Chapter Fourteen
Jessie pulled the blanket over her head and groaned when the alarm clock went off, but she’d already hit the snooze button twice. She had to get up, even if she did feel like she could do a pretty good imitation of Rip Van Winkle.
Stress. That’s what it had to be. Either that or the damn sinus infection was coming back. A nd it didn’t help that she’d gotten to bed very late last night. Chase hadn’t stayed very long, but she’d had to put away the groceries she’d bought in Houston.
Mustering the energy to lift her eyelids and sit up nearly drained her strength, but she managed it. Maybe a cold shower would help wake her. That and a whole pot of coffee. Thank heaven she’d set it to start on its own. She could already smell the strong aroma drifting up from the kitchen.
A tiny smile lifted the corners of her lips as she made her wobbly way to the bathroom, eyes still trying to drift closed. Chase had been worried about her yesterday. Could that be the sign she’d asked for?
Not that it made much difference. A t the first touch of her hand on his back, she’d known she could no more break it off with him than she could stop breathing. It had taken an enormous effort to keep from wrapping herself around his body and begging him to love her.
That still worried her a little. She had never been the clingy type and didn’t plan on starting now. Her independence meant a lot to her. It was clear she needed to get a grip on her emotions, to enjoy Chase without putting strings on him. She could do that. She hoped.
Turning on the water, she stripped off her nightshirt and stepped under the shower. Teeth chattering, she let the icy cold stream flow over her. Oh, yeah. She was awake now.
* * * * *
“I was beginning to wonder if you were going to make it in this morning.”
Jessie stuck her purse in a desk drawer before she answered Bridget. “I couldn’t get woke up. I don’t know what’s wrong with me lately.
Seems like all I want to do is sleep.”
“Well, let’s see. Could it be because you just made a major move, opened a new business you’re working your butt off at, and started a hot affair with a gorgeous hunk, all in the space of a few weeks?”
“Ya think?” She grinned at the redhead, then paused in the act of fastening her hair in a ponytail. “Why do you look so smug this morning?”
Bridget jumped to her feet and rounded the desk, catching Jessie’s hands in her excitement. “Oh, Jess. I tried to call you yesterday, but you weren’t home. You aren’t going to believe this. I had a date with Howard Saturday night. He asked me to marry him!”
“Oh my gosh!” Hair forgotten, she grabbed Bridget and hugged her. “When? Where? I’m so happy for you! You did say yes, didn’t you?”
“Of course I said yes.” Bridget laughed. “So fast he’s still dizzy. A nd we don’t have much time to get ready. He wants to do it in two weeks so I can move into the new house with him.”
“Two weeks,” Jessie wailed. “We can’t plan a wedding in two weeks!”
“If it’s a small one we can. Just a few friends and Howard’s parents. You’ll be my maid of honor, naturally, and I thought A my could be my flower girl. You’ve got some free time this morning. We could run over to the Bridal Shoppe and see what kind of dresses they have. Oh, and there’s one more thing. You can’t tell anyone yet. Howard’s parents still live in Dayton and he wants us to tell them before they hear it from anyone else. We’re going over there tomorrow evening.”
“My lips are sealed. But what are we going to tell them at the Bridal Shoppe?” Bridget grinned at her. “Nothing. Let them guess for a few days.”
“You got it.” She thought for a second. “Do you know where you want to have it yet? If not, we could use my house. With a little decoration, in front of the fireplace would be perfect.”
“You wouldn’t mind?”
“Mind? I insist. Oh, Bridg. I’m so excited. You and Howard are going to have a wonderful life together.” The bell over the front door tinkled as the first of her senior citizens class entered, and Jessie hurriedly finished her hair. “When’s my free time?”
Bridget checked the appointment book. “You don’t have anything scheduled from eleven to twelve, then an hour for lunch.” Jessie nodded. “That gives us two hours. We can do a lot of damage in that amount of time.” She paused. “This doesn’t mean I’m going to lose you as my secretary does it?”
“Not a chance. The house is halfway between Bay Town and here. It won’t be any trouble to drive.”
“Even better. For a second there I was having visions of trying to find a replacement in two weeks. Okay, time to go to work.”
* * * * *
“May I help you?”
Jessie smiled at the saleslady. “Thanks, but for now we’re just looking. We’ll let you know if we need something.”
“We just got a shipment of new formal gowns. They’re along that wall if you’d like to browse through them. A nd naturally, we have several catalogs on the table over there.” The blonde gestured to a round table near the back of the room.
“Thanks,” Jessie repeated, glancing at Bridget. “Maybe later.”
She waited until the woman was out of earshot then turned to her friend. “Okay, any idea what you’re looking for? We need a place to start.”
Bridget’s gaze was skimming the dresses with delight. “Something simple, probably.”
“Long, short or tea length?”
“I guess long would be too much for a small wedding, wouldn’t it?”
Her expression was so wistful that Jessie put her hands on her hips and glared at her. “This is your wedding, Bridg. The only one you’ll ever have. If you want a dress with a ten-foot train, then we’re going to find you one. If necessary, we can leave the train draped over the banister during the wedding.”
The redhead laughed. “Now that would be a sight. But you’re right. It’s my wedding and I want a real dress. A white one, long skirt and tight sleeves. Maybe a lace bodice?”
Jessie had been rummaging through the rows of gowns. “Like this?” She pulled one out and held it up for inspection.
Bridget eyed it critically. “Not exactly. This one is Empire style. I look horrible in those. But the neckline is right.” She put it back and continued looking. “What style did you have in mind?”
Bridget hesitated. “Do you think I’d look stupid in one of those old-fashioned dresses? The kind the Gibson Girl wore?” She waved a hand behind her. “You know, the straight skirt with a small bustle kind of thing in back.” Jessie took a step back and studied her. “Oh. Oh, yes. Bridget, you’ll look absolutely perfect in it. We can do your hair in a Gibson Girl, too. With a wreath of tiny flowers wound all through it.” She sighed. “Howard won’t know what hit him.”
“What if we can’t find one like that?”
Wasn’t it getting hot in here? Jessie wiped a hand over her damp forehead. “We’ll find it if we have to search every town between the coast and Houston. Starting right here. Someone is bound to have the perfect dress.”
“Jess, are you okay? You look a little pale.”
“I’m fine.” Bridget’s image shimmered in front of her. “I just got a little warm.” She was turning back toward the dresses when a wave of dizziness slammed into her and she swayed. Suddenly Bridget was clutching her arm, guiding her into a chair.
“No, you aren’t fine. You’re about to pass out.” She shoved down on Jessie’s shoulders. “Put your head between your knees. Good grief, Jess. You’re white as a sheet and dripping sweat. Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?”
“Not sick,” she mumbled. The blackness at the edges of her vision was starting to recede, but she was still afraid to move. “Just missed breakfast.”
She caught a glimpse of the saleslady’s skirt, then someone pushed a cold, wet cloth against her forehead. God, it felt good. She took it and wiped the sweat from her face.
“Should we call someone?”
“No, please, I’m fine. Really. It was just a little dizzy spell.” Tentatively, she straightened. “See? It’s already gone.”
“Forget the dress for now,” Bridget told her anxiously. “Just as soon as you can walk we’re going to get you some lunch.”
“That might be a good idea. Maybe we can come back after we eat.”
“I don’t think so. You’re going home and get into bed. I’ll just reschedule your classes for today and tomorrow.”
“I can’t afford to take two days off!”
Bridget shook her head. “You can’t afford to wind up in the hospital either. You’re going to rest if I have to hog-tie you to the bed.” She stood, wobbled for a second, then steadied. “Let’s just get something to eat first, then we’ll see.” She handed the cloth back to the blonde. “Thanks, and sorry I caused such a fuss.”
“Don’t worry about it, dear.” The woman patted her shoulder. “You aren’t the first pregnant bride I’ve seen in here, and I doubt you’ll be the last. But we’re discreet. Wouldn’t have many customers left if we weren’t.” Jessie gaped at her. “You’ve got it all wrong. I’m not the bride, and I’m sure not pregnant!”
“Whatever you say.” The woman smiled at her knowingly.
“No, really,” Jess started.
Bridget grabbed her arm. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.” She dragged Jessie from the store. “The diner is right next door.” The cold air of the café washed over her as they snagged the first empty booth, and Jessie sighed with relief as she sank onto the red vinyl seat. A waitress appeared next to them bearing water and napkin-wrapped silverware.
“What can I get for you ladies?”
“What’s the special today, Marge?” Bridget took a sip of water.
“Open face roast beef sandwiches with gravy, mashed potatoes and coleslaw.”
“Make it two, with iced tea.”
“You got it. Nice to have you back in town, Jess.”
“Thanks, Marge. Nice to be back.” She glanced at Bridget as the waitress left. “I could have ordered for myself.”
“If I’d let you order, it would have been a salad. You need something more substantial than rabbit food.” The redhead fiddled with her silverware for a moment then looked thoughtfully up at Jessie.
“Jess, could the woman at the Bridal Shoppe be right?”
“Don’t be silly, Bridg. You know I’m on the Pill. There’s no way I could be pregnant. I probably just picked up a virus from one of the kids. It’s an occupational hazard.”
Bridget leaned forward and crossed her arms on the table. “Do you remember Kelly? My cousin that got married and lives in Houston now? Well, she thought she had a virus too. Eight months later she had twin daughters. A nd she was on the Pill.”
“She probably missed one.”
“No, she swears she didn’t. They are only ninety-eight percent effective, you know. That means two percent of every woman who takes them can still get pregnant.”
Jessie ground her teeth together. “I am not pregnant. I’d have a better chance of being the sole winner of the New York state lottery.
Now, can we drop the subject?”
“If you insist.”
“I do,” she said firmly. “It’s just a virus.”
* * * * *
Chase absently shuffled the papers in his hand as he walked to the front of the sheriff’s office. “Maggie, can you file these when you get a chance?”
“Sure. Just put them in the tray with the rest.”
He deposited the papers on top of the stack, his gaze going to the clock. Three-thirty. A cross the street, he could see the “Closed” sign still hanging on the studio door. His brow furrowed. It wasn’t like Jess to close the place down during the day. But she did seem to be disappearing a lot the last few days.
Not only had she closed the studio, every time he’d called her house this afternoon he’d gotten a busy signal. No one stayed on the phone that long. If things hadn’t been so hectic around the office today, he’d have run over to her house and checked on her. Maybe he could send Harley if he got back anytime soon.
A s though the thought conjured him, the deputy strode through the door. Chase lifted an eyebrow at him. “Well?” Harley grinned. “The boy wasn’t lost. He was hiding under his bed and fell asleep. I figure he’s having trouble sitting down right about now. His mama was not a happy camper.”
“I don’t blame her. A four-year-old could get lost in that swamp real easy. Listen, Harley. I can’t reach Jessie on the phone and I can’t leave. Want to run by and check on her for me?”
“I can, but it’d be a waste of time. She’s fine.”
“You’ve seen her?”
“Yeah, right before lunch. Her and Bridget were going into the Bridal Shoppe.” Chase frowned. “Why would they be going in there?”
The deputy’s grin widened. “I’d think it would be pretty obvious. Something you forgot to tell us, Boss?” His frown deepened while a spasm of anxiety tightened the muscles of his shoulders. “Don’t be stupid, Harley. There has to be another reason.”
Harley shrugged. “A ll I know is they looked as excited as a couple of chickens who just discovered an open door on the corn bin.” Movement in front of the studio caught his attention and he turned to watch A my and another little girl stop outside the door. They conferred for a second, then started across the street toward the sheriff’s office, backpacks slapping merrily behind them.
Chase waited until they pushed the door open. “Hi, Pum’kin. How was the first day of school?”
“Okay.” She gestured toward the other girl. “This is Carrie. Her mom said she could come over and do homework with me.” He recognized the little girl as the one from the swimming pool yesterday. “Hi, Carrie.”
“Hi.” She smiled shyly, showing a mouthful of metal braces.
“Why don’t the two of you go to the interrogation room? The table is big enough for you to spread out on.” He followed them as they started down the hall, but A my stopped before entering the room. “Where’s Jess? The note on the studio said they were going to be closed until Wednesday.”
A tremor of unease hit him, but he shook his head. “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask her later.”
“Okay.”
When the girls were settled, he went back to his own office, leaving both doors open so he could monitor their activity. Picking up the next stack of papers, he moved them in front of him, then stared at them blankly.
What the hell had Jess been doing in the Bridal Shoppe? He could only think of one reason. But surely he’d made it clear to her how he felt about marriage. A t least, she seemed to understand. A nd he didn’t think Jess was the type to try and push him.
He shook his head. Speculating wasn’t going to get him anywhere. A ll he could do was ask her. If she’d ever get off the phone.
Suddenly his attention was captured by the conversation across the hall.
“I don’t understand what’s so great about her,” Carrie commented.
“Wait until you meet her. You’ll see what I mean. Jess is so cool. I’m going to be just like her when I grow up. Dad even said I could be a choreographer.”
“Well, it’s not like she’s your mother or anything.”
There was a moment’s silence before A my answered her. “She’s going to be. Her and my dad are getting married soon.”
“Who said?” This time Carrie’s voice held a distinct challenge.
“Jessie said,” A my shot back. “She’s in love with my dad and he’s in love with her.” Sweat broke out on Chase’s forehead, and he swiped at it with one hand. It wasn’t possible. Jessie would never tell A my something like that. His daughter was just reacting to Carrie’s tone of voice, with some wishful thinking thrown in. A pparently he was going to have to set A my straight on a few things.
“Chase?” Maggie stepped into his office. “State police just called. There’s been a really bad accident near Sylvan. A t least four cars involved, maybe more. They need some help.”
He grabbed his hat. “Where’s Harley?”
“He’s on his way.”
“I’m right behind him. Can you keep an eye on the girls for me and see that A my gets to A unt Ruth’s?”
“Sure thing.”
He stuck his head into the interrogation room. “Have to run Pum’kin. Maggie is going to take you to A unt Ruth’s.” She nodded. “Okay. Bye, Dad.”
* * * * *
Jessie clapped her hands over her eyes as the living room light came on, then slowly lowered them and scowled up at Bridget. “What are you trying to do, blind me?”
“Sorry, I thought you’d be upstairs in bed.”
“I was earlier. I took the phone off the hook and slept all day. Guess I fell asleep again after I stretched out on the couch. What are you doing here, anyway? A nd what time is it?”
“It’s a little after eight.”
A yawn erupted and she felt it all the way to her toes. “Really? Wow. I’m surprised Chase hasn’t been over here by now.”
“I heard there was a bad car accident. That’s probably where he is. Here.” She opened the bag she was carrying. “I brought you something. This,” she handed her a white container, “is chicken soup. Just in case you do have a virus. A nd this,” she pulled out a rectangular box, “is in case you don’t.”
Jessie glared at the box. “I told you, Bridg. I am not pregnant.”
“It won’t hurt to check. If you’re not I’ll apologize every day for the next year.” She sat down on the coffee table. “Come on, Jess. Just do it and I’ll shut up. It doesn’t take long.”
“Shouldn’t you be off with Howard somewhere, making wedding plans?”
Bridget grinned at her. “Nope. He’s busy tonight so I’m all yours. A nd you aren’t getting rid of me until you do this test.” Irritably, she plunked the soup down and grabbed the box. “Fine. How do you do it?”
“Don’t ask me. I’ve never used one. But the instructions should be in the box.” Jessie pulled the paper out and scanned it. “What if I don’t need to go to the bathroom?”
“Strain,” Bridget told her. “I don’t think it takes that much.”
“Okay.” She stood and headed for the downstairs bathroom. “But you just wasted your money.” A few minutes later she reappeared and picked up the soup.
“Well?”
“It said you have to wait ten minutes.”
Bridget checked her watch then settled into a chair. “A ren’t you even nervous?”
“No.” She sipped the hot liquid. “I told you, I’m not pregnant. Why don’t you turn the scanner on. Maybe we can hear Chase.”
“Because I’m too nervous to listen to it.”
“Why are you so sure I’m pregnant?” Jess looked at her curiously.
Bridget shrugged. “I don’t know. Just this feeling I’ve got. A re you late, by any chance?” Jessie tilted her head thoughtfully. “Maybe a day or so. But I’ve never been real regular. That’s one of the reasons I started taking the Pill in the first place.” She drained the rest of the soup. “How long has it been?” Bridget checked her watch. “Nine minutes.”
“Okay, let’s get this over with so you’ll leave me alone.”
She headed back for the bathroom, Bridget trailing behind her. The white stick was lying facedown on the sink where she’d left it.
Carefully she picked it up, took a deep breath, and turned it over.
“Oh, my God.” Jessie stared in horrified shock at the blue plus sign clearly showing in the window.