There was another pause, then a sigh. “All right, Ms. Kinkaid. You do what you think is best, but remember, Mrs. Sorenson and I are here waiting, dying to meet Dave’s boy.”

“I know. I’ll let you know when Josh is ready to meet you. Then, of course, I’d love you to visit. You can even stay here at the house, if you want.”

“Well . . . that’s very kind.” The anger in his voice faded away and she thought she heard him sniff, then blow his nose, as if he were overcome with emotion. Her own throat was thick, her hands sweating over the receiver. But she wouldn’t break down, wouldn’t allow herself the luxury. It seemed that all she ever did anymore was cry, and she hated it.

“Tell Luke that we spoke and assure him that he’ll get paid, just as promised.”

“I will,” she said, wondering at the turn of the conversation.

“I know he told me not to call, that he’d set it up, but ... Oh, hell, the missus and I, we just couldn’t wait for him.”

“‘Wait for him’?” she repeated uneasily.

“You’ll let us know when we can visit?”

“Of course.” She hung up, mystified. Why was Ralph Sorenson talking about paying Luke for something now? A hint of an idea pricked her mind, but she didn’t want to think about it, couldn’t let that little niggle of horrid doubt burrow into her brain.

Bliss, as if sensing the conversation was over, lost her game to Dee Dee, then, while Katie was rummaging in the refrigerator for a pitcher of lemonade, returned to the kitchen. Both mother and stepdaughter were sweating, their faces beet-red, their eyes bright.

“I won!” Dee Dee announced.

“Fair and square,” Bliss agreed. “But wait until next time. Then we’ll see who’s the champ of the court.”

“I am, I am!” Dee Dee cried excitedly. She turned big eyes toward Katie. “I’m gonna be a big sister!”

“A what?” Katie nearly dropped the pitcher of lemonade. She turned and saw a blush creep up Bliss’s neck.

“That’s right,” Bliss admitted, her eyes shining with her secret. “I’m pregnant!”

Katie left the pitcher on the counter and hugged her half-sister fiercely. “I’m so happy for you and Mason! When is the baby due?”

“A long time off,” Bliss admitted. “I’m really not sure, but in the spring sometime. I’ll find out when I go to the doctor.”

“A baby!” Tears threatened Katie’s eyes all over again. From the edge of her vision she saw Dee Dee gazing up at them both. “Oh, Dee Dee, how lucky you are,” Katie said. “I was never a big sister, always the youngest.”

“Not me.” Dee Dee’s smile was back in place immediately.