Chapter 4: Sharing the News

Later that night Elliott and I were sitting on the couch together watching the cooking show. He had one arm around my shoulder and his other hand rested on my belly. I laid my head on his shoulder and had a hand on our cat Bast, petting her fur absentmindedly as my thoughts drifted back to earlier.

I still couldn't quite believe that I was pregnant. It was all so new. Would I be a good mother? Would I be able to take care of a baby and still be able to run the farm?

Elliott leaned over and kissed the top of my head, jolting me out of my thoughts.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked.

"The baby," I responded, "and how different our lives are gonna be."

He gently stroked my still flat belly. "You're right," he said. "It will be different. We're sailing into uncharted waters here. But we'll manage." He kissed me again. "Together."

I smiled up at him. "I love you." I said.

He smiled back. "I love you too." He replied.

"So…" he added after a few minutes of silence. "When do you want to share the news?"

I thought for a second. "How about this Friday at the Saloon? Everyone will be there anyway," I reasoned.

"Friday it will be." He grinned. "How thrilled I am to share my joy with all of Pelican town. I will await the moment with bated breath."

I laughed. "Me too."

Time passed and soon Friday evening came, finding us just outside the Stardrop Saloon. Elliott gripped my hand tightly.

"Ready?" He asked.

I took a deep breath. "Ready." I confirmed. We entered the saloon together.

Gus greeted us as we walked in. "I'll be with you in a second." He said, handing a beer to Pam. We sat at the bar and he came over.

"Ruby, Elliott, the usual I presume?" He asked. I shook my head.

"Just water for me today," I said. "And maybe some pizza," I added as an afterthought.

"Same here," Elliott said. I looked at him.

"Just because I can't drink doesn't mean you can't either," I said.

"I want to give you my full support, and I can't do that if I'm drunk," he pointed out. "And we both know how I get when drunk."

I laughed as I remembered one night near the end of my first spring here in the valley. Elliott had come to the saloon to relax after an eight hour writing session and we ended up toasting our friendship and drinking together. He started dancing like a maniac and, two hours and countless drinks later, got so wasted Leah had to help me carry him back to his cabin.

Gus set down a glass of water and a slice of pizza in front of both of us. "Enjoy," he said before walking off to serve someone else.

"Would you like to eat or share the news first?" Eliott asked me.

I took a sip of my water before responding. "Let's share it first," I said. "Give everyone a reason to celebrate." I added jokingly.

"As you wish," my husband said, planting a kiss on my forehead before standing.

"Could I have your attention please," he called. Slowly everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at us.

"Ruby and I have some joyous news to share," He continued, smiling down at me. "My dear, would you like to do the honors? After all, you are the one bringing such happiness into our lives."

I nodded and got to my feet, looking around at everyone. I took Elliott's hand. "I'm pregnant!" I announced.

There was a moment of silence, then everyone began to cheer and congratulate us. Willy and Leah clapped Elliott on the back and Emily smiled at me from across the counter. Even Shane gave a genuine smile as he sipped his beer.

We sat back down and began to enjoy our food. After a few bites, though, I had to stop because I started to feel nauseous. I gently pushed the plate away.

"Are you alright?" Elliott asked worriedly.

I shook my head, which was a mistake. I stood and ran out of the saloon. I managed to make it outside just in time and ended up throwing up in a bush.

Elliott followed me out of the saloon and placed a gentle hand on my back, rubbing soothingly.

"Feeling better now?" He asked softly. I nodded.

"A little," I said. "I don't think I'll be able to eat anything, though."

"Do you want to go home?"

"Yes, please." I said. "Let's say goodbye to everyone before we go."

"Alright," he agreed, putting his arm around me. Together we walked back into the saloon.

"Are you feeling better, Ruby?" Mayor Lewis asked when he noticed us.

"Yes, but it is time for us to return home," I responded.

"Yes," Elliott added. "Goodnight, everyone. We hope you have a pleasant evening."