Page 94 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“Yes, we do.” Waving to get Gus’s attention, Alex ordered a chardonnay and a virgin strawberry daiquiri for Suzy. “Let Hope go first.” Lowering her voice, she said, “I’m dying to know. Did you see Montana? Did Larry remember her?”

Suzy chimed in. “I worried about you the entire time you were in Nashville. I know this had to be awkward at best.”

“Awkward doesn’t begin to touch it.” Hope splayed her hands on the table. “Bottom line: Larry’s in love with Willow and they got married, as you know.” Exhaling, she added, “Larry doesn’t remember Montana, and . . . she’s dead.”

Both Suzy and Alex gasped and shouted questions, “What?” “Dead? How?”

Tracing the edge of the table, Hope’s eyes reddened. Shuddering, she said, “She hanged herself.”

“Oh, my God.” Alex’s mouth fell open. “How awful. I’m sorry. How?”

Suzy held up both hands. “Do we really need to know?”

“Yes,” Alex said, always interested in every detail.

Hope leaned forward, grim-faced. “You’re never going to believe this. Montana killed herself using one of her plant hangers.”

“Damn,” Alex said.

“That’s horrible. So sorry, hon.” Suzy reached for Hope’s hand.

Rubbing her temples, Hope said, “Listen, I’m mourning her all over again, but I refuse to go through the dreadful depression I experienced the first time around. I can’t grieve twice. I can’t have another funeral. Mentally, I can’t take it. I’ve got to move on. Larry is happy. Willow is happy.Ishould be happy.”

“That’s the spirit,” Alex said. “It sounds contrite, but I’m sure Montana would want you to get on with your life.”

Nodding, Suzy said, “I agree. Give it time. Have you talked to Willow?”

“Only a quick wave when we got home. She was parked in front of my house. I’m sure she was worried sick while we were in Nashville. It’s too soon for a deep discussion.” She managed a smile. “When Larry saw her van, Picasso, he practically galloped into her arms like a scene from a Hallmark movie featuring older hippies.” Sipping her margarita and reaching for peanuts Gus had placed in front of them, Hope said, “I believe they’re truly in love. I’ve got to figure out how to deal with them as a husband and wife.”

“You’ll find a way, hon,” Suzy said.

Brightening, Hope said, “Therewasa small breakthrough. On the trip, Larry produced an old family photo he kept in his wallet. It showed Larry, Montana, and me. After a few minutes of staring at the picture, he realized the pudgy, little girl was me.” She chuckled. “Same big, brown eyes and frizzy hair that I have now, only standing between two tall, lanky blondes.”

“Wow.” Alex leaned forward. “That’s not a small breakthrough. It’s major.”

“Definitely major,” Suzy said. “Maybe his full memory will return.”

“Maybe. Maybe not.” Hope shrugged. “I’m not sure if it was part of his memory returning or if he reasoned it was me since I insisted he go on the trip. Either way, I’m glad he has the photo and plan to get a copy of it to frame.”

“Maybe this is the start you two needed.” Alex sipped her chardonnay. “Did you have any time for fun?”

Suzy nodded, adding, “I hope you did. Nashville is a cool city.”

Plunking a lime slice into her cocktail, Hope stalled. She wasn’t ready to talk about the man she met and their special dance. Besides, he might never call. She didn’t want to be embarrassed. Normally, she told Suzy and Alex absolutely everything. But this one time she decided to keep a secret. Forcing an undetectable gaze, she said, “There wasn’t much time for pleasure. It was a long drive and emotionally draining.”

“Understandable.” Alex squeezed Hope’s arm. “We should all go there sometime. I hear they have some fun honky-tonks. Who knows? Maybe one of us would meet a cowboy.”

“Wouldn’t that be something?” Hope grinned inwardly.I already did.

Chapter 87

“About your mystery trip, Alex—” Suzy covered her mouth and nearly hurled after Gus strode past with a huge platter of fried calamari. Continuing to hold her hand over her mouth, she said, “This is the longest pregnancy ever.”

Scrunching her nose, Alex reached for her phone. “While I was sitting on the tarmac, I Googled morning sickness remedies. “I’m going to buy you a sea band bracelet. I read the reviews and some women said it helped. It can’t hurt to try, right?”

Resting her head in her hands, Suzy said, “I’ll try anything. You wouldn’t believe my newest craving. It’s pepperoni pizza, chocolate ice cream, and milk. I can’t get enough of it.” Winking, she said, “Poor Ken has to make midnight runs to the grocery store.”

“Eww,” Alex said as she raised her chardonnay in the air. “That sounds gross.”

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