She took a paperback book from her purse and settled down herself, resting her aching feet on the understructure of the hospital bed. The room chair was uncomfortable and reading wasn’t happening. She couldn’t pay much attention to the words on the page. Then he mumbled something.

Sounded like sugar. Then yeah.

Mary Beth wondered whom he called sugar. Not her, not ever. Which meant exactly nothing. There couldn’t possibly have been any fooling around with Luellen. She squelched the ridiculous thought. This was a hospital, for God’s sake. Bobby Joe had a long way to go toward recovery, despite the positive news Parr had shared.

It was seeing her so-called rival so unexpectedly that had her so rattled. Two little words mumbled under the influence of—she peered at his chart, noted the unpronounceable generic drug—okay, call it sleepy juice. And she imagined the worst.

The book in her lap fell to the floor. Mary Beth waited a few moments to pick it up, hoping she hadn’t wakened him. But he had sunk into a deeper, motionless sleep. She tried to read again and gave up.

Not even the chime from her phone made him stir. Bobby Joe was really out, maybe for the night. Parr had sent another text. She tapped the screen.

Guess what?

She slid down in the chair. She could be too tired to play guessing games with Parr. Maybe not.

What?

Eve’s in labor.

She’d been aware that his cousin, whom Mary Beth hadn’t seen since her birthday party at Alma’s house, was near term, but she had no idea of the due date. It didn’t matter now. A new baby was on the way. More good news. Another text followed quickly.

AJ took her to the ob-gyn. Looks like it’s time.

She texted back. That’s great. Everything okay?

She’s calm. They went back home. Suitcase packed last week. AJ’s nervous. Second baby, could come quick.

Mary Beth shook her head, although she wasn’t qualified to discuss the question from a medical standpoint. If she’s lucky. Did you tell Alma?

Of course. First thing. Sorry. You were next.

Don’t apologize. She’s your mom. And the great-aunt. She must be over the moon.

Desperately knitting is more like it.

Mary Beth looked at Bobby Joe. It almost seemed worth it to wake him up for news like this. The nurse came in before she could.

“Oh. Didn’t know you were here,” she whispered to Mary Beth. “He had a few visitors today. I think he’s more tired than usual.”

“I can take a hint,” Mary Beth said with a soft smile.

“But I didn’t mean you should go,” the nurse began.

“Seriously, he’s out,” Mary Beth whispered back. “We might as well switch off the light. I can come back in the morning.”