Page 102 of The Holiday Gift

“Don’t worry about that,” Becca said from underneath Trace’s arm. “I’ve got that covered.”

For the first time, Caidy realized her sister-in-law wasn’t wearing a coat either.

“Why aren’tyougoing?” Ridge asked, looking even more disgruntled.

“I’m planning to sit this one out. I have court tomorrow and some work to do before then. And, to be honest, I’m not sure being bounced around on a hay wagon right now would be the best thing for, well, for the baby.”

For a moment everyone stared at her. Even the girls who had come for Gabi’s little sleigh ride party stopped their giggly chatter.

“Baby? You’re having a baby?” Laura exclaimed.

Becca nodded and Trace hugged her more tightly, then kissed the top of her head, clearly a proud papa.

“When?” Caidy asked, thrilled for both of them.

“June,” Gabi declared proudly. “I’ve beendyingto tell everyone! I kept my mouth shut, see, Trace? You said I couldn’t. Ha!”

Her brother laughed and grabbed his wife’s sister with his free arm, pulling her into their shared embrace. “You did good, kid. We were going to tell everyone at dinner but the right moment never quite came.”

“There’s never awrongmoment for that kind of great news,” Ridge said. “Congratulations. Another Bowman. Just what the world needs.”

The next few moments were spent with hugs and kisses and good wishes all the way around. Even Ben shook both of their hands and kissed Becca’s cheek, though he had just met her that afternoon.

She suddenly remembered with a pang that he had lost a child when his wife died. Was this spontaneous celebration of impending parenthood difficult for him? If it was, he didn’t show it by his manner.

Now Maya’s chant changed to “baby, baby, baby,” but she didn’t lose the hip wiggle. Caidy hugged her too. “It’s wonderful news, isn’t it? You’ll have a new cousin.”

“I like cousins,” Maya said.

“Me too, bug.”

When Caidy finally worked her way around the crowd, she hugged Becca. “I can’t wait to be an aunt again. I’m thrilled for both of you.”

Becca hugged her back. “Thank you, my dear.”

“All the more reason I should stay here and keep you company, just in case you need anything.”

Becca gave her a knowing look. “You’re the soul of helpfulness, Caidy. Either that, or you’re trying to avoid a certain rude, arrogant veterinarian.”

She cringed at the reminder. “Well, there is that.”

“Sorry, hon. I’d like to help you out but I think Ridge probably needs your help corralling all those kids. Besides that, I don’t think it’s a good idea to keep avoiding him.”

“Am I that obvious?” she asked ruefully.

“A little bit. Probably Laura and I were the only ones who picked up on it. And maybe Ben.”

Caidy blew out a breath. Drat. Becca was right. Ridge probablydidneed her help. “I hate being a coward,” she murmured.

“It’s only a sleigh ride. An hour out of your life. You can handle that. You’ve been through much worse.”

“I don’t want to leave you.”

“I could use a little quiet, if you want the truth. Go, Caidy.”

“As exciting as this news is, we need to get this show on the road,” Ridge declared, as if on cue. “Let’s load up.”

The girls squealed loudly. Maya covered her ears with her mittened hands, wearing a look of alarm.

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