Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 105868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Ophelia looked around. “Amka’s in the back.”
“That’s what I was hoping,” May replied.
They started down the narrow aisle between booths.
“Hey, Doc.”
May turned and spotted the three Thompson brothers clustered at a table to the left, flannel sleeves rolled up, caps tossed in a pile. “It’s the Thompsons,” she said. “Are you guys staying out of trouble?”
Mick lifted his bandaged hand like evidence. The white wrap was still clean and neatly secured. “Of course. We were thinking about river rafting tomorrow. Any chance you want to join us?”
Ophelia slowed and stepped half a pace closer to May without making it obvious. Yeah, sometimes her FBI instincts kicked right in, didn’t they?
“Oh, wow,” Mick said, catching sight of her. “Your friend can come too.” He stood and offered his good hand. “Mick Thompson.” He had a faint red sweep across his cheekbones from too much sun and not enough sunscreen. His grin was hopeful. “These are my brothers, Tommy and Greg,” he added. “They’re married. I’m not. I’m definitely single.”
“Ophelia Spilazzi,” she said, shaking his hand. “I’m not single.”
Mick’s shoulders sagged. “Either they’re taken in this town or they’re your doctor,” he groused. “You sure you can’t date a patient?”
“I’m very sure,” May said evenly. “And if you go rafting tomorrow, put a bag over that hand.”
“You should put one over his head,” Greg chirped.
Mick shot him a look. “Hey.”
“Doc, what about that pretty nurse?” Mick asked. “Maybe she’s free to go rafting?”
“I think the pretty nurse already told you no to a date,” May said.
Mick retook his seat. “She didn’t mean it.”
“I think she did.” May nudged Ophelia lightly. “Come on. Amka’s waiting.”
They continued toward the back, passing a row of framed photos along the wall that showed fishing tournaments, snow-covered streets, and Gus in front of the diner twenty years younger and just as stubborn-looking.
Amka sat in the last booth, a tall glass of water in front of her, condensation running down the side. Sunlight from the back windows caught in her dark hair and turned the edges bronze. “Hey,” she said, smiling as they approached. “How are things?”
“Good. I hope it’s okay I invited Ophelia,” May said as she slid into the booth. She set her bag carefully at her feet. The prenatal vitamins were inside, but she’d wait.
“Of course it’s okay.” Amka waved it off and leaned forward, her eyes bright. “I told Christian.”
Ophelia dropped into the seat next to her. “Told Christian what?”
Amka bounced in place. “That I’m pregnant.”
Ophelia turned and wrapped her arms around Amka. “Oh, Amka. That’s wonderful. Congratulations.”
“Thanks,” Amka said, laughing softly as she pulled back. “You’re not going to believe it.”
May smoothed her paper napkin over her lap. “How’d he take it?”
Amka burst out laughing so suddenly that the ice in her water clinked. “Horrible.” Her eyes danced. “It was hilarious,” she corrected herself, still grinning.
May frowned. “What do you mean horrible and hilarious?”
“No, no, no.” Amka waved a hand quickly. “He’s very excited. He’s happy. Completely. But it was like I hit him in the head with a brick.” She shook her head, amusement still crossing her expression. “He was stunned. I’ve never seen Christian stunned before.”
Ophelia clapped a hand over her mouth. “Seriously?” she mumbled through her fingers.
Amka nodded. “Honestly, it was all I could do not to laugh. He just stood there staring at me like his brain had to reboot.” She softened. “The poor guy. But he’s still going to train in Sitka. Everything’s good.” She took a sip of water. “However,” she said carefully, “he wants to get married on Saturday.”
Ophelia turned fully in the booth, one knee bumping the table. “Are you kidding?”
“Less than a week?” May repeated. “To put a wedding on?”
“I don’t want anything big,” Amka said quickly. “And I already have a dress.” She looked between them. “I’d love for you both to be in the wedding.”
Ophelia clapped her hands together once. “I’ve never been in a wedding before.”
“I have,” May admitted. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s also slightly chaotic.”
“I’m committed,” Ophelia said solemnly.
Amka eyed May. “Is there any chance you could be in the wedding and take the photographs?”
“Oh.” May paused, truly touched. “Are you sure?”
“Of course,” Amka said. “Your photographs are the best.”
That was one of the nicest things anyone had ever said to May. “I don’t know how I’m going to do both, but I’ll figure it out.” She’d only been in Knife’s Edge a short time, but somewhere along the way it had stopped feeling temporary. These women weren’t acquaintances. They were good friends. “Where are you getting married?” she asked. They needed to start planning.
“There’s only one church in town,” Amka said. “That part’s easy. The reception will probably be at the tavern. I practically live there, and Christian likes it there. The whole town will show up anyway, so it makes sense.”