Page 51 of The Secret to a Southern Wedding

“My dad wants a roast for dinner on Thursday. You know about Thursday dinner?”

Her smile tightened even more before she nodded. “I do. I guess we really are becoming one big family, huh.”

She laughed with the words. He guessed it was supposed to sound light, but it came out tight and forced. He couldn’t muster up more than a soft grunt. Yeah, they were doing this for their parents’ benefit. The thought make him feel as good as it had two weeks ago.

Stop it. Your dad is happy again. Imani is leaving. This can’t work.

Mr. Crowley came from the back. He spotted Cyril and grinned. “Well, hello there! I got both of you in here now. Soon-to-be best man and maid of honor, huh. I bet you’re both excited.”

“Thrilled,” Cyril said.

Imani nodded stiffly. “Yeah.”

Mr. Crowley didn’t pick up on the sarcasm in their voices and continued talking. “Imani, I’ve got your three pounds of chicken breast. I get that a lot of people love the breast, but I prefer a juicier cut from the chicken. Give me a nice leg or thigh any day. What about you, Cyril? Breast, leg or thigh?”

Don’t think about it. Don’t be juvenile. Don’t think about it.

The mantra didn’t help. Thoughts of Imani’s beautiful breasts, lean legs and toned thighs pressed against him filled his head. He was a twelve-year-old trapped in the body of a thirty-eight-year-old man.

“I like all three,” he said glancing at Imani. Her eyes darted away from his. He really hoped she hadn’t realized he wasn’t referring to chicken parts. “Umm... Mr. Crowley, my dad said he called ahead for a shoulder roast?”

Crowley nodded and waved a finger. “He did. Said y’all were having a family dinner. I’ve got it together for you.”

“Thank you.” The faster he could get out of there the better.

“Let me ring up your girl Imani here and then I’ll get you ready.”

Cyril’s heart picked up a beat. If only she were his girl. He nodded and scratched his nose. “Thanks.”

The door to the market opened and Cyril breathed a sigh of relief that someone else would be in the shop to distract him and make it easier to put thoughts of kissing Imani out of his mind. Kaden came in, breathing heavily and sweat beading along his brow.

Cyril frowned. It wasn’t hot enough outside for that much sweat. “Kaden, are you good?”

He waved a hand and nodded. “Yeah, just a little tired.” He put a hand on his extended belly and wavered.

Imani pushed past Cyril and hurried over to Kaden. “Are you sure? How are you feeling?”

Kaden grinned and patted Imani’s shoulder. “It’s nothing, really. I just finished putting something on the back of my truck and it’s got me feeling a little dizzy. That’s all.”

“You shouldn’t exert yourself right now,” she said. She held a hand near his belly. “Is it okay if I touch you?” After Kaden nodded, Imani placed her hand on his stomach and frowned. “Are you feeling anything else?”

Kaden shrugged. “Nothing too terrible. I’ve had a headache today and a little pain, but it’s nothing I haven’t felt before.”

Imani’s frown deepened. “How long has this been going on?”

“A few weeks, but for real, Imani, I’m good.”

“You’re also pregnant. You should take notice of things like this. Is anything else feeling off? Have you told your doctor?”

Kaden frowned. “I did call my doctor, but she’s in Atlanta and her next appointment isn’t available until next week.”

Mr. Crowley grunted and shook his head. “You shouldn’t have to go to Atlanta. It’s ridiculous that Dr. Baker refuses to see you because you’re trans. I mean, everyone in this town watched you grow up and knows you. Nothing else should matter.”

Kaden tried to smile, but the lines around his mouth proved he was uncomfortable. “Everyone in this town doesn’t feel the way you do, Mr. Crowley. It’s all good. I’d rather see a doctor who wants to help me than deal with someone who hates my existence.”

Imani sighed as she rubbed Kaden’s back. “I understand that, but you could still go to the emergency room if something happens and you can’t get to Atlanta. Better safe than sorry.”

Kaden nodded. “I understand. I’ll keep that in mind.” He took a step forward and then stumbled.

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