Bold(23)

It didn’t take long to pack the vehicles. In no time, she was trekking down the street, through town, taking a shortcut in a wooded area passing by the cemetery. When the McGraths’ two-story home, nestled against the lush forest, came into view, a light perspiration dotted her forehead. She stared at the winding road leading up the cliff overlooking the ocean. Maybe she should have rethought the decision to walk. But it was too late to turn back, so she trod onward.

By the time she stood on the doorstep, she was out of breath. She knocked a couple times and waited.

When the door sprung wide, Andie stood before her with an expression of surprise that eased into a warm smile. Her shoulder-length auburn hair was pulled back in a ponytail. One hand rested upon the largest tummy Tabby had ever seen.

“I hope I’m not intruding—”

“Never,” Andie broke in, waving her hand, invitingly. “Come on in.” She glanced over Tabby’s shoulder. “You didn’t walk here, did you?”

“Yes.”

“Eeek. You must be in better condition than me.” Then she laughed, patting her protruding belly. “I think everyone is in better condition than me.”

The McGraths’ home oozed with welcome from the doormat out front to the entryway opening into a living room with comfortable-looking furniture. Polished beams crisscrossed the ceiling that held a large whispering fan. A beautifully carved staircase wound upward to the second floor. And to top it off, Tabby could smell homemade bread baking with a touch of garlic added.

As they strolled over to the plush couch, Tabby took a seat. “When are you due?”

Andie nearly collapsed into a matching chair. “Six weeks, but I’ve been having contractions that come and go. I think these two rambunctious boys want out almost as much as I want them out.”

“Boys? Two?” Her expression must have reflected her amazement because Andie giggled.

“Yeah. That was my reaction when I found out.” She tucked a leg beneath her. “So what brings you here?”

Tabby didn’t know where to start, so she went for the direct approach. “I’m a little concerned about your grandfather.”

Andie leaned forward, her pleasant expression faltering as she yanked her leg out from beneath her.

“It may be nothing,” Tabby rushed, in clarifying, “He just seems to be a little forgetful.” While she shared her observations with Andie, the door creaked open and Brody walked through it.

For a brief moment, Tabby couldn’t breathe. It was amazing how much Reece and Brody looked alike, with the exception of their hair. Brody’s silky mass was black instead of chestnut brown. Maturity touched the eyes of the man before her, while Reece’s held laughter and youth.

“Hi, Tabby. Everything okay?”

Andie shook her head. “Typical sheriff, always thinking there’s a problem.” She continued, “Tabby has some concerns regarding Grandpa.”

“Oh.” Brody sauntered over to Andie’s chair and sat on the arm. He placed a large, splayed palm atop her stomach. “How’s Mommy and the boys?”

“We’re fine.” She glanced up at her husband and they shared a moment so precious it made Tabby blush. “As I was saying, it appears Grandpa seems to be forgetting things. Apparently he sent Tabby and Reece on the same errand. They ended up at the high school. Alone.”

“Ohhh…” Brody repeated. “I see.” Lifting his chin, he sniffed the air. “Is that lasagna I smell? When’s dinner?”

Again, Andie shook her head. “In about thirty minutes. Stay for dinner?” she asked Tabby.

“I couldn’t.” Talk about timing. She could have kicked her own ass for visiting at this time of day. She should have known it was dinnertime for most people.

“Yes, you can. In fact, I insist. You see, I have an alternative motive for asking you. I need help with the salad.”

“Well, in that case I’d love to stay.” It had been awhile since she’d had pasta, and if she was being honest with herself, she was hungry. She hadn’t been able to eat a thing since yesterday.

As Brody assisted Andie out of the chair, Tabby stood, and then followed the very pregnant woman into the kitchen.

“I’ll set the table,” Brody called out from the other room.

Immediately Andie put her to work. As she was rinsing the lettuce, there was a knock on the door. But her attention was pulled back to what Andie was doing. As if she were an experienced chef, the large knife Andie held moved fast and confidently, chopping scallions and bell pepper.

“Where did you learn to do that?”

Andie glanced up from the pile of vegetables. “Katie. She has all kinds of wonderful tips for making cooking easier. Can you get the red wine vinaigrette out of the refrigerator?”