Season of Hope. Virginia Carmichael

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ girl said. Her lisp was so pronounced, her large eyes such a deep brown, that Evie almost laughed. So much sweetness in one little person shouldn’t be allowed.

      “I do, too.” They both stood watching Gavin and Jack help carry the tree into the lobby. The children sang with gusto, if not perfectly in tune, and Evie blinked back tears.

      Five years ago she was the very worst kind of person, without a real friend in the world. She’d turned her back on everyone who loved her. Chasing money and fame was all that mattered. Evie sucked in a shaky breath.

      Thank You, Lord, for second chances. I won’t let You down again.

      * * *

      Gavin stood back to admire the tree. The Mission kids had decorated every inch as far as they could reach, then handed ornaments to Jack as he stood on a ladder. He really should be at the lab, but Frank had told him to take the evening off. Something about not being any use if he worked himself into the ground.

      “You guys picked a great tree.” Evie stood by his side, shy smile on her face. She smelled lightly of something flowery, maybe roses.

      “Gerry picked it out. I just tied it down.” He pretended to think it through. “But I should definitely get points for standing in the middle of Lincoln St. replacing the broken rope. I never want to stand in traffic again.”

      She snorted. “Let’s hope that’s your once-in-a-lifetime moment.”

      A short Hispanic woman bustled out of the double doors that led from the kitchen. Her black hair was pulled back into a bun, black eyes snapping with energy. “Gavin, is Grant in the office?”

      Evie answered for him. “Marisol, I think he went to call Calista. She wasn’t feeling up to the party so she stayed home. He’ll be right back. Would you like a cookie? We have a few left.”

      Lana held out the cookie plate with a smile.

      “Uh-oh. Lana is making Grant cookies now. He won’t want any of my enchiladas. I made them especial.” Her words were a rebuke but she was smiling.

      “Lana, why you not married? You cook like this and the men gather round.” Marisol gestured at Jack and Gavin, who froze like a pair of deer caught in headlights.

      Covering her mouth with her hand, Evie looked like she was working to get her expression under control.

      Lana snorted. “I’m not averse to marrying a younger man, but I’m pushing fifty. I don’t think good cookies will make up for a wheelchair and grandma status.”

      Marisol paused, black eyes gone wide, cookie in midair. “Abuelita already? When did it happen?”

      “No, no. Eric’s only thirteen.” Lana brushed a hand across her forehead, as if the thought pained her. “My son’s a great kid, but let’s give him a few more years. Like ten or so.”

      “Ah, well, I am sure you will have many babies to cuddle.” She said this like a benediction, her dark brown hand lifted toward Lana.

      “Thank you, Marisol. I can’t imagine how wonderful it will be. But you’re closer to that than I am.” Lana’s face crinkled in a smile, and both women sighed happily.

      “You’re waiting for a new grandbaby?” Gavin wished he had a cheat sheet for the Mission staff and their families.

      “Calista is having her baby soon. Very soon.” The older woman put a hand on her heart and closed her eyes. “Dios le bendiga. We must pray for her.”

      Gavin glanced at Evie and grinned. He’d seen Calista, and the woman was as white as they came. And Grant, with his tall frame and blue eyes, was probably not related to Marisol, either. He was getting the full picture of this place and it was all about family, but not the kind he’d known.

      The seriousness of what he’d seen this morning in the neonatal critical care unit intruded on his thoughts. He reached for his keys. “It was a wonderful party, but I’d better go.”

      “Anything we can do, Gavin? Is the office running twenty-four hours?” Lana turned, concern lining her face.

      “We are. Just keep trying to get the word out. We’re racing to stay ahead of the outbreak, but...” His voice trailed off and he could feel Evie watching him. It was the stuff of nightmares, his very worst fear, that his city would be hit with a disease he couldn’t control. That more families would suffer like Patrick’s had.

      Lana reached up and squeezed his hand, sympathy written large on her features. “We’re praying.”

      “Thank you.” Gratitude swelled in him. “And I’ll see you on Tuesday.”

      “What’s on Tuesday?” Jack mumbled through a mouthful of cookie.

      “Gavin’s helping set up a soccer league for the kids.”

      “Overachiever. Now I suppose I have to volunteer for that, too.” He pretended to huff, but Gavin knew he lived for sports, any sports.

      “Actually, I need another coach. So, yes, you do.” He was already heading for the door. “Be there at six.” He let his gaze wander to Evie, just for a moment. When their eyes met, he felt a tug deep inside that had nothing to do with the finance board or coaching and everything to do with the fact she was a beautiful woman who had a smile that took his breath away.

      A second later, Grant pushed through the far door, his phone clutched to his ear. The director’s tie was crooked and he was running one hand through his dark hair. “Yes, yes! I’ll be right there!”

      The four of them froze in shock, watching the normally calm man snap closed the phone and take two steps forward. And then two more. He looked like he was sleepwalking, except for the wide-eyed expression.

      “Grant, honey.” Lana’s calm voice cut across the lobby. “Are you okay?”

      He looked up, a huge smile on his face. “It’s time! She’s already at the hospital!”

      Gavin and Jack exchanged looks. Uh-oh. Looked like the dad-to-be was having a mental breakdown before he even got to the labor room.

      “Why don’t we have someone take you over?” Gavin walked back across the lobby, holding out one hand to Grant like a lion tamer approaching a wild beast.

      “He’s right. Let me get someone to cover the desk and we can take my car.” Lana rolled out from behind the desk and was heading toward the office doors. She punched in the code and hit the blue button that opened it automatically. “I’ll grab our coats.” And she was gone before he could answer.

      “How long has she been in labor?” Gavin wasn’t an expert, but Calista was probably going to take a while.

      “Twenty minutes. She just checked in. She didn’t want to interrupt our party if it was nothing.” Grant shook his head, dark hair falling over his forehead. “She sounded so calm. I wonder if they already gave her drugs. She said she didn’t want any.”

      “Hmm. Sometimes they can be helpful.” Gavin led Grant toward the desk, one hand on his shoulder.

      “Especially for the dads,” Jack murmured and Evie СКАЧАТЬ