He grinned up at her. “Other than that.”
“Better,” she said.
“Good.” He took her blood pressure, a look of concentration on his face.
“How high is it?” Grace asked, sounding worried.
“Not bad,” Mack told them both. “It’s slightly elevated.” He turned back to Mary Jo. “It would probably be best if you relaxed for the rest of the day. It wouldn’t hurt to stay off your feet, either. Don’t do anything strenuous.”
“I’ll…I’ll try.”
“Perhaps she should see a physician?” Grace said. “I’d be happy to take her to the clinic.”
“No, that isn’t necessary!” Mary Jo objected. “I’m so sorry to cause all this fuss. I feel fine.”
Mack met her gaze and seemed to read the distress in her eyes. “As long as you rest and stay calm, I don’t think you need to see a doctor.”
“Thank you,” she breathed.
Although the library was closing, the doors suddenly opened and a tall, regal woman walked in. She was bundled up in a wool coat with a red knit scarf around her neck and a matching knit cap and gloves.
“Olivia,” Grace said. “What are you doing here?”
“Why’s the aid car out front?” the other woman asked. Her gaze immediately rested on Mary Jo. A stricken look came over her. “Are you in labor?”
“No, no, I’m just…a little light-headed,” Mary Jo assured her.
The woman smiled. “I already know who this must be. Mary Jo. Are you all right?”
“This is Olivia, Charlotte Rhodes’s daughter.” Grace gestured at her. “She’s the woman I called to get the information about Ben and Charlotte.”
“Oh.” Mary Jo shrank back in her chair.
“David Rhodes is my stepbrother,” Olivia explained. She smiled sympathetically at Mary Jo. “Although so far, he’s been nothing but an embarrassment to the family. And I can see that trend’s continuing. But don’t assume,” she said to Mary Jo, “that I’m blaming you. I know David
Mary Jo nodded mutely but couldn’t prevent a surge of guilt that must have reddened her face, judging by her heated cheeks. She
“What are you doing here?” Grace asked her friend a second time.
“I’m meeting Will at the gallery. We’re going to lunch. I saw the aid car outside the library as I drove by.” Olivia turned to Mary Jo again. “I was afraid something like this had happened. Thank goodness for young Mack here—” they exchanged a smile “—and his partner over there.” Brandon was helping an older couple with their bags of groceries and stack of books.
Mary Jo felt no less mortified. “I should never have come,” she moaned.
“I’m glad you did,” Olivia said firmly. “Ben would want to know about his grandchild.”
Mary Jo hadn’t expected everyone to be so…nice. So friendly and willing to accept her—and her dilemma. “It’s just that my brothers are upset and determined to defend my honor. I felt I should be the one to tell David’s family.”
“Of course you should,” Olivia said in what appeared to be complete agreement.
Mack finished packing up his supplies. He placed his hand on Mary Jo’s knee to gain her attention. When she looked back at him, she was struck by the gentle caring in his gaze.
“You’ll do as I suggested and rest? Don’t get over-excited.”
Mary Jo nodded.
“If you have any other problems, just call 9-1-1. I’m on duty all day.”
“I will,” she promised. “Thank you so much.”
Mack stood. “My pleasure.” He hesitated for a moment and stared directly into her eyes. “You’re going to be a good mom.”
Mary Jo blinked back tears. More than anything, that was what she wanted. To be the best mother she could. Her child was coming into the world with one disadvantage already—the baby’s father had no interest in him. Or her. It was all up to Mary Jo.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Merry Christmas,” Mack said before he turned to leave.
“Merry Christmas,” she called after him.
“You need to rest,” Olivia said with an authority few would question. “When’s the last time you ate?”
“I had a latte at Mocha Mama’s before I came to the library.”
“You need lunch.”
“I’ll eat,” Mary Jo said, “as soon as I get back to Seattle.” There was the issue of her brothers, but she’d just call Linc’s cell phone and let them know she was on her way home.
“You drove?” Grace asked.
