Katrina gave her careful look. Her friend knew her better than anyone else on earth. Even better than Linda had. Katrina knew how much Sam longed for a family of her own. She yearned for a man who would love her without restraint and would never leave her, children she would treat with kindness and respect, cherishing every moment she had with them instead of constantly finding fault and criticizing.
She wouldn’t be able to bear it if Katrina said anything about that right now so she quickly changed the subject. “Did the gossips also tell you Gemma’s parents are in town? They showed up a week before they were expected.”
Kat shook her head. “Interesting. I hadn’t heard that news. Apparently it hasn’t made the rounds yet.”
“They’ve only been in town a few hours. Give it time.”
Kat smiled. “Are they staying with Ian and his children?”
“No. They’re staying at a cottage near Gemma’s house. Their names are Margaret and Henry and they seem charming, just as you would expect Gemma’s parents to be. Their father seems a little formal but Margaret was very kind.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything else, knowing Gemma.”
They lapsed into a comfortable silence, broken only by the water lapping at the shore and the laughter of Gabi and Milo.
Bowie and Katrina had created a warm and loving family here. Sam always had the best feeling when she came to Serenity Harbor. The place was aptly named, offering a calm and contentment rarely found anywhere else.
“I have news,” Katrina announced after a moment with a funny, half-wary and half-excited expression that told Sam she’d only been waiting for the right moment to spring it on her.
“What news?”
“I haven’t even told my family yet. Only Bowie knows.”
“You’re pregnant,” Sam guessed instantly without a bit of surprise in her voice.
Katrina’s mouth opened with shock. “How did you know?”
Sam made a face. “How long have we known each other? It’s a little obvious. You always glow when Bowie’s around but I’ve noticed something more the last few times I’ve seen you. I could tell the moment I arrived that there was something different. That’s why you invited me over tonight, to spring the news on me, right?”
Katrina looked over at Bowie, who was monitoring the steaks on the grill and keeping a careful eye on the kids. The joy in her eyes made Sam’s heart squeeze again.
“We had decided that Milo and Gabi were enough for us but apparently Mother Nature had other ideas,” Katrina confided. “It wasn’t planned. For the record, even the best birth control methods aren’t a hundred percent effective.”
“Are you okay with it?”
“More than okay.” Kat looked luminous with happiness. “Some of life’s best gifts come in unexpected packages.”
“Then I think it’s wonderful,” Sam said promptly. “Congratulations. You’re a fabulous mother already and will only have more love to give this little one. And Milo and Gabi will be wonderful older siblings. When are you due?”
“Not until the new year.”
“I’d better get busy sewing, then. You’ll have the best-dressed baby in Haven Point, whether it’s a boy or a girl.”
Katrina laughed, then abruptly grew teary. “I love you, you know. You were the first one I wanted to tell as soon as the plus sign showed up on the test. I haven’t even told my family yet. I’m springing the news on them tomorrow.”
Sam reached out and squeezed her hand. When Katrina married Bowie, she had worried their friendship would end now that their lives were going in different directions. It was wonderful to know the bond between them was as strong as ever.
“I love you right back. You are the sister of my heart, you know.”
“I hope that never changes,” Katrina said. “Even if you end up with a handsome Englishman who steals you away across the ocean from me.”
“You don’t have to worry about that,” Sam said with that little pang in her heart again. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be the doting maiden aunt to this baby and any others who come along, spoiling them with toys and clothes and candy their parents don’t let them have.”
Katrina snorted a little, but before she could argue the unlikelihood of that, Bowie called to them.
“Steaks are ready,” he said.
Katrina sighed. “I don’t want to move. I don’t remember when I’ve been this comfortable.”
Sam smiled. She had to agree. It was a perfect Sunday evening, here by the lake.
“Mama! Get up!” Gabi ordered in her bossy voice. “I am hungry.”
Samantha laughed and scooped up the little girl, twirling her around. “It’s all right. I’ll eat her share,” she said.
Gabi giggled as Samantha carried her over to the table with Katrina close behind.
It was a perfect Sunday evening, she thought as she sat down on the terrace overlooking the water. Good food, dear friends, joyful news to savor.
Too bad she eventually would have to go back home to her empty house and her empty bed and her empty life.
CHAPTER NINE
WHAT IN BLAZES was he doing heading into a dress shop for a wedding fitting?
Ian grabbed his mother’s arm and helped her up the curb to the pavement along the road in the charming business district of Haven Point.
This area of town had a cozy feel to it, Ian had to admit. It reminded him a great deal of the village near Summerhill House. He admired the historic-looking lampposts and their hanging flowerpots overflowing with blossoms that sent a sweet smell to stir the morning air.
They headed in the direction of Samantha’s shop, clearly marked by a light blue awning out front emblazoned with the words Fremont Fashions in fancy script. He could see several dresses in the display window and he noticed with approval that the store had a park bench out front, presumably so dutiful husbands—or sons, in this case—could stay safely out of the way during the serious business of shopping.
“Thank
