Page 14 of Uncovering Love: The Wedding

“Promise me you won’t make him wait forever. You’ll eventually make an honest man out of him?”

“Of course, I will.” She nods and then smiles. “Eventually.”

“Okay, you win this round. Pepperoni and sausage are calling me.” I open my door but before Kate and I can make it inside, my phone chimes.

“It’s Melissa. I better take this.” Kate nods, waiting with me outside while I accept the call.

“Hey, sis.”

“Hey,” she says. “Any updates on that dress you’ve been trying to track down?”

“Huh?”

Her voice drops to a whisper. “Have you found who the woman is?”

“Where are you?”

“I’m in the pantry.”

“Where’s Drew?”

“He’s playing with Claire in the living room. I don’t have a lot of time. Please tell me some good news.”

I try to keep my tone bright and positive. “Jon found a new lead today. Don’t worry, Melissa. We’re on top of this.”

“Sorry, I just had to know. Oh!” There’s a shuffle and I hold the phone closer to my ear to catch Drew asking her what she’s doing in the pantry.

“Melissa?”

“Sorry, sis, I’ve got to finish dinner. Call me the minute you find your dress! Can’t have a wedding without a gown! Love you. Bye!”

“Love you, too.” I barely get the words out before she ends the call. I pull the phone away, shake my head, and slide the cell in my back pocket.

“Melissa?” Kate purses her lips together.

“Yeah, she’s getting crazier by the day. We need to find out what’s going on. Tell your baby daddy it’s a priority.”

“Got it. I’ll bribe him with sex,” she promises.

“As long as you don’t recount the play by play, I’m good with that.” She pulls open the door to Joe’s and I step in after her. The aroma of fresh dough, melted cheese, and marinara sauce hits my nose.Best smell ever. We slide into our favorite corner booth and the owner comes over to greet us.

“Evie! Kate!Bellas!You’re looking beautiful this evening.”

“Joe, you sure know what a lady likes to hear.” Kate huffs and pushes the table closer to me to make room for her bump.

“And I feed you, too. What more do you need from a man?” Joe’s laughter carries throughout the mostly empty restaurant. “The usual?”

“Yes. And a salad to go.” Kate rolls her eyes.

“Ah, yes. For that man of yours. It’s okay, as long as you two still love my food. Evie, how about your mister?”

“Nothing for him. He’s working tonight.”

Joe nods. “The wedding is soon, yeah?”

“Two weeks.” Anxiety claws up my spine.

“Ah, bella, that’s good. Very good.” He turns away and hustles back to answer one of the phones. His daughter is already taking an order on another. The bar is filled with waiting customers, and sounds of the kitchen’s jovial bustle drifts over the counter along with the aromas. Joe’s doesn’t have much in the way of ambiance so most people don’t dine in, but their food is amazing. That phone will ring nonstop with takeout orders.

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