Page 3 of Sebastian

“So, speaking of Steve, did I tell you I ran into him the other day?”

“No! How’s he been? I haven’t seen him in months.”

“He seems okay. I met his new girlfriend.”

Emma busied her hands getting two slices of pie ready. “Oh really? I didn’t know he was seeing anyone.”

“Are you okay with that?”

“Of course I am! Steve was a great boyfriend, but he wasn’t the one, you know? There was a sense of comfort between us, but not the sparks. Not the butterflies. I’m happy he’s found someone and I hope she gives him all those feelings.” Emma walked from behind the counter, plates in hand, and set them down at an empty booth. “Now, come get this pie.”

“I’m coming!” Daisy walked slowly from the counter. “It’s getting harder as this belly gets bigger.”

Emma laughed. “I think that belly’s got a ways to go, Daisy.”

“I know, I’m really in for it. Why was I thinking the baby would be itty-bitty when I married a man who towers over me?”

“Love makes us think all kinds of crazy things,” Emma shrugged. “So, where were you that you ran into Steve? He’s not back in Bell Ridge, is he?”

“No. Hank and I took a ride over to Lark Lake the other day. He was in the general store when we stopped for a snack.”

“I haven’t been over there in ages.” Emma thought of the town that sat to the west of Bell Ridge.

“Another woman went missing from there. Did you hear about it?” Daisy asked her as she took a bite of her pie. “Hank is seriously worried that there might be some sort of serial kidnapping situation going on.”

“Rogersville, maybe. But Lark Lake? That town is sleepier than Bell Ridge. Seriously, what’s going on over there other than that new bed-and-breakfast being built? I can’t believe that town even has enough of a population for someone to go missing from it.”

“Em. Lark Lake might be sleepy, but it’s also so charming. You know, Hank and I have reservations at that B and B for our babymoon? We’re just hoping they finish up in time. But I can’t wait.”

“That definitely seems like something Hank would love.” Emma rolled her eyes and got a laugh from Daisy. “Is he on high alert with you now because of the missing women?”

“He’s worried. Told me this morning not to leave here before he comes to get me. Three women have gone missing in the last month. One from Rogersville, one from Silver Springs, and now one from Lark Lake. It’s scary.”

“But nobody has discovered any bodies. And all the women who have gone missing have been troubled, at least according to the news. What if they’re just leaving on their own? What’s making him think it’s something serious?”

“Em, really? You know one of the easiest groups to target would be ‘women in trouble’. Who knows if there is something going on with human trafficking or if a murderer is on the loose?” Her best friend set her fork down, pushing the half eaten pie away from herself.

“Probably need to stop watching those true crime shows after dinner, Daisy. And you need to finish that,” she pointed to the slice of pie. “My beautiful niece needs all the sugary goodness she can get. I want her to have rolls upon rolls when she makes her appearance.”

“She’s not the only one who is going to have rolls upon rolls if you keep sliding those slices of pie in front of me.” Daisy laughed as she sat back, rubbing her hand on her cute little baby bump. “And besides, we don’t know it’s a girl.”

“I’d be just as thrilled with a nephew, but you’ll see when you have her. She’s all girl. I know it in my heart.”

“Mmm, you and Hank are both so sure. But I don’t know.” Tears welled in her eyes as she bit her bottom lip.

“Oh shit. What’s wrong?” Emma set her own fork down, reaching across the table to hold her best friend’s hand.

“Shouldn’t I be the one who knows? The baby is growing inside of me and I have no clue. One day I think it’s a girl, the next a boy. I should know. I’m their mom.”

“Daisy, it’s totally fine to not have a feeling about what the baby might be. The most important thing is that you love your baby, no matter what. And you do. I see it every time you smile and pat your belly. I see it every time you roll your eyes at Hank’s over-protectiveness, yet never argue with the boundaries he holds for you. You are the best mom already, and that baby, no matter if it is a girl, or a boy, is so lucky to have you as their mom.” Emma stood and slid in beside Daisy, wrapping her in a tight hug. “Now, stop being silly and plump that baby up.” Both women laughed as Emma pushed the plate back towards Daisy.

“Fine, but when Hank has to roll me to the truck when I’m in labor because he can no longer carry me, I’m blaming you!”

* * *

It was the busy after school rush, but Emma didn’t fail to notice when a precious mom and daughter duo she hadn’t seen before walked into the bakery. She felt the all too familiar pull in her heart. Her mom would have been so proud of everything she’d accomplished, and she couldn’t stop herself from wondering how things would have played out if she’d been alive to stop the events that unfolded after her death.

Shaking the sadness from her mind, Emma plastered on a bright smile.

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