Because of the Baby by Debbie Macomber Page A

stops along the winter trails, they cool down by rolling in the snow. For the first mile of a run, they’re excited and excitable, but even an inexperienced musher can learn to manage them. After the first day or so, everyone will come to know the dogs by name and personality.”
    Since he offered something new and interesting, Matt fielded the majority of the questions. As with his audiences in other cities, he felt he’d accomplished his purpose. The travel agents certainly seemed enthusiastic. But even as he was speaking, his gaze was drawn back to Karen. Pride be damned. He wasn’t letting her off the hook so easily. If she wanted to walk out, fine, but he made sure she knew he’d seen her.
    Following the question-and-answer session, the applause was vigorous. Matt gathered his notes, glancing up only once to see if he could find Karen. His heart fell when he realized she was nowhere in sight.
    Then, when he was convinced she’d run away like a frightened rabbit, he turned around and found her standing no more than a foot away.
    At close range, she looked paler than she had from the other end of the room. His concern was immediate.
    â€œKaren, have you been ill?”
    â€œNo. Well, you wouldn’t call it ill.”
    The woman spoke in riddles.
    â€œMatt, do you have time for a drink?”
    She was actually inviting him. That was progress. He frowned at his watch, wanting her to sweat it out. “I suppose.” He tried to make it sound as if he was squeezing her in between appointments.
    Carrying his briefcase, he led the way to the hotel’s cocktail lounge and ordered two glasses of white wine.
    â€œNo, just one glass,” Karen said to the waitress. “I’ll have an herbal tea. Any kind.”
    Matt looked at her in astonishment. “Tea? I thought you liked wine.”
    â€œI’m avoiding alcohol,” she explained, her eyes averted.
    He wondered why, but he wasn’t going to ask. She was the one with the agenda here, and frankly he was more than a little curious about what she wanted to say.
    â€œI was impressed with your answers to the questions,” she began. “I’d hoped to be here for your presentation, but…I wasn’t feeling well earlier,” she said, sounding shaky and uncertain. She rallied and continued. “Lanni mailed me one of your brochures. They look terrific.”
    â€œThanks.” He wasn’t going to make this easy for her. Not after the grief she’d given him, the pain she’d caused.
    â€œShe told me you’ve been getting reservations ever since you went on tour.”
    â€œSo I understand.”
    Their drinks arrived and Matt signed the bill with his room number. He noticed that when Karen sipped her tea, her hand trembled. Now he was beginning to get worried.
    â€œKaren, what did you mean earlier about being sick?”
    â€œI’m not sick.”
    â€œOh, yeah, I can tell. How much weight have you lost?” He hadn’t intended to be sarcastic, but he hated cat-and-mouse games. If she had something to say, he wished she’d just spit it out.
    He waited for her answer, determined not to speak again until she’d said something relevant; she remained silent. His resolve lasted all of one minute.
    â€œHow’s the career coming?” he asked, hoping she noticed his choice of words. She’d worked for the engineering firm forthree years. She was an employer’s dream—conscientious, organized, efficient. He hadn’t been surprised that when her boss was promoted he’d made her his executive assistant and moved her to California with him.
    â€œGreat.”
    Somehow Matt didn’t believe her.
    â€œMr. Sullivan giving you problems?” he asked. In some ways, the older man was more like a father to Karen. Matt couldn’t imagine Sullivan creating difficulties for her.
    â€œActually he’s been very understanding about the time I’ve