Page 11 of Hudson
She stood behind the glass partition scanning the charts while the waiting room filled steadily behind her.
“Is it four-thirty yet?” Meridith Shrout asked.
“About seven more hours,” Blair said with a grin.
“Okay. Lunch then? Is it time for that?”
“You’re always hungry. That baby is going to be huge.”
Meridith laughed and patted her enormous belly. “I think he’s going to be a fullback. He feels like he’s running around in there constantly.”
“Are you feeling okay?”
“I’m fine, Blair. I’m not due until next month.”
“You look like you could go any second.”
“It feels like it sometimes.” Meridith laughed.
“I’m sure Phil is thrilled.”
“Over the moon. We’ve been trying for so long.”
“Your doctor is taking wonderful care of you. Try not to worry.”
“Dr. Anderson is the best. I love her. If you ever need a gynecologist, I can’t recommend her enough.”
Blair glanced up from the chart. Anderson. She wondered briefly if there was a connection to Hud.
“I’ll look her up. Thank you.”
By midmorning the last of the early patients had been seen and the waiting room had barely had time to empty before it filled again, a steady chorus of coughs and whispered concerns replacing the morning rush.
Today was different. She was finally slipping out for lunch with Celine at the diner. They tried to meet twice a week when they could manage it.
Blair couldn’t help smiling as she looked out the window at the morning. She adored this little mountain town, its sun-bleached storefronts and friendly hellos on every corner. Most of all she lovedits cowboys, strolling through town in Stetsons and worn denim.
Cowboy thoughts led inevitably to Hud. Tall, broad-shouldered, with eyes that had made her heart flutter when he walked her to her car. He’d asked her out, but she hadn’t heard a word since. She tried not to dwell on it, but anticipation had been warming her chest all morning.
At exactly eleven thirty she shrugged into her soft wool sweater, told Meridith she was heading to lunch and stepped out into the crisp air. A pale sun hovered over the rooftops as she walked down to The Everyday Grind, Celine’s cozy coffee shop. The door swung open before she reached it and a wave of roasted bean aroma and sweet pastry rolled out to meet her. Blair groaned softly. She loved her coffee more than almost anything.
“Hey, Blair, just grabbing my sweater,” Celine called from behind the counter.
Blair leaned against the counter, tracing the knots in the wood with her fingertips. “Take your time.”
Celine reappeared in a soft cardigan, tugging the sleeves down over her wrists and shaking a swirl of hair from her eyes. “Nippier today.”
Blair inhaled deeply, tasting mountain air. “I love it, but I’m ready for warmer weather.”
“This early in May could still bring snow. I was shocked the first time I saw it. Killian isn’t fond of trudging through drifts to feed the horses or be out on a case.”
“How is that gorgeous man of yours?” Blair teased.
“Gorgeous as ever.” Celine’s smile could have lit the whole block.
Blair shook her head, feigning exasperation. “I hate you sometimes.”
“No, you don’t. Besides, there are plenty of single good-looking men in this town. You’ll find your match.” Celine paused. “You’ve already met Hud. He’s a catch. Those eyes of his...”
