up in a wool coat with a red knit scarf around her neck and a matching knit cap and gloves.
“Olivia,” Grace said. “What are you doing here?”
“Why’s the aid car out front?” the other woman asked. She immediately turned to Mary Jo, and a stricken look came over her. “Are you in labor?”
“No, no, I’m just … a little light-headed,” Mary Jo assured her.
The woman smiled. “I already know who this must be. Mary Jo. Are you all right?”
“This is Olivia, Charlotte Rhodes’s daughter.” Grace gestured at her. “She’s the woman I called to get the information about Ben and Charlotte.”
“Oh.” Mary Jo shrank back in her chair.
“David Rhodes is my stepbrother,” Olivia explained. She smiled sympathetically at Mary Jo. “Although so far, he’s been nothing but an embarrassment to the family. And I can see that trend’s continuing. But don’t assume,” she said to Mary Jo, “that I’m blaming you. I know David far too well.”
Mary Jo nodded mutely but couldn’t prevent a surge of guilt that must have reddened her face, judging by her heated cheeks. She was to blame, for being naive in falling for a man like David, for being careless enough to get pregnant, for letting the situation ever reach this point.
“What are you doing here?” Grace asked her friend a second time.
“I’m meeting Will at the gallery. We’re going to lunch. I saw the aid car outside the library as I drove by.” Olivia turned to Mary Jo again. “I was afraid something like this had happened. Thank goodness for young Mack—” they exchanged a smile “—and his partner over there.” Brandon was helping an older couple with their bags of groceries and stack of books.
Mary Jo felt no less humiliated. “I should never have come,” she moaned.
“I’m glad you did,” Olivia said firmly. “Ben would want to know about his grandchild.”
Mary Jo hadn’t expected everyone to be so … nice. So friendly and willing to accept her—and her dilemma. “It’s just that my brothers are upset and determined to defend my honor. I felt I should be the one to tell David’s family.”
“Of course you should,” Olivia said in what appeared to be complete agreement.
Mack finished packing up his equipment. He placed his hand on Mary Jo’s knee to gain her attention. When she looked back at him, she was struck by the caring in his gaze.
“You’ll do as I suggested and rest? Don’t get overexcited.”
Mary Jo nodded.
“If you have any other problems, call 9-1-1. I’m on duty all day.”
“I will,” she promised. “Thank you so much.”
Mack stood. “My pleasure.” He hesitated for a moment and looked directly into her eyes. “You’re going to be a good mom.”
Mary Jo blinked back tears. More than anything, that was what she wanted. To be the best mother she could. Her child was coming into the world with one disadvantage already—the baby’s father had no interest in him. Or her. It was all up to Mary Jo.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Merry Christmas,” Mack said before he turned to leave.
“Merry Christmas,” she called after him.
“You need to rest,” Olivia said with an authority few would question. “When’s the last time you ate?”
“I had a decaf latte at Mocha Mama’s before I came to the library.”
“You need lunch.”
“I’ll eat,” Mary Jo said, “as soon as I get back to Seattle.” There was the issue of her brothers, but she’d call Linc’s cell phone and let them know she was on her way home.
“You drove?” Grace asked.
“No, I took the ferry across.”
Grace and Olivia glanced at each other.
“It might be a good idea if you came home with me,” Olivia began. “It won’t be any inconvenience and we’d enjoy having you.”
Mary Jo shook her head. “I … couldn’t.” Although Olivia was related to David, by marriage anyway, she didn’t want to intrude on their Christmas. Olivia and her family certainly didn’t need unexpected company. Olivia had stated that David was an embarrassment to the family, and Mary Jo’s presence only made things worse. Bad enough that she’d arrived without any warning, but it was beyond the call of duty for Olivia to take her in, and on Christmas Eve of all nights. Olivia must have plans and Mary Jo refused to ruin them.
“No,” Grace said emphatically. “You’re coming home with me. It’s all arranged.”
This invitation was just as endearing and just as unnecessary. “Thank you both.” She struggled to her feet, cradling her belly with protective hands. “I can’t let either of you do that. I appreciate everything, but I’m going back to Seattle.”
“Nonsense,” Grace said. “I’ve spoken to my husband and he agrees with me.”
“But—”
Grace cut her off, obviously unwilling to listen. “You won’t be intruding, I promise.”
Mary Jo was about to argue again, but Grace talked right over her.
“We have my stepdaughter and her family visiting us, but we’ve got an apartment above our barn that’s completely furnished. It’s empty at the moment and you’d be welcome to stay there for the night.”
The invitation was tempting. Still, Mary Jo hesitated.
“Didn’t you hear what Mack said?” Grace reminded her. “He said it was important for you to remain calm and relaxed.”
“Yes, I know, but—”
“Are you sure?” Olivia asked Grace. “Because I can easily make up the sofa bed in the den.”
“Of course I’m sure.”
“I don’t want to interfere
