Chapter 26

The weight of Alice's disclosure—her pregnancy—was heavy on Carson. He ran a hand through his hair, a behavior he had developed from boyhood under stress.

His nervous condition was disturbed by a subtle knock on the door. "Come in," he said in a gruff, emotionally charged voice.

Alice came in; her face was pale but calm. Her hands in front of her, she stood just inside the room. You wanted to see me, Mr. MacPherson?

Her voice carried formality that pained Carson. How had they got to this? They had been immersed in one other only a few weeks before, exchanging stolen moments and covert smiles. The space between them seemed large just now.

"Alice," Carson started and then stopped. How could he phrase what he had to say? How could he cut both of their hearts? "I had been considering what you mentioned. Regarding the babya.

Alice nodded, her expression exactly neutral. " And?"

Carson drew in a long breath. "Alice, I look out for you. I am. And considering our child makes one very tired. S