Baby Between Them by C.J. Carmichael

Author:C.J. Carmichael
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2006-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

AT THE BEACH, they found two female volunteers sitting in lawn chairs next to a folding table. Expressions were grim all around, as Rae followed Aidan to the makeshift command post.

One of the volunteers, Maryann Simpson according to the badge she wore on her shirt, was about Rae’s age. “I have three children of my own. This is just killing me.”

“There’s been no news?” Aidan asked.

“I’m afraid not.” The other volunteer, Becky Stills, was older—in her fifties, at least. She showed them a detailed map of the area, marked in red squares. “Since he was reported missing, we’ve had search parties covering the entire southern half of the island. I just can’t understand where he could be.” Her gaze roamed out over the ocean and Rae guessed what she was thinking.

If Tyler had drowned, they might never find his body.

“I heard a helicopter earlier,” Aidan said.

“Yes,” the older woman said. “And the police are using search dogs, too.”

“Is there any way we can help?” Rae asked.

Maryann glanced at Rae’s belly and Rae was certain she was going to tell her not to bother. Instead, the young mother passed her a clipboard. “Add your names here. We’ve got a full complement of volunteers, but if we need you, we’ll call.”

Aidan’s name was already on the list, Rae noticed as she printed her own on the next available line. “Well, good luck,” she said.

Both women nodded, but neither looked particularly hopeful.

Aidan took Rae’s hand and led her down the beach, to an alcove created by several boulders. He spread out the blanket at their usual spot, then helped as she lowered herself onto it.

“Comfortable?” he asked.

“You’re kidding, right?” She crossed her legs, making a nest for her belly. “Soon I’m going to need a crane to get up and down.”

With a supple grace she envied, Aidan sank to the blanket next to her. “Not that much longer,” he said.

Labor. She suppressed a shudder of fear, then closed her eyes to the prospect and tried to concentrate on the gentle warmth of the sun on her skin. When she next opened her eyes, Nessa and Autumn were walking along the boardwalk toward them.

They were holding hands, finishing off ice-cream cones and laughing. Rae felt inexplicably sad at the sight of them. She chased the feeling away with a smile and a wave. Nessa waved back.

“Nice day, isn’t it?” Nessa said, when she was close enough for them to hear. “Autumn and I just walked to town and now we’re going home to water the flowers.”

Though her words were bright and cheery, her gaze took in the women at the command post and her smile faltered briefly. She didn’t mention them, though, and Rae guessed she didn’t want to discuss the missing boy in front of Autumn.

“That sounds like fun.” Rae noticed Aidan’s face had become tight and contained, as it had the last time they’d encountered Autumn on the beach.

“What about the piano, Auntie Nessa?” Autumn prodded.

“Oh, yes. We were wondering if Autumn

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