Lucky Streak (Lucky 2)

Her husband. The words felt so good, so ripe with possibilities.

“What do you know about our marriage?” Gabrielle had talked Derek into giving Amber a chance, which had made Amber like Gabrielle immediately. And she desperately needed someone to talk to about Mike and her current situation. She needed a friend.

“I know a lot,” Gabrielle said, then summarized Amber and Mike’s relationship.

“So you pretty much know the whole sordid story.” Amber tried not to show her embarrassment because deep down, she was grateful the other woman was well informed. “At least I don’t have to retell it. Knowing all that, do you really think Mike will take any advice about his father from me?”

Gabrielle shrugged. “If he doesn’t, he should. It’s obvious to me how much you care about Mike. He’ll be here later today, right?”

Amber nodded. “He’s coming straight from work.”

“You can find out more then. But I can promise you this. I’m on your side.”

One Corwin more than she’d had yesterday, Amber thought, pleased. “Wher

e is Derek?” she asked, changing the subject.

“At work. He’s a financial planner. He wants to get as much accomplished as possible before his daughter, Holly, comes to visit for the summer.”

“How old is she?”

“Turning thirteen this August. She’s a great kid.”

Amber recalled what she’d learned of Derek’s first marriage. She knew he adored his daughter, but Amber was glad he and Gabrielle had gotten a second chance.

Gabrielle suddenly grabbed her purse and looked through it. “Damn, I forgot them,” she muttered, before glancing at Amber. “Do you know if there are any saltines in the kitchen?”

“I don’t think so. There are corn flakes, though.”

Gabrielle wrinkled her nose and groaned, low and deep. “No, it has to be saltines. I think I’ll take a ride into town,” she said, shutting her laptop and gathering her things.

Amber narrowed her gaze. “You looked a little pale earlier.” And now she was asking for saltine crackers. “Are you feeling okay?”

Gabrielle clutched her laptop against her chest. “I’m pregnant,” she whispered, although nobody else was around to hear.

“That’s wonderful!” Amber squealed. “I mean, that’s wonderful,” she repeated, whispering this time.

“Thank you.” Gabrielle’s eyes sparkled with excitement despite the morning sickness she was obviously suffering from. “It feels so good to tell someone. I took an early home-pregnancy test this morning after Derek left for work. Once I knew, I couldn’t just sit home alone, you know? But you can’t tell anyone yet. I want to get past the point I was at last time before I tell anyone else. I don’t want Derek to get overly protective.”

“I understand. I do. But won’t he be upset you kept it from him?” Amber knew the consequences of keeping secrets from her husband firsthand.

Gabrielle shook her head. “He’ll understand. Besides, if I tell him, he’ll take my shoes away and insist I wear sensible flats. He’ll drive me crazy!”

Amber laughed. “Well, we can’t have that!” In just two meetings, Amber had already pegged Gabrielle as a woman with incredible fashion sense and taste, especially in designer shoes.

“Besides, Derek loves you,” Amber continued. “That’s obvious even to someone who’s only seen you together once.” Just thinking of the way husband and wife had looked at one another left Amber feeling wistful and sad.

She wanted that for herself. Love, caring, family.

Speaking of family, she checked her watch. It was noon Eastern time, 9:00 a.m. in Vegas. She normally called the nursing home around ten, after her father had eaten and been bathed and dressed. That way the staff could tell her what kind of day he was having. She had an hour to kill before she could check in.

“Do you want me to go to town and pick up some crackers and ginger ale for you?” Amber asked.

Gabrielle shook her head. “Thanks. I’ll go. I could use a break from this story. Anything I can get for you?”

“Actually, if you don’t mind, I’ll give you a small list.” Edward’s idea of food and Amber’s were light-years apart.

She walked Gabrielle back to the house and they chatted like old friends. Amber was thrilled to be the keeper of her new sister-in-law’s secret and hoped for a smooth pregnancy this time around.