16. CARISSA'S CONCERNS

Carissa�s gaze flickered briefly to where Richard and her husband were engulfed in an apparently deep conversation. Even at a distance, she witnessed his jaw tightening and that only meant one thing. Concern. She had seen the expression twice in her life before now. First when Garrett had pulled her from the Arkansas river. Secondly when given the knowledge that his grandfather had two months to live in dying from lung cancer.

A low voice murmured in her ear and Carissa forced her attention in returning to their present conversation. �What has me curious about your up and coming event is why you didn�t inform me sooner. I am a surrogate aunt-to-be, after all.� Charity�s sharp eyes caught the sudden paling of her companion, the small fingers beginning to play with the tassels of her handbag and her eyes decidedly downcast. �What aren�t you telling me?�

Resigned to her fate, Carissa sighed and disclosed the horrid secret. �I hadn�t wished to alarm you, or anyone, unless it proved absolutely necessary. There are some,� and she glanced in Garrett�s direction, �complications with the pregnancy. My doctor informs me I must be very, very careful in my activities or I may lose our child. At three months pregnant, I could hardly imagine such an event occurring, but it still worries the edges of my heart.�

Charity�s form rested against the chilled side of her vehicle while an expression of shock found its way across her features. The women gazed at each other, silence permeating the air before a cool hand lifted to gently rest on Carissa�s shoulder. �You should have told me sooner.� Charity�s voice held mild reproach, tinged with concern and Carissa exhaled a weary breath.

�I know. It was wrong of me not to tell you. Garrett urged me to bring you in on this difficulty, but I didn�t want to burden you. He has been my light in dark places. He�s so strong, so sure that God has given us this baby for a reason, no matter what happens. But it doesn�t prevent me from losing sleep at night.�

�That is why you have me and your family and your husband. Remember that God has a purpose in every event that comes our way, even the unpleasant ones. I cannot believe this child will be lost. I always knew you would be the ideal mother.�

A soft flush suffused the pale features and Carissa murmured, �I hope your faith is justified.�

Both women turned as their husbands approached and Carissa forced all cares away, recapturing the magical enchantment of the evening. �Now, I don�t want you to worry about this. I know what has to be done and if it means staying in bed for the final three months of my pregnancy, I shall do it. This baby will be born and will be utterly and completely spoiled by one and all.�

A teasingly affectionate smile quirked its way across Charity�s lips. �That�s good, but I will still expect regular updates and e-mails, even from your sickbed.�