Page 114 of While We Waited

“Which explains why you ran out of biology class shouting ‘the English are coming’ when you were supposed to give your presentation,” Sophia says.

“I don’t understand why we had to give a presentation anyway. It was biology class,” I mutter.

“Public speaking is a valuable skill,” Paisley says.

I snort. “You fall asleep whenever I start to talk about the quarterly numbers.”

“Numbers are boring,” Chloe declares.

Not to me they aren’t. They’re reliable and dependable. And, best of all, I don’t need to speak to anyone when it comes to my job as the financial manager forFive Fathoms Brewing.Except for those pesky clients who refuse to pay. Lucky for me, an email will often suffice.

Numbers aren’t exciting like romance, though. If I could write romance books, I’d be a writer and spend my days in my head dreaming of ways for the hero and heroine to fall in love. But one creative writing class in college taught me I have no writing skills whatsoever. So, numbers it is.

Chloe claps her hands. “It’s time for the gender reveal. I’m totally popping the balloon with the color.”

She pushes her way through the crowd until she’s in the front. “Me first.”

She throws her dart at the board filled with balloons. Water splashes out of the balloon she hit but there’s no color. She scowls. “I want to go again.”

Sophia shoves her out of the way. “My turn.”

Chloe stomps back to us. “No fair. I’m sure I would have gotten it right with my second balloon.”

I giggle. “You were the one who insisted on going first.”

Sophia throws her dart, but her balloon doesn’t have any color either.

“I believe I have this figured out.” Paisley pushes her glasses up her nose before marching to the front. She picks up a dart, takes aim, and hits a balloon on the bottom row. It bursts and the color pink explodes.

“I knew it!” I shout before rushing to Nova and throwing my arms around her. “A girl. You’re having a girl. I’m so happy for you.”

I step back and she wipes tears from her eyes. “I’ve always wanted a little girl.”

I know she has. I’m so happy for her I’m about to burst. Nova is living her own romance novel. She deserves it after losing her parents at such a young age. She deserves all the good things.

“I’m going to spoil your daughter rotten.”

“You need to get in line.” She thumbs her finger at Hudson. “Daddy is going to spoil his little girl rotten.”

Hudson frowns as he marches to us. “Why are you crying?”

The tender way he gazes at Nova has my stomach cramping with envy. I sneak away. I don’t want to ruin their moment with my jealousy. I want my friend to have everything she’s ever wanted. Including the grumpy resort owner she claimed to hate. I knew she didn’t hate him.

One of Hudson’s brothers – I can’t tell them apart yet – jumps into the pool and several people join them, including my friends. I don’t have my swimsuit on and unlike the other people here, I’m not swimming in my bra and panties.

I find a quiet area to watch the party from. I’m not miserable. I enjoy observing other people have fun.

I’ll make sure to remember it all and then write it in my next letter to Caleb. I frown. I haven’t heard from him in a while. He doesn’t write as often as I do but usually, I receive at least one letter a month. But I haven’t gotten a letter this month.

Speaking of Caleb, the man leaning against the corner of the chalet could be his twin. Same height. Same bulging muscles. Same blond hair. Same blue eyes.

Hold on a minute. It is Caleb.

“Caleb! You’re home!” I shout as I run his way and throw myself at him.

He catches me but immediately sets me back on my feet before retreating. “I knew I shouldn’t have come to this party.” He turns around and marches away without another word.

What? Why is he being a meanie? I chase after him.

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