Page 30 of Under the Northern Lights
“As in another puppy?” Aurora said. Jade and David always called their dog, Mac, their child. Maybe they were adopting again and giving Mac a playmate.
“No, silly,” Jade said, her voice filled with unrestrained joy, “we’re having a baby!”
A wave of emotion washed over Aurora. She had never felt so many things at one time.
Surprise and joy for her sister and David.
Sadness for herself, because she was the oldest daughter.
She should have been the one telling her little sister that she was going to be an aunt.
But Aurora hadn’t even made it to the altar.
At that moment, it felt as if life was passing her by.
She wanted all those things her sister had been so blessed to find.
“Aurora?” she heard Jade say, her excitement replaced by concern.
Aurora fought back an unexpected rush of hot tears.
“I’m here.” She forced a smile because she really was happy for her sister.
But her heart ached at the realization that while she had put an end to the life she’d thought she wanted, her sister was adding to hers.
“I’m just speechless. I had no idea you and David were trying. ”
“We didn’t want to say anything to anyone, not even Mom and Dad, until it happened and we were safely through the first trimester. Today was day one in my second trimester!”
“I have to say your sister dealt with the first three months of pregnancy like a champ,” Aurora’s brother-in-law said with pride. “Even with morning sickness that lasted beyond the mornings.”
“Jade, David,” Aurora said, her throat tight, “I am so very happy for you both. And for Mac,” she added. “He’s going to be the best big brother.”
“He will,” Jade agreed. “I can’t wait to hear all about your trip to Alaska. It must be pretty special for you to extend your stay a week longer than planned. Hope you’re getting all the photos you need for the magazine.”
“I am,” Aurora replied with confidence. “And it is,” she said, her thoughts going to Gage.
“I’m glad,” her sister replied. “Enjoy the rest of your stay. I need to get going. David and I still have to call Mom and Dad and then David’s family with our news.”
She was touched that her sister had shared their big news with her before anyone else. “We’ll talk more when I drive home for early Thanksgiving dinner,” Aurora said. “Love you guys.”
“Love you, too,” Jade said, and then the call disconnected.
Aurora stood in contemplative silence, staring off into the darkness that surrounded the lodge’s back patio.
Gage stood watching Aurora as she paced about on the phone. “She looks upset,” he said to his sister, keeping his voice low.
Julia nodded. “I hope everything’s okay.”
“I should go check on her,” he said, rising to his feet.
Across the starlit patio, Aurora stood gazing out, phone still clutched in one hand by her side.
Gage stepped up behind her and stopped, not wanting to intrude on her thoughts, but needing to know she was alright. “Aurora,” he said softly, “everything okay?”
She nodded, but didn’t turn around. “I’m going to be an aunt,” she told him, her reply ending in a muffled sob.
“So those are happy tears,” he surmised, relief sweeping through him.
“Yes,” she said and then added, “and no.”
No? “Is your sister having problems with her pregnancy?”
Aurora shook her head. “She’s wonderful.
It’s me. And I feel awful for feeling the way I do.
And it’s not just my sister’s pregnancy announcement.
Being here makes me feel homesick, because it feels so much like home did before I moved to Seattle, and Jade got married and moved into a home of her own.
I miss the quality time you still get to have with your family. ”
A brow lifted as understanding settled in. Stepping forward, Gage wrapped his arms around her in a comforting embrace. “It’s okay to be happy for someone yet feel sad at the same time. You are dealing with a lot on this trip. Give yourself some grace.”
“I’m going to take this tray back to the kitchen,” his sister said as she darted past Gage and Aurora. She paused halfway to the back door of the lodge and glanced back. “If you ever need to talk, Aurora, I’m a great listener.”
“Thank you, Julia,” Aurora replied. “I appreciate the offer.”
Gage’s sister nodded. “Night, all.”
“Night, Julia,” Aurora managed, with a hiccupping sob.
“Night,” Gage said, his focus centered on the woman he held in his arms. He hated seeing Aurora hurting.
Outwardly, she’d been happy, easygoing, and fun-loving, but she was here during what should have been her honeymoon.
That had to stir up a lot of emotions. Emotions made even more raw when she learned her sister was starting the family Aurora had no doubt been hoping for.
Resting his chin on the top of her head, Gage said, “You are going to be the best aunt.”
She laughed. That was followed by a soft sniffle. “I intend to be.” Wiping her eyes, she turned to look up at him. “I’m so embarrassed for getting all emotional and chasing your sister away.”
“Don’t be,” he said as he looked down into her dark, moisture-filled eyes. “And thank you for including her in our marshmallow roasting. I know it meant a lot to her.”
“I enjoy spending time with your sister,” Aurora replied.
“Speaking of marshmallows, you have some on your face.”
“I do?” she said, hand coming to her face. “Where?”
He smiled. “It’s only a speck of marshmallow. Right here,” he said, brushing the side of his thumb along the corner of her mouth.
“Is that all?” she asked, her teary gaze lowering to his mouth.
“Maybe a little bit more,” he said, running his thumb in a tender path across her lower lip.
“Gage,” she said softly.
“Gage ...” his father called out.
Aurora and Gage separated. “Over here,” he replied.
“Can I get you to lend me and Reed a hand for a moment?”
Frowning, Gage looked at Aurora.
“It’s okay,” she said. “I should be getting back to my cabin anyway. You have guests to fly out tomorrow.”
“You do realize I’m not about to let you walk back to your cabin alone? Especially when you’re feeling out of sorts.”
“Gage,” she argued with a frown.
“Aurora, humor me,” he said. “I’m trying to be a good host.”
She smiled. “You’re an above-and-beyond host.
“Glad to hear you’ve been satisfied with your stay here so far,” he told her with a grin. “But seriously, a lot of our bookings come by word of mouth. As Dad likes to say, ‘A happy guest brings the rest.’”
“That’s really good. And so true,” she replied. “It’s the same in my business. If people are satisfied with what you have to offer them, they tell other prospective clients. I intend to spread the word about Living the Good Life Fishing Retreat when I get home.”
“Any bit of good word put out there is appreciated,” he told her.
Although he wasn’t certain the friends she’d spoken to him about were the remote retreat in Alaska type.
But her offering to promote his family’s business in any way when she had so many other things on her plate was really thoughtful.
“Come on in and wait by the fireplace,” Gage said. “I’ll go see what Dad needs me for, and then I’ll walk you back to your cabin.”
“I’m beginning to think I should have taken a room at the lodge,” she said as they started for the door. “Then you wouldn’t have felt the need to escort me back and forth my entire stay here.”
“And miss out on all the stimulating conversation we’ve shared during those walks?” he teased with a grin. “Not to mention the free mud bath.”
Aurora’s laughter returned full force, letting Gage know he had accomplished what he set out to do—put that happy light back in her beautiful brown eyes.