The only reason I knew Aiden was back in town was because Mary Ellen called to tell me how incredible the good-bye sex had been. I didn’t need to know that.

I was tempted to tell her pregnancy sex was even better, but I kept my mouth shut. We were going to keep the secret until I hit the second trimester mark.

I hadn’t seen Aiden near the Dunes. I kept my eyes peeled for his convertible. I assumed since he filed the lawsuit he was done trying to finesse his way into our lives. He had a one-track business mind now. I was out of ideas. Cole seemed determined to file a counter suit. The last thing I wanted was our lives embroiled in endless months of legal battles.

We had happier things to focus on, but I think knowing baby number two was on the way made him want the Dunes even more.

Today was a good day though. Cole was on his way to see the orthopedic specialist to get the ok to have his brace removed. My fingers had been crossed since I woke up this morning. No brace meant he was going to have full mobility.

I had three final bridesmaid responsibilities: tonight’s bachelorette party, the rehearsal dinner, and the wedding. Tomorrow night was Sasha and Cal’s rehearsal dinner. Afterward, her parents were throwing a party at their beach house. The wedding was at five Saturday night. We’d have all day to get ready and help Sasha with her nerves.

It seemed, as long as she was around Cal, she was completely fine. Remove him from the equation and she became an instant wreck. I was certain after the wedding she would be fine. They needed the honeymoon they had planned.

October on the island was still warm, but not sweltering like the summer. Even if it was rushed, Sasha had chosen the perfect time of year to get married.

The bachelorette party was going to be small: Mindy, Tara, the bride, and me. There was no way we’d let the wedding overwhelm Sasha tonight. She needed a night of fun before the real insanity started.

I closed the office and made my way to the beach cottage. I had thirty minutes to get ready before I met the girls for drinks. Drinks that I had to pretend to make my tipsy.

My phone rang.

“Hey!”

“Guess who is one brace-less man?” Cole sounded happy.

“That is the best news! Congratulations. Now I have a dance partner for the wedding.” I laughed.

“That’s right. Walking, dancing…anything you want, baby. So, what do you say we try your naked movie idea tonight after we get Grayson to bed?”

My heart sank. “Aww, I can’t. Remember, tonight’s Sasha’s bachelorette party. I’m on my way to get dressed now. How far away are you?” I was not above being a few minutes late.

“At least forty minutes.”

My lips pouted. “Rain check?” This was the last thing I wanted to take a rain check on.

“Do you think a bachelorette party is the best idea?” He sounded serious.

“It’s not going to be margaritas for me. Water only.”

“I just don’t want you to be too tired. Or what if you get dizzy?”

I chewed on my lip. Was there anything sexier than a man worried about his baby?

“I’ll call you. If I start to feel bad at all. I promise.”

“You don’t have to go. You’ve done everything for Sasha.”

I’d rather stay home with my two boys, but this was the homestretch of the wedding events. And I was a bridesmaid.

“I won’t stay out late. And I’ll stick to gingerale and water. No strippers,” I teased.

“Fine. But I’m there the instant you need me.”

I wish he knew how happy it made me that he worried. That he cared. That he would walk through a hurricane if it meant protecting me and the baby.

“Got it. I have to go. I can’t wait to see you without that brace later.”

“We’ll celebrate my freedom when you get home.”

I laughed. “Deal.”

* * *

“I still can’t believe you are getting married, Sasha. You’re going to be a married cougar.” Tara laughed at her friend.

“I’m not that much older than him.” Sasha giggled, already drunk. She was happy and relaxed tonight. It was good to see her having fun.

As far as bachelorette parties go, this one was tame. Mindy had brought a veil for Sasha to wear, and Tara made us wear tags shaped like penises that said bridesmaid. Overall, I thought they did a good job of keeping the embarrassing bride harassment down.

We were at our third bar when I got a text from Cole. I read the text out loud.

Going out with Lance and Cal. Guys night for the groom. Grayson is at Lisa’s. Call you later.

“Oh good,” Sasha gushed. I was worried Cal wasn’t going to have any way to celebrate. Lance didn’t really step up on this one.”

“Those boys are so sweet.” Tara might have had a few glasses of champagne. I couldn’t keep track of those two. My eyes were on Sasha for the night. I didn’t want her getting sick before her rehearsal dinner.

I texted a quick response.

Hope you’re still up when I get home.

Sasha laughed. “What’s that look all about? Your cheeks turned red, Kaitlyn. Are you sexting?”

I almost spit out my gingerale. I used the designated driver excuse for the night.

“You cannot ask me that.” Although, I think I just answered her question.

Mindy, who was always the quietest one in the group, piped in. “I’m so glad you and Cole ended up together. He was no good with Amber.”

“Thanks.” I didn’t know how to respond to that. And I didn’t feel like getting into my history with Cole. I knew him long before Amber.

“Yeah, Amber was so involved in her own stuff. She never had time for Cole. It was never going to work between them.” Tara threw in her two cents.

“Ok, good to know.” I was desperately trying to think how we could turn the conversation to the wedding and away from Grayson’s mother.

We’d had a few video calls with her, and one package for Grayson, but not much. She was focused on her poetry writing.

“So, there’s a guest I have to tell you about,” Sasha announced.

Mindy and Tara looked confused.

“Ok…who?” I asked.

Sasha sucked in a big breath, and took a sip of champagne before spilling the secret. “My mom invited Aiden and he’s bringing a date.”

“You’re kidding.” I stared at a spot on her veil. It kept my eyes from bulging out of my head.

“No, I’m not. He’s doing some kind of deal with my dad, and she said she had to invite him. They are some kind of business partners now. I’m sorry. Again.”

The vision of dancing in Cole’s arms under a moonlit Texas night at the reception fizzled. All the romance would be washed away the instant he set eyes on Aiden. So much for that.

“Sasha, don’t worry about it. All I care about is you and Cal. Let’s have a toast.” I raised my glass. This was supposed to be a bachelorette party. Not my pity-party.

Tara and Mindy picked up their glasses from the bar. “To the bride.”

“Yes, to the bride.” I took a sip of the gingerale, glad it was cold, and smiled brightly. I was starting to feel queasy. The last thing I wanted to do was call Cole if he was out with the guys.

Sasha beamed and finished the rest of her bubbly. “Ok, next bar!”

I didn’t know how many places she planned to go to tonight, but I didn’t complain. I was along for the ride no matter when it stopped.