Free Winds of Heaven by Kate Sweeney Page B

“You need to think about this one, Case. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Casey Bennett fling.”
    As Suzette walked away, she turned back to Casey. “A pregnant woman with a kid. Is she gay?”
    Casey nodded, trying to collect her thoughts. This was too much reality at one time.
    “Well, that’s a point in your favor,” Suzette said, seeing the confused look on Casey’s face. “I have never seen you confused or confounded. You look…” She stopped and struck a thoughtful pose. “Vulnerable,” she said as if it were a vulgar word. “I’ll see you tomorrow at rehearsal. Do not yell at me this time. Just because we’re lovers doesn’t mean you can pick on my playing.”
    Casey gave her an even look. “Just because you’re sleeping with the composer doesn’t mean you can play your cello like crap,” she said seriously, her eyes challenging the irate cellist.
    “You called her sweetie,” Suzette said. Casey winced as Suzette stormed out, slamming the front door.
    Casey sat on the bed and stared at nothing in particular. “Okay. Three days ago, I was carefree, having great sex with a gorgeous woman. My life was my own. Now I’m sitting here naked, alone, with a pregnant woman and her child in my cabin,” she said, then shook her head. “I need a drink.” She picked up the champagne bottle… It was empty.
    She flounced back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. “I called her sweetie?”

 

    Chapter 7

    “She called me sweetie?” Liz put the phone down, ignoring the fluttering sensation in her stomach. The baby is active, she thought, though she heard the concern in Casey’s voice once again.
    Marge lit several lanterns. “This happens all the time up here, don’t you worry. Now Casey told me to check up on you,” she said. “You must be someone special because nobody, and I mean nobody, has ever stayed in this cabin for longer than an evening or at the most a raucous weekend,” she said, still chuckling.
    Liz laughed along, avoiding mental images of Casey Bennett and any other woman.  
    “She made me promise to look in on you,” Marge said and looked at Liz’s stomach. “When are you due ?”
    “December 3. I feel like it’s tomorrow.”
    “Had three and I know what you mean.” Marge looked at Skye, who was holding onto Liz’s neck. “Well, aren’t you the cutie? I can see what Casey likes in both of you,” she said with a wink. “I’ve known Casey for ten years. She bought this property then and cleared most of it herself with a few friends. It took her almost eight years to complete this. She worked hard and she played hard. She’s had the...” She stopped and turned red.
    Liz laughed. “I’m aware of Ms. Bennett’s reputation.”
    Marge gave her a curious look. “I like you. You’d be good for Casey. Settle her down.”
    “Well,” Liz started, knowing she was blushing. “Casey is just helping me until the baby comes. When I’m able, I’ll get a job and we’ll all start our lives.”
    Marge hid her grin. “Is that why you’re all flushed?”
    Liz immediately put her hands to her cheeks. “Am I?” She laughed nervously. “I suppose the arrogant Ms. Bennett has that effect on many women. Well, Skye and I will soon be on our own once again. Right, sweet pea?”
    “Right, Mama,” Skye said with a supportive nod.

    Rehearsal was agonizing as Casey listened to her composition the orchestra was playing. She closed her eyes, then groaned. She heard Niles do the same. “Niles, it’s not me, is it? Can’t you hear that?”
    Niles winced and nodded. “I hate to say it.”
    Casey leaned forward and buried her head in her hands. “It’s Suzette. She—”
    “Stinks,” Niles offered.
    Casey raised her head and narrowed her eyes. “Niles, stinks is not a professional term.”
    “Sucks?”
    “Infinitely better,” Casey said. “Now let’s get Jeffrey out of here before he commits suicide. We need to regroup.”
    Niles mumbled as she walked away, “We need