Page 79 of Raven's Claw
Kash took her hand, enjoying the simple feel of her skin against his as they hopped in his truck, then headed home.They had just enough time for a quickie in the shower before they headed over to Foster’s, waving off the ribbing when they sauntered in, hair wet, looking way too enthralled with each other.
Greer and Bodie joked with Chase and Zain, as everyone gathered at the table.They’d invited Saylor, but she’d gotten called off on another water rescue with Raven’s Watch’s other crew.Which wasn’t sitting well with Zain.He’d been noticeably quiet all night, glancing at the clock on the wall as if it held the answers to whatever weighed him down.
Greer’s phone rang just as they were clearing off the dishes, cutting through the easy atmosphere.She answered, nodding her head a few times.“I’ll be there in ten.”
Chase sighed.“Obviously, that was work related.”
Greer shoved the cell in her pocket.“Seems that rescue call Saylor went on turned out to be drug smugglers.”
Zain palmed the table as he pushed to his feet.“Is she okay?”
“Atticus said she’s got them subdued but needs them picked up.Guess she forgot she’s not still in the Coast Guard, too.That seems to be a recurring theme with anyone associated with your team.”Greer shook her head when Jordan stood.“You’re still recovering.You’ve got four more days before I want to see you back in the office.That should coincide with Kash’s schedule.I figure you can work the same shifts since Bodie’s agreed to continue on for a while longer.Not that you aren’t always on-call, but we can try to set more reasonable hours.”
Jordan hitched out a hip.“I assume that only applies to me and Bodie since you haven’t had a day off since you were named sheriff.”
“Have I told you that your observation skills are a giant pain in the ass?”
“A few times.”
“I’ll see you on Monday.Foster, thanks for dinner.”Greer eyed Chase, then headed for the door, Bodie tagging behind.
The conversation lagged for a bit as they moved into the sitting room, Foster and Mackenzie glancing at each other, shifting on the couch as if they couldn’t quite sit still.
Zain broke the silence, first.“For the love of God, Foster, just tell us the news before Mac’s giving birth, already.”
Mac swatted Foster’s chest.“You told them?”
Foster glared at Zain.“Of course, not.”
Mac eyed Zain.“Then, how the hell do you know I’m pregnant?”
“Please, we’ve been flying with you for months.You never puke after a flight and yet, you’ve been chucking your cookies every day for the past week.”
Chase nodded.“Not to mention, you’re a lovely shade of green when you come back out.And don’t think we missed how you’ve been avoiding coffee.”
“And beer.”Zain pointed to the kitchen.“Foster’s supply of Smithwicks has barely been touched.I figure it’s also the smell so, he’s been avoiding it, too.”
Mac sighed.“Then, I guess there’s nothing to announce.”
“Oh, no.”Zain waved his finger.“We want to hear you say it.”
Mackenzie looked at Foster, freaking glowed, then shrugged.“We’re pregnant.”
“Hell, yeah!”
Zain jumped up, clapped Foster on the back.Chase followed suit, leaving Kash to bring up the rear.Foster beamed, even if he did look a bit shell-shocked.
Mac held up her hand.“Just so you know, it’s really early, but…” She smiled at them.“You don’t keep secrets from family.”
Jordan gave Kash’s hand a squeeze then walked over and drew Mac in for a hug.“Congratulations.I…”
She pulled back as the color drained from her face, then took off, hitting the bathroom at a full sprint.The door slammed behind her, leaving an eerie silence in the room.
Kash sighed.“I’ve told her she’s pushing her recovery too hard, but she’s stubborn.”
Chase frowned.“I don’t know, Kash.I don’t think this is from her previous injuries.”He held up his hand.“Hold that thought.”
He moved over to Mac, whispered something, then the two of them disappeared up the stairs.
