just want to check out the woman who’s dating the last single Blackhawk. I hope I pass the test.”
“Are you kidding? They’re going to love you.” Journey gripped the wheel tightly, her mood changing like the wind. “What am I going to do, Lou? What if I don’t hear from him?”
“You will.”
“If you tell me to have faith, I’m going to put you out on the side of the road.”
Lou giggled softly. “Okay, I won’t say it. Let’s talk about something else.”
For the next half hour, they discussed anything but what bothered Journey most. When they arrived at the doctor’s office, Lou was able to go into the examining room with Journey. She held her hand while they drew blood and while the doctor gave her an uncomfortable pelvic exam. “Everything looks to be in order. Are you ready for the ultrasound?”
“Okay, while the nurse takes care of that, I’ll go check on your lab results.”
In a few minutes, the nurse was applying cold gel to her bare tummy. “All right, let’s see what we can find.”
With wonder, the three women laughed with joy when a strong heartbeat sounded over the speaker. “That’s my baby, Lou.”
“It sure is, honey. And look at the screen, there he is.
“Well, we can’t tell the sex at this early date,” the nurse reminded them.
“It doesn’t matter. I love him or her so much.” Journey started to cry again as Lou scrambled around to find a tissue.
After blowing her nose, Journey stared with rapture at the monitor where the image of her unborn child was displayed. “I wish Reno were here. He’d love this.”
“Oh, you can show him. You can take a printout home with a whole series of photos. Babies first portraits!” the nurse announced happily.
Journey didn’t correct her, she just made eye contact with Lou. “Thank you, ma’am. I’d love to have the images.”
While she printed out a copy, the doctor returned. “Well, I’m happy to say that you seem to be doing admirably. There’s no sign of anemia or any other problem. I’d say you are a great candidate for a perfectly normal pregnancy.”
“Yay!” Lou cheered. “That’s super news. Right?” She gave Journey a hug.
“Yes, I’m relieved.” After dressing, Journey went to make an appointment for her next visit. As she did so, an eerie feeling came over her. Would Reno be here for the next check-up? Would she?
“All set?” Lou carried Journey’s bag for her.
“Yea, let’s go. Since I didn’t finish reading the book, you can look up the plot online. Maybe I won’t make a total fool of myself.”
“What’s the book?” Lou asked as they walked through the hall to the connected parking garage.
“You’ve probably never heard of it. Frankly, it’s much more erotic than I’m used to.”
“But you read those bodice rippers all the time.”
Journey shrugged as they climbed into the Subaru. “True. This was a contemporary romance and I guess I’m just partial to stories set in the old west.”
“Ha!” Lou snorted. “I wonder why. What’s the title?”
“Lily’s Mirage.”
“By Sable Hunter. Yes! I’ve read the book. In fact, I own most of her stuff.” Lou sat up straight. “You know, I’d forgotten about this. I went to one of her book signings. She’s related to those McCoys we met at the fundraiser.”
“Who?” Journey asked as she pulled onto the street.
“She wasn’t there. I remember someone saying she was on a trip of some kind. Aw, shoot.” Lou thought for a minute, then snapped her fingers. “Avery. Avery McCoy. Her husband is Isaac.”
“Oh, really?” Journey laughed. “Thanks for the warning. Skye will probably be at the meeting and I wouldn’t want to offer any criticism about her sister-in-law’s work.”
“What? I liked the book. The setting was gorgeous, and the characters were believable. The science behind how they treated Lily’s brain tumor was spot-on. Cutting edge. Avery did some digging for that research.”
“Oh, I know. I enjoyed parts of it. What bothered me was that it was so unbelievable. There were ghosts and haunted paintings. She even hinted at reincarnation of all things.”
“Ha!” Lou laughed and laughed. “I can’t believe you, woman. You’re living the unbelievable.” She held up the printout of the ultrasound. “Need I remind you that the father of your baby is a time-traveler from the 19th century?”
“All right. All right.” Journey conceded the point. “I guess my criticism is unwarranted.”
“I’d say so.”
They were silent for a moment as they took in the scenery. They’d left the north Austin neighborhood where the