The Lure of White Oak Lake by Robin Alexander Page A

a decision that’s not popular. I’ve raised you to know what’s right and what’s wrong, and sometimes that line gets blurred. But take a minute to stop and think about the consequences like you did today.”
    “I will.”
    “I did something that I’m not particularly proud of tonight,” Jaclyn admitted. “I wasn’t completely truthful with Glenda. I told her I looked at your phone and saw the pictures, so you wouldn’t look like a tattletale.”
    “Thanks,” Austin said with a smile.
    Jaclyn didn’t share in his enthusiasm. “It was a snap decision when Glenda asked me how I found out. I’m admitting this to you so you’ll understand that even adults can slip up under pressure. I told Glenda the truth during our conversation because I had to be honest. You will make wrong decisions, too, but I expect you to correct that mistake, understand?”
    Austin nodded. “Was she mad at me, too?”
    “She said she respected you for telling an adult.”
    “Logan and Rylee are not gonna feel the same way.”
    Jaclyn smiled sadly. “Maybe not, but you didn’t get them in trouble. They got into it on their own when they traded those photos.” Jaclyn ran her hand down Austin’s back. “I’m proud of you, though, if that makes you feel any better.”
    “It does,” Austin said sincerely as he met her eye.
    Jaclyn kissed him on the cheek. “Is there anything else you want to discuss with me?”
    Austin shrugged. “No, ma’am.”
    Jaclyn stood. “I’m going to get ready for bed then.”
    Austin smiled up at her. “I love you.”
    “I love you, too, baby, more than I can possibly show.”

CHAPTER 13

    I have news, big news,” Brad said excitedly the next day when Morgan answered her phone. “Tonya’s pregnant.”
    Morgan’s knees nearly buckled as she stood at the kitchen sink. “What?”
    “Three months, she didn’t tell me. She’d been sick lately, and I thought it was a stomach virus. I really started hounding her about going to the doctor, and she told me. I’m gonna be a dad!”
    Brad and Tonya had been trying to have children for years, but after a miscarriage, they’d given up. Morgan grinned, knowing that this news meant the world to Brad. “Oh, my God.”
    “We’re gonna find out what it is as soon as we can. We want to know if we’re planning for a girl or a boy. I don’t care what it is, I’m gonna be a freaking dad! And you’re gonna be an aunt. I made a baby, Morgan. I did that…well, Tonya, too, but I made a baby!”
    “Aw, Brad, I’m so happy for you and Tonya. This is fantastic news.”
    “Dad’s proud, I know he is. He’s up there right now pumping his fist and Mom too. I just wish they would’ve been here to share in the excitement.” Brad’s tone wasn’t somber when he said, “You will be, though. Aunt Morgan, it has a ring to it, doesn’t it?”
    “I could get used to being called that,” she said with a laugh. “How’s Tonya feeling?”
    “A little pukish but on top of the world. She’s already been to the doctor, and she says everything looks really good. Today, we’re going shopping for new clothes, and I’m gonna buy like a case of orange juice because I heard that’s good for the mom and baby. This is the very first time I’ve been excited about going to the mall with her.”
    Morgan swallowed down the ball of emotion welling in her throat. Of all the news she could’ve gotten, this was the best. “I’m so happy, little brother.”
    “Me too. You’re the first person I’ve told. Now I have a few calls to make, oh, and a baby bed to shop for.”
    “Send me pictures of the stuff you buy.”
    “I will. Love you.”
    “Love you, too.” Morgan set the phone down with a smile on her face. Brad’s dream had finally come true, and if their father was watching like Brad believed he was, then Robert Chassion was cutting backflips. She stared out at the lake as she recalled a conversation they’d had.
    “He’s really upset, isn’t he?”