French Roast (32 page)

A few gasps came from the crowd. Jill clutched her chair, thinking oh, Peggy. This couldn’t have been what she’d had in mind.

Although his mouth had grim lines around it, he shrugged. “What can I say? I was acting like a protective older brother. Who isn’t a bit impetuous in their youth? If that makes me a ‘bad’ guy in Deputy McBride’s eyes, I fear we disagree on the definition. I was protecting my family. If you choose not to approve the plans for the hotel because of this information, that’s your decision. And I’ll respect it.”

He walked back to his seat and sat down. Jill rubbed his arm in support, the muscles rigid with tension—the only sign he was upset.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered.

He just patted her hand.

Peggy stood and faced the crowd, but it was obvious she’d lost them. Mac looked like a hero again.

“All I’m saying is we’re getting a Pollyanna version of this poker hotel. I hope you vote against it.”

“Thank you, Deputy McBride, for that
enlightening
information,” Oscar said, his voice heavy with censure. “Any more comments?”

When no one raised a hand, Jill expelled her breath. She struggled with her anger at Peg. She knew her friend was only trying to do what she believed was in the town’s best interests. But it was hard not to feel she had gone too far.

“We’re going to put this to a vote now. Would all those in favor raise their hands?”

The showing of hands made Jill’s toes dig into her soles in anticipation. The motion passed with only three against. Oscar pronounced the plan approved, and the meeting closed.

At least one thing in her life had turned out okay. Jill surged to her feet. “We won!”

“Yes.” Mac put his files in his briefcase.

“Are you okay?”

He snapped the clasps in place. “I will be. Peggy’s accusation pissed me off, so I’m not as happy as I’d like to be right now.”

Join the club. She couldn’t find her inner Dancing Queen either.

He leaned in as people swarmed in around them.

She felt like the MVP of the Superbowl with all the people thumping her on the back and pumping her hand, telling her what a great job she’d done. She spied Keith hobbling over to her family, his blue cast etched with signatures. She threaded her way over, reaching them just as Tanner launched his nephew into the air, making him squeal.

“Be careful. He might give up his mac and cheese,” Peggy warned from the sidelines.

Jill crossed her arms as she met Peggy’s eyes.

“Congratulations.” Her grandpa pulled her against his mothball-scented cardigan. “Remember who you got your business sense from.”

She kissed his cheek, welcoming the interruption. She wasn’t sure what to say to Peggy right now. “How could I forget?”

“Can I have a red hot, Mr. Hale?” Keith asked.

“Sure thing, young man.”

“I know you’re pissed at me,” Peggy said, walking over to her. “We just don’t see eye to eye.”

Funny how that was happening in all of her relationships lately. Jill pressed her lips together, trying not to say the first thing that popped into her head. No need to hurt their friendship. “Well, you made it personal, but I hope you’ll do your duty and support us now that the vote’s in.”

Peggy shifted on her feet. “My duty is to protect and serve this town.”

“Exactly so, officer,” Mac said as he joined the group. “Actually, I’m glad Dare has someone so
dedicated.
Since I’ll be moving here for the next few years, I don’t want to have any trouble sleeping at night.”

“Do you see the boogey man in your room too, Mr. Maven?” Keith asked from Tanner’s shoulders.

The innocent question broke the tension in the group. Everyone chuckled—everyone but Peggy and Mac.

“We all see the boogey man, Keith,” Mac said. “Not all of us are as lucky as you are to have a mom who can make it go away. I’ll bet there’s nothing she wouldn’t do to keep you safe—even if it meant breaking the law.”

The veiled glance he gave Peggy made her look elsewhere. Keith put his arms out to Jill. She drew him against her chest, realizing Mac and Peggy would continue to clash. Now that the hotel was coming to town, this would only be the beginning.

“Where’s Brian, Jillie?” Keith asked.

She forced a smile to quell the pang in her heart. “He’s working.”

“Cool. I bet he’ll be so happy for you.” He kissed her cheek and threw his arms around her neck.

She doubted that very much. What happened to her no longer mattered to him now that they’d split up. Her chest suddenly hurt from repressed tears.

“Can we get ice cream?” Keith asked.

“I’m buying,” her grandpa announced, tapping his cane.

“I promised I’d call my sister back after the vote,” Mac replied, stepping out of the circle. “I’ll celebrate with you another time.”

Jill put Keith down. “No, please come.”

He stood apart in his gray wool suit and designer watch. His body language was fluid, but his face had grown distant. All charm had faded. “Not tonight. You did a great job, Jill. I hope your family knows how lucky they are to have you represent them in this town. And I look forward to hearing from you about your long-term decision.”

Yes, the time had arrived.

Mac’s eyes locked with Peggy. Jill didn’t think they’d notice if lightening struck between them. The corner of his mouth tipped up. “Deputy.” Then he ruffled Keith’s hair. He waved to their group and headed off, surrounded by well-wishers.

Jill tried to shake off her anger. “Well, without Mac, I don’t feel much like celebrating.” Not just that. Her bubble had burst. “I have something else I need to do.” It was time to face the music all ‘round.

She kissed everyone goodbye—except Peggy.

When she let herself into her house, she firmed her shoulders and immediately walked to the bathroom. It was time to find out if her worst fears had been realized. Her period still hadn’t come. Better to stop hiding her head into the sand.

Jill went through the whole testing process numb. As she waited for the results, she brushed the tears falling from her eyes. When she saw the plus sign, she put her head in her hands. The unimaginable had happened. She was pregnant.

The thought of having Brian’s baby without him overwhelmed her. She gave into the emotional storm that left her spent and hollow.

What in the world was she going to do now? Keep moving forward, she could almost hear her grandpa say. She’d have to tell Brian tomorrow. God, give her strength. Now that they were splitting up, she expected he’d be leaving Dare soon. For a moment she thought about not telling him until after he’d left. This would slice him in two. He’d have to choose between seeing their child frequently and living in New York pursuing his dream job.

Her hand cupped her stomach. After all these years of dreaming about them having a child together, it was happening. Only they wouldn’t be together.

God, their baby. It didn’t feel real.

Heading back to the family room, she reached for her phone and texted Mac,
I want to accept your offer. Let’s talk. I have other things to discuss.

Moving forward was the only thing she could do now. Thank God the hotel had passed. She’d have a new focus now, one that would she hoped would fill the hole inside her.

She’d tell Mac she was pregnant when they spoke. Legally, he couldn’t make an issue of it, but ethically, she wanted to make sure he was okay with her situation.

Tomorrow, she’d share the news with Brian.

A part of her tore in two. She’d have to find a way to become Jill-the-friend again.

She’d call Meredith in the morning and let her sister hold her and tell her it would all work out. The Hales always banded together in a crisis.

Her phone immediately buzzed. Mac’s name appeared on the screen. She picked it up.

It was time to take control of her life.