baby meant to the Jones family. Each doctor’s visit was carefully dissected and all of Sam’s aches and pains were shared with her mom and sisters.
Everyone was excited about Sam’s pregnancy. While Elena was in the hospital, she’d knitted more booties and bonnets for the baby. Bailey was making a quilt and Shelley had set up an investment fund for college.
John walked down the hallway. “I’d better leave this case beside the laundry. Are you coming upstairs for a cup of coffee?”
“I might skip the coffee and grab a cookie. Whatever you do, don’t ask Sam about the project she’s supposed to be working on.”
“I won’t.” With the last suitcase in his hand, John followed Caleb up the stairs. With Elena and Ted living here, he didn’t think Caleb would have to worry about his wife doing too much.
Sam’s parents would make sure she was okay.
A week later, Shelley parked her truck outside Sam and Caleb’s house. Instead of walking up the wide stone steps to the front door, she headed toward the sound of someone chopping wood.
Her dad was on the other side of the house, swinging an ax high, then bringing it down in one clean motion toward a block of wood.
Taking a deep breath, she inhaled the smell of pine, the clear, clean air that so many people weren’t able to enjoy. She turned toward Flathead Lake and smiled. For as long as she lived, she’d never get tired of seeing the incredible view from Caleb and Sam’s home.
From this height, the lake looked like a flat, shiny disc. In the distance, pine, spruce, and oak trees grew on the majestic mountains surrounding the water. And, high above her, the blue, cloudless sky promised another gorgeous day.
She waited until her dad was stacking the splintered wood into the wheelbarrow before saying anything. “Do you want some help?”
Her dad’s smile was instant. “It will be like old times.”
Shelley picked up two pieces of wood and placed them on top of the others. She’d always loved helping her dad. They’d spend hours together, solving the world’s problems while they worked on his ranch or in the rambling garden her mom adored.
“You’ve been busy.”
Ted shrugged. “Caleb’s working on his latest project and Sam’s on strict instructions to rest. This seemed like a good way of helping.”
Shelley picked up another piece of wood. “Has Bailey arrived?”
“Not yet, but she shouldn’t be too far away. If you want to go inside, your mom’s upstairs making a smocked dress for Sam’s baby. Caleb reminded her they could be having a boy, so her next project is a romper suit.”
She smiled. “Mom’s convinced Sam is having a girl. At least, she has a fifty percent chance of being right. Is Sam taking care of herself?”
“She’s working fewer hours and spending more time with your mom.”
“That’s good.”
Ted studied her face. “How’s married life?”
“Wonderful. Even though we didn’t go away, I’m glad we took a week off work. When we haven’t been here, we’ve hiked around the lake and relaxed in front of the fire. John even gave me some more cooking lessons.”
“I always knew he was a brave man.”
Shelley grinned. “I’m getting better. Last night I made a lemon meringue pie with homemade lemon curd.”
Ted’s eyes widened. If there was one dessert that was her dad’s all-time favorite, it was lemon meringue pie. “Did you bring any with you?”
“It’s in the truck.”
Ted threw the last pieces of wood in the wheelbarrow. “Say no more. It must be time for a cup of coffee and a slice of pie.”
“I thought you might say that.” Shelley picked up the ax. “How are you doing?”
Ted sighed. “Better.”
She rubbed her dad’s arm. Even though it was her mom who’d had the heart attack, its impact had hit everyone in the family. Especially her dad. “The cardiologist said Mom will make a full recovery.”
“It still doesn’t change what happened.”
“Is that why you wanted to have a family meeting?”
Ted nodded. “There are a few things your mom and I want to discuss with you girls.”
“If it’s about moving to Sapphire Bay, I think it’s a great idea.”
“I’m glad you said that. Now, let’s put this wood away. By the time we’ve finished, Bailey should be here.”
Shelley walked toward the woodshed with her dad. They didn’t often have family meetings but, when they did, they were usually about important things. If her parents were moving to Sapphire Bay, it would be a big change for them. They’d be leaving behind their friends