Unbidden

Chapter 5

As May approached the fundraising  efforts for the mission trip kicked into gear.  The group planned to have a bake sale during the second weekend of May.  Robin volunteered to make some goodies and enlisted some help.  Lisa agreed to join her and BJ offered the use of her kitchen.  It was large with every gadget and gizmo one could dream up.  That’s what happened when an Interior Designer married a Construction Foreman.

“I feel like I haven’t hung out with you guys in forever,” Robin declared as she unloaded her groceries onto BJ’s counter.

“Well, we haven’t really.  Everyone seemed to be busy there for a while,” BJ agreed.  Despite being almost seven months pregnant she still moved around the kitchen with ease.

“BJ, you make pregnancy look so easy,” Robin mused.

BJ snorted.  “If you say so.”

“No, she’s right,” Lisa chimed in.  “You’re one of those women who glows, makes being pregnant look beautiful.”

“I sure don’t feel beautiful when I’m running to pee every five minutes.  And it’s not even running anymore.  It’s more like fast shuffling.”

Robin laughed.  “Don’t worry.  I’ll have you back on the trails in no time when that baby gets here.”

BJ’s expression said she didn’t agree. Robin just smiled and turned to dig her recipes from her bag.

“Lisa, have you and Bryan talked about another baby?”

Robin’s hands stilled in mid search and she looked up in surprise.  It had been a question she’d wanted to ask but hadn’t.  Despite attending church service since Easter, Lisa hadn’t opened up much more about the miscarriage or her feelings.

Lisa fiddled with the place mat in front of her, pausing before she answered.  “Yeah, we did.  We decided to wait a while.  I wasn’t sure I was ready the first time so we’re going to give it a little more time before trying again.”

BJ nodded.  “That’s good.  Babies aren’t something to rush in to.”

Lisa didn’t reply and Robin could feel her uneasiness.  “Well, I sure hope you’re not waiting for me.  I’m not doing the marriage and kid thing, remember?”

BJ snorted.  “Whatever Robin.  I’ll remind you of that on your wedding day.”

Robin glanced back at Lisa, relieved to see her smiling again.  Soon they were pulling out bowls and measuring ingredients and Lisa relaxed back to her normal self.  Robin made a mental note to keep the Wirts in her prayers.

“So tell us more about this mission trip.  Where are you staying? What will you be doing?” BJ prodded as she scooped cookies onto a baking sheet.

Robin blew hair from her eyes and continued mixing the pie crust with her hands.  “We’ll be staying in a hotel.  They go to the same place every year. It’s nothing fancy, but it does have a pool, which I’m thankful for.  We were told to be prepared  The humidity down there is about 110% and during the summer it can be well over a hundred degrees.”

Lisa raised her eyebrows.  “Good grief.  You  guys are going to melt.”

Robin nodded.  “Hence why I’m glad we have a pool.  Also, the women aren’t allowed to wear pants or shorts.  We have to take skirts or dresses.”

BJ wrinkled her nose.  She liked her jeans as much as Robin.  “Why?”

“It’s their custom.  Christian women in Grenada don’t wear pants and we’re respecting that custom.”