wake her up. She dressed quickly in a jean skirt and white sleeveless blouse, sliding her feet into the blue flip flops.
The sky was pink as she drove to Cade’s. Star pulled into the driveway and cut the engine. How would Cade greet her this morning? For a second, nerves tightened her stomach. Stop it, Star, she told herself. You have nothing to be nervous about. You’re both adults.
More confident, she strode to the house and let herself in. The scents of bacon and coffee filled the air. She could hear the men talking in the kitchen.
Yet, she couldn’t stop the blush that heated her cheeks when she entered the kitchen. “Hey, everyone.”
“Mornin’, Star,” Hank and Jack said at the same time. Both men worked to eat the food on their plates.
Her attention moved onto Cade.
“Good morning,” he said warmly, looking her straight in the eye. He smiled. “You okay this morning?”
“Sure,” she lied.
“Breakfast?” he asked, but she didn’t miss the worry crease on his brow.
“Looks good, but I think I’ll start with coffee. It’s a little early for food.”
“Help yourself.” He gave a head nod toward the pot.
“Thanks.” Star snagged a coffee cup.
Brad wandered into the kitchen, looking rumpled and exhausted.
Cade set a plate of food in front of him. “Eat, we take off in fifteen minutes.”
“I’m not hungry,” Brad grumbled.
“You will be once we’re on the boat,” Cade said as he took his place at the table.
Hank and Jack filled the conversation with their excitement over the upcoming trip. Cade chimed in, and even Brad had something to say about netting a halibut.
To her surprise, Star enjoyed the men’s banter. She sipped her coffee, glad for the safe subjects. She didn’t want to think about a possible pregnancy.
More than ever, she wanted to go home. Alaska was a dead end. No career. Nothing but fish. And one hot man.
No, Cade wasn’t a fair trade off for a life filled with fish, kids, and second–rate furnishings.
“Star’s a lifesaver,” Cade said, to the men, “giving up her free time to be here to help.”
His eyes said all the things he couldn’t—he liked having her here. Ignoring the bittersweet ache in her chest, Star said, “My pleasure. I’ve enjoyed being here, meeting the kids, seeing the place with adult eyes.”
They finished eating, and Brad took the men out to the van.
“Thanks again, Star,” Cade said on his way out. “The twins will be up soon.”
“We’ll be fine,” Star assured him.
He touched her chin, lifting it slightly. “I’ll see you later.” His lips brushed against hers. “I can tell you’re worried. Relax. We’ll talk when I get home.”
“Okay,” she whispered against his lips. “Don’t worry about things here. As soon as Vivienne leaves I’m going to take the kids to see their new cousin.”
“They’ll love that,” Cade said.
“Come on, Dad,” Brad called from the foyer.
Cade kissed her quick. “Bye.”
Star was left to stare after him. The broken condom aside, she was going to miss Cade when she left.
She was going to miss him a lot.
Chapter Sixteen
“He’s so beautiful.” From her perch on the side of Trudy’s hospital bed, Star leaned in to touch the soft hair on the baby’s head. Safe in the circle of Trudy’s arms, he moved, emitting a small squeak that brought a smile to Star’s lips. “What’re you going to name him?”
“Daniel,” Trudy said in a dreamy voice. “After Ron’s dad.”
Star smiled. She glanced at Finn and Emma who had climbed up onto the foot of the bed. “What do you guys think of your new cousin?”
Finn frowned. “He’s wrinkly.”
“He’s so cute,” Emma said, reaching over to touch the top of Daniel’s head. “Can I hold him, Trudy?”
“Sure, honey,” Trudy said. “Sit over there in the easy chair. Star, can you help her?”
“Of course.” Star settled Emma in the oversized chair, putting a pillow next to the little girl for support. Star took baby Daniel from Trudy’s arms. Daniel yawned, his mouth making a round little o.
“This sure has been my summer for babies,” Star said as she placed the baby in Emma’s arms. Again, she gave a silent prayer that she wouldn’t be joining the baby club.
Daniel squeaked again, sounding more like a kitten than a human baby. Star scooted in next to Emma, placing her arm around the little girl, her hand near Daniel, in case Emma needed help.
“You look different today, Star,” Trudy said, giving Star a measuring glance.
“How so?” Star asked.
“I’m not sure. You look softer somehow.”
“Well, I have been on vacation, sort of.”