Page 184 of Prospector's Peak

“You took her shooting?” Brooks asked in surprise.

“Yes. Right after she was rejected for a bank loan. I thought she needed something that would make her feel in control. Shooting does that for me; I thought I’d share it with her.”

“And then she offered me the money for the bookstore,” I added. “Two birds one stone.”

“Now about this mountain lion business . . .” Muddy began.

I winced.

“I’m guessing you’ve heard enough from everyone around you, so I’ll say no more about it.”

“Bless you.”

“All right then. You two enjoy your night.”

She looked at me for a moment and then in two strides, she came toward me and enveloped me in her arms “Glad you’re safe, sugar,” she whispered.

I tried to remain stoic, but the tears came unbidden.

She pulled back and smirked. “Oh yeah, I was definitely right.” She glanced at Brooks for a moment before looking back at me, her eyebrow raised.

“The hospital confirmed it. I’m pregnant.” I swiped at my cheeks.

“You weren’t shocked at all by the news, were you?” Muddy asked Brooks.

“No, I wasn’t.” He shrugged.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it. Tomorrow night, dinner at the Ridge.” She pinned me with a stare.

“Yes, ma’am.”

She nodded and then quietly let herself out of the apartment.

“I forgot to ask her how she got a key,” I said with amusement.

“She must’ve gotten it from Salem or Hadley.”

“Must have.”

“Sit, Freckles. I’ll fix you a bowl.”

I ate two large helpings, much to Brooks’ amusement.

“How’s your head feel?” he asked.

“Not bad,” I said. “When am I allowed to go to sleep?”

“Few more hours,” he said. “Only after we know it’s not going to get worse.”

“How are you going to entertain me?” I demanded.

He flashed a wicked grin.

“I didn’t mean sexy time,” I said. “And to be honest, I don’t feel up to it.”

“I was teasing,” he said. “We can get back into bed and cuddle.”

“You’ll be the big shrimp, and I’ll be the little shrimp?”