“Yes.” Reno nodded. “I do.”
“So, they’re real. I wasn’t crazy.” Boone kept staring at the photo.
“I don’t know what you saw, but the helicopter you’re looking at exists in 2019.” Reno moved close enough to tap the photograph. “See, that big city with the impossibly tall buildings, that’s Austin. Our Austin in the future.”
Boone just stared at the photograph. Mesmerized. “What you told Clay and the others is the truth.”
“It is. So, this is what you all do? Gossip behind my back like a bunch of old biddies.”
With a smirk, Boone handed him the flyer. “The tale you were prattling was a lot more than gossip, my friend.”
“All right. You know the truth. I spent a month in the future and that’s where I learned what I needed to know to save Cole.”
“And that’s where you found the woman, your wife, the one who wrote that note to you.”
“Yes, my wife. Journey. She means the world to me and if I can’t get back to her, I don’t know how I’ll go on.”
A creaky floorboard behind them caused both men to turn. They found Cole standing still with an amazed look on his face. “I think we need to have a talk, brother. Don’t you?”
* * *
“I’m glad you’re here, Lou. This has been a tough past few days.”
“You should’ve called me; I would’ve come sooner.” Lou held the folder containing the Daily State Gazette article about Reno as they pulled into the Kinko’s parking lot. “Just sit still. I’ll run in and get this copy made.”
“Thanks.” Knowing it wouldn’t take her long, Journey left the car running. Summer seemed to be putting in an early appearance. The Texas heat was getting to her. She flipped on the radio to the oldies station she liked to listen to. When she recognized the velvet voice of Elvis singing Forget Me Never, Journey immediately switched it off. “I can’t handle that right now.” She swiped at her face, trying to rid her cheeks of the ever-present trail of tears before her friend returned. Journey knew she needed to get a grip on herself. Today would be a busy day.
“All right. I’m back,” Lou announced as she slid into the seat and closed the door. Leaning over the back, she placed the folder into Apple’s box of papers and the precious copy on the seat next to the box. “Ready, set, go.”
“Thanks, Lou.” Journey started the engine. “Now for the doctor’s visit.”
“Everything’s going to be great. You’ll see.” She patted Journey’s knee.
“I think so. I feel well. It’s just the worry gets to me sometime.”
“Why don’t you let me do the worrying for a while?”
“Okay.” Journey let out a soft giggle. “Since Reno can’t be here for my first ultrasound, I’m glad you are, Lou.”
“Me too. And afterward, we’ll go to your book club meeting and pig out on burgers and fries with your friends.”
“Apple, Sarah, and Jewel are thrilled you’re coming with me.”
Lou groaned. “Oh, they 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?”
Journey brightened considerably. “Oh, yes. Definitely.”
“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
