Free Bold by MacKenzie McKade Page A

happened to stroll into the restaurant at that moment.
    The kindergarten teacher’s eyes sparkled as she looked at the progress they had achieved. “Tabby, I can’t believe you accomplished all this. It’s going to be a fantastic festival.” She tucked a strand of her silky blonde hair behind an ear.
    “I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help. Even Mrs. Thomas stepped up to help. And Vic has been a lifesaver.” In more ways then one.
    A grin spread across Josie’s face. “So when will we get a sneak peek?”
    Tabby fussed with the buttons on a pillow. “If you want to help Vic set up, you can do that right now. I also need someone to string the vines and flowers on the cottage. Oh, and don’t forget the wind chimes.” Yeah. She might be delegating a lot of things she would have done herself, but today she needed her friends—their help and support.
    “Where are you going?” Vic frowned.
    “I’m a little concerned about Harold. He’s been forgetful of late.” After he sent both Reece and her to the high school, he had also forgotten some of her supplies. Then this morning she had to tell him twice what to do with the plans she had created for the sultan’s tent, which had been the clincher. She knew there was something wrong. “I thought I’d swing by Andie’s—just make sure Harold’s okay.” She couldn’t bear the thought that he might be sick.
    “I’d love to help.” Josie looked at all the colorful pillows, smiling. “Where do we start?”
    “Maybe you can drive my Jeep over to the site. It’s loaded with Hannah’s jewelry trees and other knickknacks.”
    “Won’t you need your vehicle to go to Andie’s?” Vic asked.
    “No. I think I’ll walk.” A long stroll would give her the opportunity to unwind and the fresh air would do her good. “Just leave my Jeep at the site with the keys tucked beneath the tire well.” Tabby brushed her palms down her jeans. “I’ll help you load this stuff and then be off.”
    It didn’t take long to pack the vehicles. In no time, she was trekking down the street, through town, taking a shortcut in a wooded area passing by the cemetery. When the McGraths’ two-story home, nestled against the lush forest, came into view, a light perspiration dotted her forehead. She stared at the winding road leading up the cliff overlooking the ocean. Maybe she should have rethought the decision to walk. But it was too late to turn back, so she trod onward.
    By the time she stood on the doorstep, she was out of breath. She knocked a couple times and waited.
    When the door sprung wide, Andie stood before her with an expression of surprise that eased into a warm smile. Her shoulder-length auburn hair was pulled back in a ponytail. One hand rested upon the largest tummy Tabby had ever seen.
    “I hope I’m not intruding—”
    “Never,” Andie broke in, waving her hand, invitingly. “Come on in.” She glanced over Tabby’s shoulder. “You didn’t walk here, did you?”
    “Yes.”
    “Eeek. You must be in better condition than me.” Then she laughed, patting her protruding belly. “I think everyone is in better condition than me.”
    The McGraths’ home oozed with welcome from the doormat out front to the entryway opening into a living room with comfortable-looking furniture. Polished beams crisscrossed the ceiling that held a large whispering fan. A beautifully carved staircase wound upward to the second floor. And to top it off, Tabby could smell homemade bread baking with a touch of garlic added.
    As they strolled over to the plush couch, Tabby took a seat. “When are you due?”
    Andie nearly collapsed into a matching chair. “Six weeks, but I’ve been having contractions that come and go. I think these two rambunctious boys want out almost as much as I want them out.”
    “Boys? Two?” Her expression must have reflected her amazement because Andie giggled.
    “Yeah. That was my reaction when I found out.” She tucked a leg beneath her.