Rae was glad for the heads-up—she’d skip grabbing a snack at Dixon’s. Since the funeral, she’d managed to avoid Katherine. Twice she’d nearly bumped into Sally at the grocery store. She’d quickly steered her cart into a checkout line.
On her computer, she located the file. “I only have some themes so far. I’m not finished.”
“Can you drop off what you have?”
Rae detected fatigue in Yuna’s voice. Transmitting the file was simpler, but it wouldn’t hurt to check in and ensure her friend was okay.
“I’ll see you in a minute,” she promised.
The break in the weather had brought customers in droves to the craft emporium. The cash register sang happily. The four employees were busy, but not overly so. After months of slate-colored skies and constant snowfall, everyone seemed sunny like the weather.
The sole exception? Yuna.
Replenishing stock near the front, she appeared wan and listless. In lieu of her normally eccentric clothes—metallic leggings paired with a bold T-shirt or one of her gauzy pixie tops—she wore loose jeans and an old cable-knit sweater. An outfit more at home in Rae’s closet, sensible and boring.
“I hate mysteries,” Rae said by way of greeting. “You were trying to tell me something the other day. Now I’m officially concerned.” Yuna wasn’t wearing makeup either. Not even lip gloss, as if she’d rolled out of bed and marched straight to work. “Do you need to see a doctor? Let’s go—I’ll drive.”
“There’s no need. I’ve seen a doctor.”
“What was the diagnosis?”
“It’s great. A happy-happy diagnosis,” Yuna said in a dull monotone that was decidedly unhappy. She surveyed the busy store. “Let’s not talk here.”
Taking the lead, Rae beat her to the stockroom. Anxiety steered her all the way to the back. At the employee lunch table, she plunked down.
Yuna quickly dispensed with the mystery. “I’m pregnant.” She took the seat opposite. “I’ve known for some time.”
Unexpectedly, the news carried the scent of Lark’s newborn skin. How Rae couldn’t resist pressing her nose against her daughter’s soft belly after she bathed her. The earthy connection they’d forged, mother and child.
Then her stomach did a painful flip. “Why didn’t you tell me? Is there a problem with the pregnancy?”
“Everything’s fine.” Yuna plucked at her ratty sweater. Discovering a yarn coming loose, she tugged at it. “I meant to tell you the other day. I’m excited, but I’m also . . . oh, I don’t know. I suppose Kipp is right—I’ve been dreading this conversation. I wasn’t sure how to tell you.”
“Because of Lark?” Rae swallowed around the lump in her throat. Then she cast a jaundiced glance at the unraveling hem. “Stop picking at your clothes and look at me.” When Yuna’s dark, worried gaze lifted, she smiled. “I’m thrilled for you and Kipp. Over-the-moon delighted. A baby is happy news.”
“You’re not upset?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Why wouldn’t I be happy about my bestie’s pregnancy?”
Without warning, sorrow flooded her. Refusing to let it pull her under, Rae flopped her hands onto the table. She wiggled her fingers.
Taking the cue, Yuna reached across. Their hands caught and held. Their bond was powerful, like the one Rae had lost with her daughter.
Gratitude swept through her, banishing the last of the despair. “Do me a favor,” she said.
“Anything.”
“Stop tiptoeing around my feelings. I’m managing. Some days are easier than others. The bad days? I muddle through. They aren’t as frequent now.” Yuna eyed her with suspicion, and she quickly added, “I promise—I’m doing fine. Even if I weren’t, it wouldn’t change my feelings about your pregnancy. You’re my closest, dearest friend. I want nothing but good things for you. A baby! I know how much you’ve wanted a little brother or sister for Kameko.”
Yuna returned her hands to her lap. “That’s true,” she murmured, “but I hate the timing. It just feels wrong.”
“Stop it. Grieving for Lark doesn’t mean I can’t feel happiness for you . . . and pity, if you’re having morning sickness like the last time. How are you faring?”
“Not great. Spices, perfumes—I’m never sure what will set me off. When Kipp made burgers last night, I fled to the bathroom. He fed Kameko in record time, then took her to the movies. The sound of Mama retching may scar her for life.”