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littermates.”
    Cat names had always struck him as pretentious. He was a dog man himself. Dogs had forthright names like Buster and Max. “Where’d you get those handles?”
    â€œThe bard. Viola and Sebastian are the sister and brother in Twelfth Night. ”
    â€œOh.” Shakespeare. It figured. If he ever had a cat, God forbid, did that mean he should call it Euclid?
    They sat in silence, slowly drinking the tea. She appeared lost in thought, but finally looked up. “I’m scared.”
    That was an admission he’d never have anticipated from the Pam Carver he knew. “You don’t need to tell me, if—”
    â€œIt’s time I talked to somebody, and it looks like you’re elected.”
    â€œYou can trust me, Pam.”
    â€œI do.”
    Her sincerity touched him. “Is there a man in the picture? Are you planning to marry?”
    â€œNo man.” Then she gave a short, derisive laugh. “Obviously there was one. But marriage isn’t an option.”
    Grant was confused by his reaction. How could he be relieved to hear that? “Does he know?”
    â€œNo. And he’s not going to.”
    â€œIs that fair? Maybe he would want to be involved. Help.”
    â€œPlease.” Her eyes begged. “You’ll have to take my word for it. I’m in this by myself. For good.”
    The enormity of her predicament was hard to imagine. “It’ll be tough being a single mother. I’m sure you’ve thought of that. Have you considered…you know…?”
    Her cheeks flamed. “That’s not an option. I want this baby very much. This may be my only chance to become a mother. You’ve surely noticed I’m not getting any younger.” The edge in her voice cut off any inept, glib response. “So I simply have to figure out where to go from here.”
    â€œDoes anyone else know?”
    â€œNo. And I don’t plan for them to until it has to come out.” She drew the throw closer around her shoulders. “I’ll have to resign then.”
    That would really be a blow for her. She was a born teacher, but schools—especially private schools—couldn’t overlook what might be viewed as “immoral” behavior. And Keystone? For the second time that day, the school motto came to him. Caring, Character, Curiosity. Jim Campbell, the headmaster, was big on character, but even if he found a way to ease Pam’s situation, would the trustees go for an unmarried, pregnant English department chairman? Pam was in a no-win situation. “Jeez, I suppose you’re right. What then?”
    She looked directly at him. “I don’t know. I wish I did.” She crossed her arms over her stomach, as if protecting her womb. “But I’ll tell you one thing.” Hervoice held the old spark. “I will do whatever I must to love and support this baby.”
    â€œYou’ve got guts.” Pam had always been a fighter. She’d need to be now.
    â€œI figure I’ll be able to make it at school until Thanksgiving, at least. That should give me time to line up some other type of work.”
    â€œHave you seen a doctor?”
    â€œI’m not very far along. Except for morning sickness, I feel fine. I’ll try to locate a doctor this week. One that has nothing to do with Keystone School.” She reached for her cup, then took several sips. “I’m sorry to burden you with this.”
    He rose to his feet. “It’s no burden.” He picked up his cup and saucer and carried them to the kitchen divider, then returned to her. “You’re brave. You’ll manage.” He stood awkwardly, feeling helpless. “What about your family? Can they help?”
    â€œNot really. My mother’s dead. My father and I are very close.” She ducked her head. “He’ll be disappointed in me at first.”
    He waited.
    Then she looked up. “But