Page 23 of Sweet Summer

“No.” She sniffles, pulling a tissue out of her back pocket. “I’m not crying, you are.”

My free hand flies to my cheek and sure enough, it’s wet. “Ugh. These hormones.”

“Wyatt’s got nine months of you doing this, you know.”

I bite down on my lip to keep from laughing, as poor Maisey keeps crying. “Nine months of me doing this or you? You know, I told you because I needed help surprising him with the news. You’re going to scare him if he sees you, sobbing and blubbering, before I even have the chance to tell him.”

“Good thing you’re doing it tonight, then, huh?” She snatched the box back from my grasp and rolled her eyes. “I can’t help it. These tears say I’m going to be a great godmother.”

“I can’t argue with that, just let me explain to Wyatt you’ve claimed the godmother honor, okay? I’m going to let him pick a godfather.”

“That sounds so ominous.” Maisey places the box on the table in front of us and opens the lid, revealing its contents. “Like we’re in the mafia.”

“Well, we’re not, Maisey. We’re in Lake Lorelei.” I peer into the box at what looks like, from the outside, a giant cupcake with white icing. “So, inside that ginormous cupcake is the hint as to what the baby is?”

Maisey bobs her head up and down. “It’s either pink or blue. I gave my assistant baker the paperwork from your doctor, so only Craig knows what you’re having.”

“You don’t even know?”

Maisey shakes her head. “Nope. I wanted that to be yours to tell me when you tell everyone else. I’m just glad we were your bakery of choice,” she sings as she shows off her best curtsey, sweeping her arms to the floor for dramatic effect.

“Of all people, you know I wouldn’t mind if you knew.”

“I do know that, but I think I want to wait and have both of you tell me. More fun that way, cause I can keep crying.” She throws me a wink as she indicates to the clock on the microwave. “It’s almost time for dinner and I’ll be needed back at work.”

“Any special deliveries to the local fire chief tonight?” I can’t help but tease her about Jack McCoy, Wyatt’s boss and the man my aunt has had a crush on for months now. Her and all of the ladies of Lake Lorelei, I might add. “Wyatt said you two spent a lot of time together at our wedding reception?”

My normally calm and cool aunt suddenly bristled like aporcupine who’d had an electrical shock. “There will not be any kind of special anything being delivered to Chief McCoy. Ever.”

“Well, okay then.” Since she actually snarled at me, I decided not to push it. And she called him Chief McCoy, not Jack. Oof. Not good. “Then I won’t ask any more questions.”

Maisey crossed her arms in front of her chest while vigorously shaking her head back and forth. Honestly, she looked like an irritated bobblehead doll. “Fine. Since you’re pushing me to tell you…”

“Um––I’m not really pushing you, Maisey…” Oh, the drama was always strong with this one. But it’s one of the main reasons I’ve always loved her to such epic proportions.

“…well, I’ll only say this much; he asked me out, I waited for his follow up. He never called me to seal the deal and I have yet to receive an apology or a reason as to why he would do that. It’s just so dang rude!” She lifted a shoulder and rolled her eyes. “So, that love affair is o-v-e-r.”

“Forget him. He’s missing out on one amazing woman.” Walking around the table, I grab Maisey and pull her into a giant hug. I know her well enough to know she truly doesn’t want to talk about Jack and the date that never happened, so I’m gonna let it lie. “Thank you so much for being in charge of this cake. It really means the world to me.”

Her lips brush the crown of my head. “And you mean the world to me. I told your mother when you were born I would always have your back, and I meant it. I love you so much, and I know a man who’s going to be super excited when he gets home. He’s going to flip out.”

“I know.” I laugh as I shake my head, touching my tummy at the same time. “A mini-me or mini-Wyatt. Crazy, isn’t it?”

“Crazy fabulous. Gosh, what if it’s twins? You know somewhere in our family we had fraternal twins…Eeeekk!!” Maisey grabs her purse and throws it over her shoulder at the same time I hear the sound of keys jingling in the front door.

Wyatt’s home.

She turns to me, her eyes wild with excitement. “It’s showtime. Have fun!”

As the side door closes, the front door opens.

I hear Wyatt’s “Hey sweetie, I’m home!” right before I hear the clamour and crash which announces Smokey’s arrival as well. Who would have thought a rescue pup like Smokey (half German Shepherd and half Labrador Retriever) would bring so much chaos but so much joy to our lives?

Kneeling down to Smokey’s level, I brace myself as he rounds the corner, pivoting on his right paw as he hits the turn so he can launch himself in my direction.

Arms outstretched, I grab Smokey and wrestle with him, giving him a scratch behind his ears and making sure to kiss the end of his nose before standing up to greet Wyatt the same way. Ear scratches and everything.

“Hi handsome.”

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