Page 13 of Uncovering Love: The Wedding

“You know I can always go for Joe’s.” Pizza. It’s my go to food group. I’d eat it every day if I could. It’s a good thing I’m marrying such a health conscious guy. He brings balance to my mozzarella infused life.

“Joe’s it is!” Kate calls out and makes a left at the light.

“Hey!” I turn the volume low and turn in my seat to scrutinize her features. “What’s with you being a big fat liar and not telling us you found out the gender of the baby?”

“Don’t be a bitch, Evie. It’s not polite to call a pregnant woman fat.” She avoids my gaze until I laugh out loud.

“You’re a sneaky one, Kate Bryant.” I shake my head and she joins in my laughter. “I’m not sure how you pulled it off, but you have to tell me—do I buy blue or pink?”

“You know I’m all about gender equality. Buy whatever you want.” She smirks.

“What a bitch! You’re not gonna tell me?” I sputter. There’s a playful glint to her eyes as she settles her gaze on the evening traffic.

“Nope. No way. That’s something I tell Jon before you. Sorry, girlie.”

“Fine. I get that.” Because she should, although she really should have found outwithhim. But it’s kinda funny. Perfect, really when it comes to Kate and Jon. “How long have you known? And how come Jon doesn’t?”

“I snooped in the file at my last appointment. I blame it on him, really. Ever since you guys got into this PI business, I can’t help but be curious about everything.”

“Wasn’t it your idea to be surprised?”

“Whatever. It was a good idea. I’m just impatient.”

“So, you haven’t told Jon?”

“He doesn’t want to know. I’ve tried to convince him we should. Even blow jobs won’t sway him.”

“You’re both so damn stubborn. Okay, I give you a pass on gender, but tell me this ... When are you gonna let him put a ring on your finger? The baby’s due in less than six weeks and you’ve said nothing.” I catch her rolling her eyes but I continue. “You know I respect your feelings, but I just don’t get it. You love him. He loves you. You guys made a baby. Does a wedding come into play soon, or what?”

“Look. I love him. That’s not even what this is about. I won’t be one of those women who gets married right away and everyone thinks obviously they’re only doing it because of the baby. I get enough crap as it is. I don’t need those negative thoughts directed toward our love child.” She takes one hand off the wheel to caress her belly.

I resist the urge to shake my head. “So, let me get this straight. To prove the haters wrong, you’re having your baby out of wedlock? I’m pretty sure those same people will gossip either way. And when did you start giving a fuck about what people say?”

Kate flips her blonde locks over one shoulder. “I don’t. But I want to make sure Jon wants to marry me for the right reasons. Not just the baby, you know?”

“Has he asked you?” I’m almost certain he has.

She rolls her eyes. “Like a hundred times.”

“God, you’re so difficult. I don’t know how he puts up with you.”

“He’s no walk in the garden,” she bites out. We jostle to the left as she swings the car into a parking spot. I release my seat belt so I can twist and face her.

“I’m pretty sure it’s walk in the park. But Kate, be honest. Why are you really scared to marry your best friend?” I nod at her bump. “And father of your love child.”

She studies the restaurant’s exterior block wall through the window for a long moment, tapping her manicured nails against the dash. Then she whispers, “What if something happens to the baby? What if he changes his mind?”

“Hey, stop. You know the chances of that—”

“I know. I just worry.”

“Of course you do. You’re a good mom. But you guys have been through so much together—togettogether. You really think that would stop him from loving you?”

“Of course not,” she admits, her gaze finding mine. She searches for the truth in my words and I patiently hold her stare. “You’re a keeper, Evelyn Harper soon to be Reynolds. Now, let’s get pizza.”

It’s my turn to roll my eyes. “Nice change of subject. Hit me at my weak point. Don’t think I don’t see what you did there.”

“But it worked.” She grins.

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