From the Heart

arrive early. Closing her eyes, she began to drift again. She liked the movements inside her, liked knowing life was growing, impatient to arrive. She could almost see how they would look. A boy and a girl, she thought, with warm, brown hair and dark blue eyes. When she looked at the eyes, she would think of Jordan.
    She shifted again as she felt the distinct shove of an elbow. What was he doing now? she wondered. What time was it in California? Early enough that he might still be working? Would he have finished the book? Kasey wanted badly to findit in a bookstore, to bring it home and closet herself with it. It would bring him back, along with all the hours they had spent together in his study. She could save it for her children. They would never know it was their father who had written it, but they would learn to admire and respect him through his words. She wanted that for them and for Jordan.
    And Alison. Kasey rolled from her side to her back. She had written the girl, as she had promised. Her own zigzagging course across the country had made it impossible for Alison to answer. I should hear from her soon now, Kasey mused. I’ve been settled for nearly two months. I wrote nearly three weeks ago.
    Kasey pulled herself from bed and walked to the window. It was hot and sultry, making sleep that much more difficult. It might be best if she did forget me. I can hardly ask her to visit me now. She stroked her hand over her stomach. There’d be no way to explain to her and no way to be certain Jordan wouldn’t find out. He’ll take care of her and keep her safe. And I’ll do the same for our babies.
    The movement inside her stopped. Kasey went back to bed and slept.
     
    Dr. Brennan watched Kasey as she knelt on the ground between rows of vegetables and weeded. She was blooming. He had no worries about her physically. She was the picture of health, and strong. She had taken up her life again with characteristic enthusiasm. He was proud of her.
    He had some doubts about the wisdom of her decision, but she was dead certain. He had plans to speak with her again about Jordan, but he would give her until she had delivered and was on her feet again. The baby was his main concern. And the baby’s mother.
    “I don’t know why I planted lima beans,” she muttered and ripped at a stubborn weed. “I hate lima beans, but I just love the way they all sit in a fat little pod. I suppose I could have them bronzed.” She sat back on her heels and dusted her hands. “Some of the tomatoes are ripe. You could have them with supper tonight with the corn Lloyd Cramer gave you for his appendix.” She shielded her eyes from the sun and smiled up at him.
    “I got the best of the deal. His appendix was in bad shape.”
    “You’re so mercenary.” She held up a hand so he could help her to her feet, then she kissed him with her usual exuberance. “Do you think I should water the garden? It hasn’t rained all week.”
    He glanced up at the sky. “Watering the garden’s a sure way to bring it on. We could use it. The heat’s keeping you up at night.”
    “That, among other things.” She patted her stomach. “And, no, I’m not tired.” She laughed, anticipating his question. “I’ve got enough energy for all of us.”
    “Did you have your milk today?”
    “My carrots aren’t doing well,” Kasey responded. “I’m going to get the hose.”
    “I’ll water it this evening when it cools off. Go have a glass now.”
    “I’ll throw up,” she threatened.
    “That hasn’t worked since you were twelve.”
    She narrowed her eyes, measuring him. She knew he was every bit as stubborn as she was. “I’m going to make scalloped potatoes for dinner. And vanilla custard. That’s enough milk for anybody.”
    “You’ll get fat.”
    “I am fat.” She dashed into the house before he could comment.
    She sat at the kitchen table and peeled. A small mountain of potatoes was growing in front of her. There was something soothing in the simple, mindless chore, and she skinned more than her grandfather and she could possibly eat in a single sitting. We’ll have leftovers, she decided and glanced at the pile. All week. This is the last one, she promised herself and shook the potato in her hand. Or we’ll have to invite the neighborhood. She didn’t glance up as the door opened but continued wielding the peeler. “You might have to dig up a couple of starving patients,” she said aloud. “I got carried away here. You know,