The Fourth Trumpet by Theresa Jenner Garrido Read Free Book Online Page B

it’s nice to have a man around the house. Especially now. And poor Carrie. I don’t know how I’d be acting if I were in her shoes. Imagine being close to delivering your first child in this horrible setting.”
    “Yes, it is a tragedy.” He pinched a corner of one the cooling cookies and grinned when Andrea slapped at his hand. “Sorry. Too tempting.”
    “That’s dessert, mister. Hands off.”
    “Yes, ma’am. Boy, you’re a regular drill sergeant.”
    “You got that right.” Andrea saluted.
    “So, how old are you?”
    “Seventeen. Why?”
    He shrugged. “Just wondered. Knew you weren’t in junior high, but—”
    “Oh, please. I’ll be eighteen in three weeks, if that clarifies anything.”
    “It does. Quite nicely.”
    She lowered her eyes, felt heat seeping into her cheeks. “You probably think I’m horribly immature.”
    “No. I wasn’t thinking that at all. Sorry if I gave that impression.”
    “No, it’s okay. Forget it. Like I said, dinner’s just about ready.”
    “Thanks, Andrea.” His grin widened. “For the record. I’m glad you’re here, too. Don’t know what I’d do with a distraught pregnant woman all by myself. God, the thought alone gives me hives.”
    “Exactly how far along is she? Do you know?”
    “Uh, I think eight months. Won’t swear to it, though. I mean, Rob and I became friends almost immediately—having engineering in common—but well, we didn’t exactly dwell on the subject of his wife’s pregnancy. You know?”
    “From the looks of her, I’d say you’re probably right on. I was afraid for a while that she’d go into labor, she was so upset. I can’t imagine having to deliver a baby in this mess.”
    “Lord, I hope not. I’ll do my best to keep her calm. Rob was— is —a good guy. I can do that much for his poor wife.”
    “Yeah.” Andrea turned her focus to the bubbling sauce. She bit her tongue to keep from bursting into tears. The depravity of their situation seemed too much to handle.
    Keith grunted, patted her back and returned to the living room. Andrea heard the lid on the wood box open and knew he was replenishing the fire. Five minutes later, her nerves under control and dinner done, Andrea called Keith to come help carry in the dinner. They cleared off the coffee table and set plates, forks, and napkins for three. Andrea brought out wineglasses and a bottle of red wine she found in the wine rack.
    “I don’t think Uncle Mike’ll mind that we raided his wine cellar.”
    “Great. This’ll make it all the more festive.” Keith chuckled and then glanced at Carrie with concern. “Oh, sorry, Carrie. I guess you aren’t supposed to drink alcohol while pregnant. Right?”
    Carried waved his apology away. “Don’t worry. I’m going to have half a glass anyway. Maybe it’ll help me sleep.”
    “Well, if you’re sure it’s all right.”
    “I’ll be fine, Keith. I’m only having a few sips.”
    He poured the wine, giving Andrea a half glass and himself a full portion. When Carrie objected to the very small amount he’d poured in her glass, he said with mock severity, “Nope. That’s all you get. Can’t have Rob on my back for intoxicating his wife and baby.”
    At the stricken look that washed over Carrie, Keith’s face blanched. Andrea held her breath, expecting the young woman to lose it again. Carrie, after a grimace and a shake of her head, picked up her glass, raised it and smiled. “Here’s to us.” Before either Keith or Andrea could move, she brought the glass to her lips and swallowed its contents in one gulp. She set the glass back on the table and leaned back in the recliner. “More, please.”
    “Carrie.”
    “Keith! I said, more, please. And fill the glass this time.”
    Keith glanced at Andrea, who only shrugged and lowered her eyes. With an audible sigh, he poured wine in the woman’s empty glass. For several minutes, they ate and drank in silence—the crackling fire, their sole accompaniment.
    After