didn’t deny it. She put her head down, refusing to let him see the truth in her eyes.
“Tell Solena I’m taking you tomorrow. I promised David and I won’t break that promise.”
But Tony’s truth was that he wanted to be beside Rena during her appointment. He wanted to provide for her and protect her. He wanted to lend her support. And more and more, he found his desire had nothing to do with the vow he made to his best friend.
“Everything looks great, Rena. You’re in good health. The baby has a strong heartbeat,” Dr, Westerville said, smiling her way.
“Thank you, Doctor.” Sitting upright in a green-and-white checkered gown on the exam table, Rena sighed in relief. Though she felt fine, hearing it from the doctor relieved her mind.
After he’d finished the checkup he’d reminded her of the do’s and don’t’s regarding her pregnancy. Eat smaller meals, more times a day. Keep on a healthy diet. Stay active, but don’t overdo anything.
Rena had been doing all those things since even before her first appointment with the doctor. The second she realized she was having a baby, she’d read everything she could about pregnancy and gestation.
“I’ll let your friend in now,” the doctor said.
She gave him a small smile.
The doctor opened the exam room door and let Tony inside. She’d relented in letting him take her to the appointment, but absolutely refused to have him in the room during the examination.
Tony walked a few steps into the room with his concerned gaze pinned on her. Before she made introductions, she answered his silent questions. “I’m fine and the baby is healthy. Dr. Westerville, this is David’s good friend, Tony Carlino.”
“Of course.” The doctor put out his hand. “Nice to meet you Mr. Carlino. I’ve been a fan of yours for years.”
Tony nodded and shook the doctor’s hand. “I appreciate that.”
“All of us locals have rooted for you since day one.”
Tony accepted his compliment with grace. “I’ve had a lot of support from this area. It means a lot. But now I’m retired and home to stay.” He turned to Rena and she shot him a warning look. “Rena’s a family friend. I plan to help her as much as possible.”
“That’s good. She’s doing fine. She’s very healthy and I don’t foresee any problems. With all you’ve been through these past few months,” the doctor said, focusing back on her, “it’s very good to have a friend go through this with you. I recommend childbirth classes in a month or two, but for now, just follow the list of instructions I gave you.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Still running the winery?” he asked.
She nodded. “I promised David I’d keep Purple Fields going. Not that I want anything different myself.”
“Okay, good. But in your later months, you may have to back off a little. Delegate duties more and—”
“I’ll see to it,” Tony chimed in. “I’ll make sure she takes it easy.”
The doctor glanced at Tony, then at Rena. He smiled warmly. Heat crawled up her neck, and at the same time, she wanted to sock Tony into the next county.
Dr. Westerville patted her shoulder. “I’ll see you next month, Rena. I know your husband would be proud of you and glad you’re going to have the support you need.” He turned and shook Tony’s hand once again. “David was a good man and it seems that he picked his friends wisely.”
When he left the room, Rena glared at Tony. “I need to get dressed.”
“I’ll help.” He grinned.
She shot him another warning look.
“Come on, Rena. Lighten up. The baby is healthy and so are you. That’s good news.”
Rena sighed and admitted joy at her baby news, but it struck her anew that she’d be going through all of this with Tony. “Can’t you see that this is hard for me?”
“I know, Rena. You remind me every half an hour.”
Rena twisted her lips. “No, I don’t.”
“Seems like it,” Tony muttered. “I’ll wait for you outside.”
She stepped down from the table and walked into the small dressing area, untying her gown and throwing on her clothes. Had she been too hard on Tony? At times, she felt like a shrew, but it was only because every time she softened to him, she felt like she was losing another piece of David. Little by little, David’s memory was fading. And that wasn’t fair to him or to her. A woman needed time to grieve and recover. But Tony had bounded into her life, hell-bent on keeping the vow he’d