Page 16 of A Future in the Bay

“Isn’t that one beautiful? Just over that belt of pine trees?”

“Yes. Looks bright enough to wish on.”

“What would you wish for?” he asked, squeezing her shoulders. “If it really was a wishing star?”

She laughed. “I honestly don’t know. I’m so content. I suppose I’d wish for baby Oscar to be healthy and happy, but I’m expecting that to happen without wishing.”

“How are Alissa and Dane doing? Are they excited?”

“So excited. Alissa’s starting to get tired again, and it’s no wonder, considering how soon she’s due. I went over to their place with a casserole that Dane loves the other day. They were both very happy about it, and I’m planning on cooking for them again soon.”

“That’s sweet of you. If they need help with anything—assembling baby furniture, anything like that—let them know that I’m offering to help, would you?”

“I will, thank you.” She rested her head on his shoulder briefly. “Dane still has to work so much at the office, and he’s worried that Alissa is working too hard as well. He’s the one who first told me that she’s been a bit tired. I want to help them both out so she feels free to take it easy.”

“I’ll help you help them. I’m not much for making casseroles, but maybe I can prepare some fish for them. Get some trout or salmon ready to be put into the oven.”

“Sounds wonderful!”

“And how are you feeling about the baby’s arrival?” He snuggled up closer against her as the wind picked up, blowing cool air across their faces.

“Absolutely giddy,” she said, grinning up at the stars. “I can’t wait. He’s going to be my first grandchild. I’m going to be a grandmother!”

After the words left her mouth, she began to laugh.

“What is it?” he asked curiously. “What’s funny?”

“I don’t feel like a grandmother,” she said, shaking her head. “It’s funny that I’m about to become one right when I feel younger than I have in years.”

“You do, huh?” he said, his brows rising.

“Mm-hm. You make me feel like a teenager again.”

He grinned boyishly. “What makes you feel like a teenager?”

“Oh, those sparkling eyes of yours,” she said slowly, resting a hand on his cheek. “And your big strong arms. And the way you make me feel giddy whenever you call me on the phone. I haven’t laughed this much in years. You’ve really done things to my emotions, Mr. Howell.”

“I’m honored to make you laugh,” he said, placing his own hand over hers. “I love it when you laugh. It’s the absolute cutest thing.”

She did it again, unable to stop herself. The comic timing of it made him start to chuckle, and soon the two of them were having a laughing attack—his guffaws mixed with her giggles. They held hands and laughed into the night air, startling a rabbit that was nibbling grass nearby.

“Come here, you,” he said, grinning at her.

He wrapped his arms around her and leaned his head in for a tender kiss. For a moment, both of them forgot about the stars entirely.

Gwen jotted notes down in her computer, her fingers typing almost as rapidly as her mind was moving. She paused for a brief moment to make sure she hadn’t made any typos, and then kept typing.

She was in her office at the clinic, jotting down notes about the patient she had just seen. She believed firmly in keeping highly detailed doctor’s notes, and even though all that had been wrong with the patient was a small cut on her hand, she was still determined to be thorough in her note-taking.

She paused once she’d finished her notes, glancing over them one more time. Nodding in satisfaction, she saved them and then stood up from her computer. She took a sip of coffee as she glanced at the clock, noting that her next patient was due to arrive soon.

She felt as though she was settling into a good groove at her new clinic. There were still not as many patients as she would have liked, but she felt as though her first few days of workin Blueberry Bay had gone well. The people there were kind and welcoming, and everyone she’d met had been friendly and grateful.

She pulled up the file of the patient records for her next appointment, still standing at her desk instead of sitting. She usually had a great deal of adrenaline while she was working, and she preferred to stand when she could. She frowned in concentration as she read, wanting to be well-prepared for the appointment.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Heidi poked her head inside Gwen’s office, wearing an expression Gwen couldn’t quite read.

“Hey, do you have a second? There’s someone here to see you.”

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