The Fall of Shane MacKade (The MacKade Brothers 4)

“Fine, at last report. It’s just that we all want to be there.”

“Of course you do. Give mother and father my best. I’d be happy to keep Ally for you, if you like.”

“That’s awfully nice of you. But I’m nursing, and I don’t know how long I’ll be.” Cassie nibbled her bottom lip as she began to organize things in her head. “We’re not expecting any new guests, and I’ve left a note for the ones who are out and about today. I usually serve tea in about an hour, but…”

“Don’t worry, we’ll fend for ourselves. Go on, Cassie, I can see you’re dying to be there.”

“There’s nothing like a new baby.”

“No, I’m sure there isn’t.”

When she was alone, Rebecca tried to concentrate, but she could visualize it all. The whole MacKade family would be pacing the waiting room, probably driving the nursing staff to distraction. They’d be noisy, of course. One of them would pop into the birthing room to check the progress, and come out and report to the others.

All of them would enjoy every minute of it. That was what close families did, enjoy each other. She wondered if they had any idea how lucky they were.

She put in another two hours at the computer, easily eliminated half the male names on her list before hunger had her wandering down to the kitchen.

Some of the other guests had already sampled the pie Cassie had left. And someone had been considerate enough to leave coffee on.

She poured a cup, thought about building a sandwich, and settled for blueberries baked in a flaky crust.

When the phone rang, she answered automatically. “Hello. Oh, MacKade Inn.”

“You’ve got a good, sexy voice for the phone, Rebecca.”

“Shane?”

“And a good ear. We thought you’d want to know the MacKades just increased by one.”

“What did she have? How is she?”

“A girl, and they’re both terrific. Miranda MacKade is eight pounds, two ounces and twenty-one inches of gorgeous female.”

“Miranda.” Rebecca sighed. “That’s lovely.”

“Cassie’s on her way back, but she might be a while yet, picking up the kids, telling Ed all the details and all. I thought you might be wondering.”

“I was. Thanks.”

“I’m in the mood to celebrate. Want to celebrate with me, Dr. Knight?”

“Ah…”

“Nothing fancy, I didn’t have time to change before. I can swing by, pick you up. Buy you a beer.”

“That’s sounds irresistible, but—”

“Good. Half an hour.”

“I didn’t say—” She could only frown at the rude buzz of the dial tone.

She wouldn’t primp. Sheer vanity had her doing a quick check in the mirror and giving her makeup a buff, but that was all he was getting. The leggings and thin fawn-colored sweater she’d worked in that evening were comfortable, and would certainly do for a casual beer.

If she dressed them up with big copper-and-brass earrings, it was for her own benefit. She’d begun to enjoy the ritual of decorating her body over the past few months.

She left a note for Cassie on her door, then walked out of the inn to wait for Shane.

Hints of the coming fall brought a tang on the air. The day had been hot and still, but now the air was cool. The darkness was soft and complete, as it was meant to be in the country.