Page 91 of Playboy Billionaire

Dolly and Ben had made it in time for the Thanksgiving feast, having flown in the day before. Walt’s eyes sparkled, and he couldn’t keep them off his date Emma. Of course, Archie was on standby for any scraps that might come his way.

They all bowed their heads while Luis prayed. They then began passing the food around, everyone but Penelope heaping their plates high.

Josie frowned, “Why aren’t you eating?”

“I’m feeling a little nauseous. I’m so sorry, everything looks so good.”

“That’s an excuse. I expect you to try a little of everything. How long are you going to mope around after a man?”

Dolly said, “You tell her Josie. She never listens to me.”

“I’m hardly moping. I’m riding Raven every day, I’m painting again, I’m reading, basically I’m on retreat.”

“Lo que sea, you can say that, but you can’t fool Josie, I’ve got my eyes on you,” Josie said, shaking her head. “I’m happy thatalmosteverybody here likes my cooking.” They all laughed.

Penelope took a deep breath and blew it out. “I’m grateful to all of you for being here today. You’re my friends, but really, you’re my family. I have something to share.”

Everyone stilled, since Penelope wasn’t prone to grandstanding.

She felt all eyes boring into her. “This cannot go any further, you all have to promise.” Everyone nodded their heads, looking more curious by the second.

“I’m pregnant.”

There was a long pause, then everyone started talking at once.

Josie said, “Oh Dios mio.”

“Penelope! When did you find out?”

“A week ago. Walt remember when I had you drive me to town?”

He nodded his head, “I was wondering what was so important that ya yanked me away from stacking hay. I can’t wait to teach ’em how to wrangle.”

Penelope laughed, “I would be disappointed otherwise.”

“I will make homemade baby food. None of that processed stuff,” Josie said.

“Can I be the godmother?” Dolly asked.

“Yes!”

Penelope felt her burden lift. She was not alone. She had everything she needed. Financial security, a home, and her friends. She could do this. For the first time since she had left Griffin, she knew in her heart that she and this baby were going to be fine. And this baby would have heaps of love.

* * *

As Penelope was brushing her teeth there was a knock at her door. “It’s Dolly.”

“Come on in.” She rinsed her mouth and went in and sat on her bed.

Dolly plopped down beside her. “Hey, I’m excited that I’m going to be an auntie!”

“You’ll be a fabulous aunt. What about me? Do you think I’ll be able to do this mom thing?”

Dolly snorted, “Are you kidding me? Archie, what do you think? Is she a great mom or what?” Penelope laughed at Archie who had cocked his head to the side at the mention of his name. “All kidding aside, you’re going to be a great mom.”

“Are you happy for me?”

“As long as it’s what you want, I’m ecstatic.”

---