Heart Appearances (Truly Yours Digital Editions Book 560) by Pamela Griffin Page B

succeed and recognize that life can bring rewards for making correct choices. . . .”
    Darcy smiled as she listened to Brent talk as though he’d always approved of her plan.
    There just might be hope for him yet.
    ❧
    “How are you feeling? Better?” Darcy plunked down on the chenille spread at the end of Charleigh’s bed.
    “Merely bored,” Charleigh said. “You have no idea how difficult it is to stay in bed! And I still have two months to go.”
    Her gaze turned to the sepia photo of her husband in its silver frame. “But I’m thankful I’ve carried the baby this long, and I certainly don’t mean to sound as if I’m complaining. Still, I wish I’d get another letter. I think he’s avoiding me. His letters have been so impersonal lately. Though at least he’s writing, so that’s something. He never was much of a letter-writer, both during my last two years at Turreney Farm and during the war.”
    “Have you written him about the baby?”
    Charleigh lowered her gaze to the blanket and shook her head.
    “Honestly! Don’t you think he might begin to wonder when he comes home and finds you with a child in your arms? Assuming he stays away that long, of course.”
    “It’s not exactly something you can dash off in a letter, Darcy. ‘Dear Stewart, everyone’s fine. The school is running smoothly, the progress reports are in order—oh, and by the way, I’m seven months with child.’ I just couldn’t do it. Especially in something as impersonal as a letter. Besides, I don’t want to get his hopes up if. . .if something should happen.”
    “Now, I’ll hear no more of that kind of talk!”
    Charleigh sobered. Penitent for her harsh words, Darcy leaned over to lay her hand on Charleigh’s. “You have to hold on, Luv. Even Doc Sanderson is optimistic with the way things are going.”
    “He did seem positive during his last visit, didn’t he?” Charleigh asked, hope in her eyes.
    “Yes, he did. And never you mind about Stewart. More the surprise for him—and another thing you can look forward to seeing. The look on his face when he finds out. Ought to be about as good as when Brent’s mouth drops open after I say something shocking. Though I certainly don’t do such a thing on purpose.” Darcy winked, eliciting a giggle from Charleigh.
    A short knock at the door was followed by Alice Larkin. “Hope I’m not intruding,” she said uncertainly. Her salt-and-pepper hair had been swept under a kerchief. Obviously she’d been doing housework. A pair of silver-rimmed spectacles perched at the end of her thin nose. Darcy knew that Alice used to be Michael’s housekeeper before they discovered a mutual respect and liking for one another, though Charleigh once mentioned that she suspected Alice had always loved her father.
    Charleigh smiled at her stepmother. “Come in. We were just discussing how surprised Stewart will be when he learns he’s a father.”
    Alice set a canvas bag on the foot of the bed. “That he will, make no mistake about it. I still can’t understand why you didn’t tell him before he left. Though it’s none of my business, I suppose,” she muttered. Her thin lips stretched into a smile. “And have you given any thought as to what the child will be wearing when he makes his entrance into the world?”
    Charleigh’s forehead creased. “Wearing?”
    Alice shook her head. “If it wasn’t for me, that poor babe would likely be stark naked throughout his entire infancy.” She pulled a large skein of ivory-colored yarn from her bag, followed by a pair of bone knitting needles.
    Charleigh looked at the materials, then up at her stepmother.
    Alice lifted her brows. “Well, what are you gawking at, Charleigh?”
    “I don’t know how to knit.”
    “And what do you think I’m here for? I’m aiming to teach you. The good Lord knows you need something useful to do, stuck in this bed day in and day out.”
    Darcy could have hugged the old woman for her thoughtfulness. “What