Hold Me

Still, there was no avoiding what had happened. She’d gotten pregnant, and now she was married. Not exactly her master plan, but she was dealing. Being responsible and adult, if one ignored hot sex in an empty house. Fortunately, she was as good at ignoring the obvious as the next person.

She drew in a deep breath then pushed open the door and smiled when she saw several of her friends sitting at a table.

Shelby and Dellina waved her over. Madeline turned and grinned then pointed to the empty chair next to her. Cassidy was there, as well. A couple of empty chairs remained, indicating they were expecting a big crowd.

“I’m trying to convince everyone to come with me Friday night to see the new Jonny Blaze movie,” Madeline admitted as Destiny took her seat. “Say you’ll come. It’s going to be great.”

Shelby wrinkled her nose. “Violent movies aren’t my thing.”

“This isn’t real violence,” Madeline told her. “It’s cartoony. Death is very tidy, and then we move on.”

“You’re weird,” Cassidy said cheerfully. “I like that about you.”

Madeline beamed. “Thank you. How are you enjoying Fool’s Gold?”

“It’s great. Everyone is friendly.” Cassidy wrinkled her nose. “Maybe too friendly.” She turned to Destiny. “I’ve had to tell your friend Miles to back off a couple of times. Hello, married, and so not interested in anyone but my hunky husband.”

“I’m sorry,” Destiny murmured and glanced at Shelby. The other woman had gone pale.

Now Shelby stood. “I’ll be back in a bit. Order without me.”

Destiny followed her to the doorway. “Is it Miles?”

“Yes. I need to talk to him about a broken promise.”

Destiny kind of didn’t want to know what that was about. “Should I come with you?”

“No. I can yell at him all on my own.”

Larissa and a very pregnant Taryn walked in and joined them. Destiny hesitated, but Shelby turned and waved for her to go back to the table. Destiny walked with Taryn, eyeing her, wondering if she would look as uncomfortable when she was that far along.

From the back, Taryn looked sleek and slim, but from the side and front, she was huge. Just her stomach—not her face or shoulders or legs. Other women Destiny had known had gotten heavier all over. It was a more balanced look, but would require more weight loss later.

She supposed her doctor would tell her what was the healthy amount to gain. Speaking of which, she needed to find a gynecologist and schedule a visit.

Cassidy pulled out a chair for Taryn. “How are you feeling?”

“Huge. It’s awful. Biology sucks.”

Cassidy patted her arm. “That’s my brave little toaster. Always keeping your feelings to yourself so you don’t upset those around you.”

“Bite me.”

Cassidy laughed.

Jo came by and took drink orders.

“You taunt me, and it’s mean,” Taryn said, glaring at the specials board on the wall. The first one was a berry margarita. “I swear when this kid is born, I’m going to get drunk for three days.”

“You’re not,” Cassidy said cheerfully. “You’re going to be breastfeeding.”

Taryn glared at her. “Don’t start with me. You think you’re all skinny and tough, but I could take you.”

Cassidy’s amusement grew. “Like I’d take on a pregnant woman.”

Taryn sighed. “Fine. Four months after this kid is born, I’m getting really, really drunk. Until then, make me that stupid herbal iced tea drink. It’s not completely gross.”

Jo glanced at her. “Love the endorsement. I’ve been thinking of doing some TV advertising. I should have you as my spokesperson.”

“Very funny,” Taryn grumbled. “And I’m sorry. I’m huge. I can’t sleep. My feet are swollen, and none of my good shoes fit. Kill me now.”

Everyone laughed, then continued with their drink orders. Destiny glanced at Taryn then back at Jo. “She made the herbal iced tea sound so good, I’ll try one.”

“You’ll love it,” Jo assured her then turned back to Taryn. “I have a new salad. Fresh, organic and locally sourced. High protein with some quinoa.”

Taryn made a gagging sound. Jo chuckled and walked away.

“It’s her way of expressing love,” Madeline said. “Jo takes care of people, and we love her for it.”

“I know,” Taryn said with a sigh.

“The salad sounds delicious,” Larissa admitted. “I think I’ll get it.”

“You would,” Taryn grumbled.

“I agree with her,” Cassidy added.

Destiny had a feeling she was saying that to bug Taryn. The two women seemed to have made good friends fairly quickly. Not a likely friendship, but one that seemed solid.

Conversation swirled around her. Talk about upcoming festivals, the great weather, the crazy things tourists had done. The usual stuff. Jo returned with the drinks, took their lunch orders then left. Destiny knew she was running out of time.

Not sure what to say, exactly, she put her left hand on the table. Light glinted from her gold wedding band. She stared at the ring, searching for the right words. In the end she figured she would just blurt it out. Simply say—

“OMG, is that real?” Madeline asked. “Destiny Mills, are you wearing a wedding ring?”