Child of Grace. Irene Hannon

for all contingencies.”

      “God will give you the answer in His time.”

      “The trouble is, I’m running out of time.”

      “You still have two months. And if you decide to give up the baby for adoption, all the arrangements are in place with the agency I contacted on your behalf. Try not to let the pressure get to you.”

      “It’s hard not to, the way the weeks are flying by.” She ran a finger down the spine of the book. “You know, a year ago, if someone had predicted that in twelve months I’d be pregnant, living in Gram’s cottage and making quilts for a living, I’d have thought they were crazy. I was totally focused on my goal of being a vice president by the time I was forty.” She shook her head. “So much for plans.”

      “Is your new life losing its luster?”

      “Not at all. I don’t miss the corporate rat race one iota. I may not make the big bucks anymore, but my life is more in balance and the creative work feeds my soul. I’m just sorry it took such a traumatic wake-up call for me to see the light.” The baby kicked, and she touched her stomach. “I can even have a family if I want one.”

      “Raising a child alone is difficult, Kelsey. Especially under your circumstances.”

      At the minister’s quiet comment, a pang echoed in her heart. They’d had similar discussions several times over the past few months, though he’d never before been as direct.

      “Don’t you think I’m up to it?”

      “I think you are a very strong woman who can achieve whatever you set out to accomplish. Your success in the corporate world proves that. So does your decision to change your life in the face of opposition from family and coworkers. But this decision isn’t just about you. It’s also about what’s best for your child. He or she deserves unconditional love, Kelsey.”

      “You don’t think I can offer that?”

      “Only you can answer that question. No one would blame you if you couldn’t.”

      Tears pricked Kelsey’s eyes, and she looked over the sparkling water, blinking them away. “I didn’t think I could in the beginning. I wanted nothing to do with this baby. But now…” Her hand moved over her stomach. “I’ve felt him or her kick. I’ve seen the ultrasounds. I’ve heard the heartbeat. This child is part of me, Reverend. How can I give away part of myself?”

      “I know it’s a very, very difficult decision, Kelsey. One best made after much prayer. But whatever you decide, you’ve already done the noble thing by carrying the child to term. That’s more than most people would expect.”

      Her jaw stiffened in resolution. “There was never a question in my mind about that.”

      “I admire the strength of your convictions. And you’ll continue to be in my prayers as you wrestle with your decision.” He leaned over and patted her hand. “Now I’ll continue my constitutional, as my grandfather called it. A walk is good for body and soul, and a stroll through Douglas is always pleasant when business brings me here.”

      “I agree. Walking has become the centerpiece of my exercise program.” Even after the baby was born, it would remain so. Kelsey had no further interest in jogging.

      “Good, good.” He slid out of the swing, but remained beside it, hands clasped behind him. “By the way, I spoke with Captain Turner this morning. He said you had a productive meeting yesterday. Two meetings, in fact.”

      Kelsey settled back in the swing. Now they were getting to the real reason for his noontime constitutional.

      “Yes. He came by the shop. And then I ran into him on the beach near my cottage. Did he tell you we’re neighbors?”

      “He did. What a remarkable coincidence. But not a favorable one for you, he seems to think. I got the feeling he’s concerned that his presence has been disruptive for you.”

      “It has been unsettling. As far back as I can remember, I’ve felt safe in Gram’s cottage and on her beach. Pier Cove always seemed untouched by the world. Now, with a lone male so close by…” She let her voice trail off.

      “Given your recent experience, I can understand how that would make you uneasy. But the captain strikes me as a man of honor and integrity. Someone to be trusted, not feared.”