Chapter 212

“What’s the matter?” Papa asked from somewhere behind her.

“Just take it easy, honey,” Nana said nearby. “Papa, get that bag out of the back, the one we brought with the bread and watermelon.”

The sound of the back hatch opening and then closing sounded far away as the nausea took control of Sandra’s actions, yet within a few moments her grandmother was by her side, easing her down to the running board of the old Bronco.

“Here,” she said, pushing a piece of homemade bread into Sandra’s hand. “Eat this, you’ll feel better.”

Sandra obeyed and began nibbling on the chunk of bread as Creighton wiped the sweat off her brow with the handkerchief Papa handed him.

“It will pass in a few minutes,” he told her gently.

“What’s going on?” Papa asked. “What’s the matter with her?”

“Oh Papa, can’t you guess?” Nana scolded. “She and Creighton have been together for two months. You add up the signs. The mood swings, the increased appetite, always tired, the nausea.”

“Sandra!” her grandfather gasp