While the six singles weren’t that much of a concern since looking for a job was often an euphemism for looking for a mate, the loss of whole families was disturbing. “I thought things were going better at the lumber-yard once Dean branched out into specialized furniture.”
Kaylie shrugged. “It has, yes, but it’s not enough to keep everyone in town employed. So now he’s trying to figure out a way to increase tourism, hoping that might cover any economical gaps.” Which was smart since tourism was as vital to the town’s survival as was the lumber company.
Jackie smoothed a hand over the cotton pillowcase. “You know we see a lot of tourists in the clinic.” At Kaylie’s nod, Jackie continued. “Well. We also hear a lot of compliments and complaints. One of the most repeated complaints I’ve heard is the desire for some fairly large cottages for rent. Right now we just have the hotel, and as rustic and nice as it is, it can’t accommodate a family or group of people who want to vacation together in relative privacy.”
It was Kaylie’s turn to frown. “There are several homes available for rent around town whenever the owners aren’t using them.”
“True, but I know I’m not comfortable doing that sort of thing. Our family did it once when we took a trip to Mexico. My parents kept telling us kids not to touch anything, not to put our feet on the furniture and so on because it was someone’s home. I felt like I was trespassing and had just about zero fun. I couldn’t wait to get home.”
Kaylie was silent so long that Jackie began to wish she hadn’t said a word. Finally Kaylie said, “That’s actually a great idea. Maybe we could do two things. Set up a few rental cabins totally secluded from one another, but yet in the same general area, and then put up three or four in closer capacity. That way multiple families that want to vacation together yet still keep their privacy can do so.”
“Oh. That’s perfect!”
Kaylie flashed a wide grin. “Of course it is. We women thought it up! I’ll talk with Dean about it. See what he thinks. And if he’s not keen on the idea, I’ll just push until he is.” Her eyes sparkled with delight. “I can be as dominating as he can, though it’s more fun to be sneaky.”
The women high-fived each other, though it was more on the low down as they were laying on their sides in the bed. Just as Kaylie pulled her hand away, Jackie caught that elusive scent again. Without thinking, Jackie snatched Kaylie’s hand and stuck her nose in Kaylie’s right wrist, sniffing for confirmation.
“Ah, Jackie?” Kaylie asked sounding confused.
Oh. Wow. Kaylie was pregnant!
“Oh. My. God.”
Kaylie quickly hushed her, looking frantically over her shoulder. “Dean doesn’t know yet.”
Jackie gaped. “How could he not know?”
Kaylie shrugged her shoulders. “Remember, he’s been super busy. He’s got a lot on his mind and when we do get together. Well.”
Jackie grinned, so happy she wanted to burst. Her Alpha was going to be a dad. “When you do get together, you have wild monkey sex.”
Behind the blush, Jackie saw the dreamy look in Kaylie’s face and sighed. But still. “You need to tell him soon. If I can scent it on you, and my nose isn’t nearly as sensitive as the males, half the town will know before he does.”
“I know. It’s just.” Kaylie looked disgruntled. “He’ll tell me I have to cut back my hours at work and stop playing softball and then I’ll get fat.”
Jackie smirked. “Honey. You’re pregnant. You’re supposed to get fat.”
Kaylie flopped on her back and put her hands on her tummy. “Maybe some fat, but my metabolism isn’t the same as his. I’m afraid I’ll gain too much and everyone will wonder what a hot guy like Dean is doing with a slob like me.”
Now that was a shocker. “I may not be an expert on relationships, but maybe he’d stay because he adores the ground you walk on. The man loves you so much that it’s near nauseating to see, and yet so sweet at the same time. You’re his mate and now you’re carrying his child. He’ll stay with you because you know all his flaws and love him anyway. Because you’re smart and funny and beautiful. Because he couldn’t live without you. Because—”
Chuckling, Kaylie raised her hand. “All right, I get it.”
Jackie rolled on her back and closed her eyes. “Here’s something else to think about, Doctor Dolittle. That baby in your belly carries Dean’s DNA. You might very well be able to eat like a pig and gain little more than baby weight.”