outdoor dinner table at the O’Briens. The guests had gone into town for dinner, leaving the O’Briens to enjoy a rare night off. At the far end of the table, Emma and Finn played King’s Corner. Brad had already finished eating and had gone inside, leaving the adults to their conversation and after dinner wine.
“Almost three weeks.” Trudy massaged her belly. “I’m so ready to be thin again.”
Star smiled. Trudy might not be svelte now but the smile on her face said it all; she had loved every minute of this pregnancy.
Across the table from Star, Cade watched her, intently. Too intently. Star glanced away, uncomfortable. Did he like her or not? She couldn’t read him. Something had shifted between them at the hospital. It was getting more and more difficult for Star to remember the boy he’d been and easier for her to like the man he was now, yet a part of her didn’t trust him or his motives.
Ron leaned over to pour more merlot into Star’s glass. “This is nice,” he said. “A little downtime is what we all need.”
“So true,” Trudy agreed with a smile. She sipped her herbal tea.
The warmth of the day still hung in the air, settling around them like a soft whisper. Large red geraniums hung from planters attached to the eave of the back porch. Monster flowers. They just didn’t grow like that anywhere but Alaska, home of the midnight sun.
Star leaned back in her chair, feeling sated and happy. “Dinner was wonderful. It’s been ages since I’ve had beef stew and cornbread.”
“Thanks,” Trudy said. “It was easy. I made it ahead in the crockpot.”
Star took another sip of her wine. “I know I should get home and get back to work on Patsy’s place, but it feels so good to sit and do nothing.”
“It’s been a stressful couple of days,” Trudy reminded her. “You’re allowed.”
Star stole another glance at Cade. His eyes held a predatory glow. Was he really that handsome, or was the wine she’d consumed making him look better than he really did? Unsettled, she focused on Trudy.
The back door opened, and Brad poked his head out. “Hey. I got Star’s show on TV. Come look.”
“I love that show.” Trudy pushed to her feet.
They all filed into the house, even the twins, but instead of following them into the family room, Cade detoured, taking the kids upstairs to get ready for bed. Star couldn’t help but feel a little relieved that Cade wasn’t going with them to watch the show. Her stomach tightened a little at the thought of Cade critiquing her work. Update This! was her baby and she was more than a little invested in the show.
In the family room, Trudy, Ron, Star, and Brad crowded onto the two leather sofas. Brad picked up the remote control and turned up the volume.
Vivienne’s French accent sang from the screen. “The color will make the walls pop,” she said as she removed the lid from a can of paint. “See?” She revealed a beautiful shade of what Star liked to call Sea Blue. “Blue and white looks so fresh and clean. So modern.”
Vivienne dipped a paintbrush into the can and stroked the color onto the wall.
“I love that color,” Trudy said in a dreamy voice.
Star pointed to the TV. “Vivienne can take the most rundown home and turn it into something spectacular. She did the design for Evan’s place.”
“I’d love for her to get her hands on this house,” Trudy said. “The plumbing leaks. The windows are drafty. The kitchen is hopelessly outdated. Need I continue?”
Ron laughed. “You’re right. But the place is ours, babe.”
“She’s hot.” Brad pointed at Vivienne.
“Who’s hot?” Cade asked as he came into the room.
“The designer chick on Star’s TV show.” Brad gestured toward the TV.
Cade glanced at the television with interest. He sat down beside Star and she moved over to make room for him. His thigh pressed to hers, they watched the wrap–up of the newly remodeled home, a seventies ranch–style house.
“That house was gorgeous, Star,” Trudy said when the show ended. “And you’re right. The designer did stay true to the original vision of the house.”
“What’s your job exactly?” Cade asked. “You’re not on camera, are you?”
“No,” Star said. “I’m production. I put the segments together. Make the arrangements. I do all the legwork, book the hotel, the catering, I even scout thrift stores and look for unique places to shop. I also help choose which houses are featured.”
“What do you