The Stone Family Heart - Taylor Hart Page 0,62

will be two families and two couples. Remember, the only thing you need to do is check them in and take them through all the procedures for the pool, hot tub, and access to the beach. Waivers have all been filled out online. But make sure they don’t use up all the towels at once. You’ll have to run some probably by the end of the week.”

“Wash, check.” He nodded.

“You feed them breakfast. The fridge is stocked and recipes are on the counter.”

He hadn’t really thought about that. He didn’t want to tell her that he didn’t cook. “Perfect.”

He’d just feed them what he ate most of the time: protein shakes.

“And Kensi is just down the beach—you know that. So don’t be afraid to call her.”

Kensi had made it abundantly clear in the last family email that it was everyone’s responsibility to help Trey and Ava take care of the Inn. After all, Trey had given each of them a percentage of it—even though they hadn’t asked for it, as Marshall had wanted to point out. Nevertheless, he was still grounded, so he may as well help. “I got it, Ava. Don’t worry.”

Ava pressed a hand to her head. “I know I’m forgetting so much. Please check the binder.” She pulled in a long breath and then put her hand on the SUV to stabilize her.

Marshall was alarmed to see that she looked pale. “Are you okay?”

She put her hand out. “I’m fine. I’m fine.”

He grabbed it. “You don’t seem fine.” He put his other hand beneath her elbow to stabilize her. “Let’s get you inside. Maybe you can rest a bit.”

“No.” Ava straightened. “We have to go. We have to catch our plane in Wilmington.” But as she pulled away, she stumbled and reached out for the SUV again.

Marshall put his hands beneath her arms. “Hold up, little sissy. We’re not going anywhere for a sec with you like this. Trey!”

“Don’t.” Kensi turned and leaned into him. “Please. He’s already worried enough; don’t worry him more.”

Marshall brought her closer, his brow furrowed with concern. “You okay? For real?” Of course, his thoughts immediately went to his mother. This was exactly how his mother looked when she had been diagnosed with cancer: tired and pale.

“I’m okay.”

“I think we need to get you to a doctor.” His I have to save you skills took over, and he kept her steady on her feet as he started to pull her to the house. “I don’t care if Trey is stressed out. He needs to know what’s happening.”

“Wait, Marshall.” She dug in her heels, preventing them from setting foot on the front stairs. “Stop.”

“No.” He was about to call for Trey again or just pick the woman up and haul her into the inn and stick her on the couch.

“I’m pregnant.”

Marshall screeched to a stop, both literally and figuratively. He quit trying to push her up the stairs. “What?”

“I just get tired, and sometimes the nausea hits me at random times, making me lightheaded. But I’m fine.” Her smile widened.

“You’re pregnant?” A little thrill went through him, and he gave her a hearty hug.

She laughed, then said, “Shh. We only found out last week. I’m not even two months yet, and we’re waiting to tell everyone.” Her lips turned down. “You know, as you get older, you’re more high-risk, and I don’t want to tell Micah before he goes to be with his dad all summer. He worries about me.”

Marshall let her go, but he couldn’t let go of his happiness so easily. “That’s … so great.”

Wow. A baby. Trey would have a kid. Not that Micah wasn’t his kid, but Marshall was really thrilled that Trey was having this experience.

Trey rushed out of the house just then. He was holding another bag as he plowed down the steps. “Were you bellowing at me, bro?” He rolled his eyes at Marshall in annoyance and kept walking to the SUV. “Micah! We have to get on the road.”

Unable to stop himself, Marshall barreled at him, plowing into his shoulder as he opened the SUV. “You dog!”

Trey took the hit and deflected it, shoving the bag in the back. He gave Marshall a stern look.

“Trey …” Ava said softly.

Their eyes met, and Trey seemed to deflate. Marshall had always been baffled at the way Trey and Ava seemed to talk without saying anything.

A huge, satisfied grin filled Trey’s face. “She told you.”

Marshall took this chance to bear-hug the man.

Trey laughed and hugged him back.

“I can’t