Free Forever Santa by Leeanna Morgan Page B

and four months pregnant.”
    “Is that why you’ve been so tired?”
    Gracie pulled back. Trent’s eyes were gleaming with happiness. “How did you know?”
    Trent ran his fingers along her jaw. “Hard not to when you’re yawning every five minutes. Did you notice there’s no coffeepot in the kitchen?”
    Gracie shook her head.
    “I’ve put it in the barn while Jordan’s finishing off the conversion. You didn’t seem too happy about the smell.”
    “But you like coffee.”
    “I like you more.” Trent smiled and for the first time in days Gracie felt herself relax. “Have you told anyone else?” he asked.
    “Emily and Doc Johnson know, but that’s it. I wanted to tell you first, but Emily guessed when I nearly vomited in the mall.”
    Trent looked worried. “What makes you feel sick?”
    “Everything.” Gracie sighed and snuggled closer to her husband. “If I get out of bed too quickly, open my mouth too far when I’m brushing my teeth, or even move too fast. Doc Johnson said it will get better.”
    “Did he give you anything to make you feel less sick?”
    “It’s hormones. Once I get used to what’s happening inside my body it should settle down.”
    Trent rubbed his hand up and down her arm. “We’re going to be parents.” He sounded as surprised as Gracie had been. Surprised and proud.
    “Your mom’s going to be a grandma.”
    Trent groaned. “You know what this means, don’t you? She’ll get her knitting needles out and fill the house with little outfits. And then she’ll start making a quilt with the other women in her craft group.”
    Gracie smiled. “She’s already started the quilt.”
    “You’re kidding?”
    “She gave up waiting for us. I think she was hedging her bets with Jordan.” Gracie thought about Jordan and how unhappy he was. “Do you think he’s talked to her?”
    “Mom?”
    “No, Tracey.”
    “I don’t know.” He glanced down at Gracie and frowned. “I know what you’re thinking and I’m not doing it. Besides, we’ve got more to do than talk about my brother.”
    Gracie smiled. “What would you like to do next?”
    “Well,” Trent turned toward her. “I thought we could go to bed.” He leaned forward and kissed her neck. “You’ve had a long day…” He trailed kisses along her jaw and laughed when she squirmed in her seat. “It’s Saturday tomorrow. We could have a sleep-in.”
    “Sounds like the perfect way to start the weekend.” Gracie felt Trent’s lips curve into a smile against her skin.
    “But we’ve got something else to do first.” He lifted her onto her feet and handed her the Christmas tree decoration. He stood behind her, placing the palms of his hands on her tummy as she hung the cradle on the tree. “Welcome to the world, little one.”
    Gracie held Trent’s hands against their baby. She knew, without a doubt, that no matter what happened their baby would be loved.
     
    ***
    “I need coffee.” Trent stumbled past Jordan, straight to the coffeepot plugged in on the barn’s third floor kitchen counter.
    “Don’t let Gracie hear you say that. She thinks she’s saving your body as well as her stomach.” Jordan lifted another drop cloth off the floor. “Have you told her not to come over here for a few days?”
    Trent leaned forward and sniffed the coffee as it dribbled through the machine. “She knows. She’s making Christmas cakes with Mrs. Davies this morning and then she’s starting on the curtains. When do the flooring guys arrive?”
    “Eleven. They want to get a coat of primer and varnish on each floor today, then they’ll be back on Monday to finish everything off.”
    “What do you want me to do?”
    “After you’ve had your coffee you can help me get rid of these drop clothes. The flooring guys will do the rest.” Jordan carried a saw horse over to a pile of tools he’d left beside the stairs. “I can’t believe you didn’t guess Gracie was pregnant. You’re supposed to be a hot-shot