Page 4 of Uncovering Love: The Wedding

“Is this the hormones? Because I’m gonna say, I’ll never want babies if these two keep this up.” I’m frightened to cross the threshold. Maybe if I turn and run now they won’t notice.

Their preggo sixth sense kicks in and both faces snap to the open doorway.

“Evie!” Melissa cries. Her face crumples and her shoulders drop, and I immediately rush to wrap her in a hug. I don’t know what has her so distraught but, whatever it is, I want to make it better. It’s alarming to see my normally cool and together sibling so unraveled.

“Thank God! Finally! I’ve been texting you all afternoon!” Kate says.

Jon steps—albeit in a timid fashion—into the circle of crazy that is now their living room and sits on the edge of the couch.

“I came as soon as I could.” I glance around. “Where’s Claire?”

“I dropped her off at Mom’s. I didn’t know what else to do.” Melissa’s chin quivers and tears stream down her face. I push strands of her wayward auburn curls back from where they cling to her damp face. I’m glad my niece isn’t here to witness her mom so distraught. At almost eighteen months, I’m sure she’d only be upset.

“What’s going on, Mel?”

She winces and exhales sharply, her hand going to her almost eight months along growing belly.

“She needs to sit.” Kate grabs her by the arm and pushes her into the oversized recliner. “You need to relax. Stay calm. For the baby.” Kate rubs my sister’s belly and Melissa eases back into the chair. I’m always amazed at how nurturing my friend can be. She’ll be a great mom. Even though she and my sister have due dates weeks apart, Kate’s take charge attitude can’t help but gain control.

I squat next to my sister and take her hand in my own. “Mel, what’s wrong? Is it the baby?”

“No, baby’s fine. It’s—” she glances around the room, meeting each of our gazes while she inhales and exhales a deep breath. “It’s Drew. I think—No, I know—” Another breath. “He’s cheating on me.”

“That fucking piece of shit!” Kate shouts and I glare to silence the rant she’s sure to begin.

“Why do you think that?” I ask in a calm and steady tone. Melissa and Drew have been together since college. He loves her and Claire with everything he is. They have the perfect marriage. He would never screw that up.

I take the seat next to Mel and glance over her shoulder to meet Jon’s gaze. He studies my sister with calculating suspicion. Good. We’ll need his help getting to the bottom of whatever this is.

“Every Tuesday night for the past six weeks he’s had to work late.”

“Okay ...” Her answer puts my heart at rest.

“But last week I called the office receptionist. You know, because he wasn’t picking up his cell.” Tears—big, fat ones—trail down her face. Kate grabs a box of tissues to hand her. “She said he left at five. Like always. Made it like I was stupid for even calling.”

“Hey, hey. Now, that’s not so bad. Maybe he had a dinner meeting? Or got called away unexpectedly?”

Melissa glares at me through glassy eyes. “I’m not an idiot, Evie. I’ve been married to the man for almost six years. I know his freaking schedule. He’s reliable and predictable.”

“And loyal and committed. Maybe he was only meeting up with friends?”

“Then why not tell me?” She shakes her head and wipes away the fresh set of tears, her eyeliner streaking beneath her eyes and across her cheek. “It’s not like I wouldn’t understand if he needs a night out sometimes. I’m a rational p-p-person!”

Jon’s eyes widen with her wails that follow, clenching his jaw as if he wants to laugh. I shoot him a warning glare and scoot closer to Melissa to rub her back. If Kate turns around and sees his face, he’ll be in the doghouse for a week.

“Of course you are. I’m sure we’ll all have a big laugh when we find out what he’s been up to on Tuesday nights,” I croon. She stops crying enough to look up at both me and Kate.

“You think there could be another explanation?”

“Sure. Maybe he developed a gambling addiction? Or he’s always wanted to explore the BDSM world and is taking lessons to perfect his kinky fuckery? Or hell, maybe he’s a closet quilter? I’ve seen that man with Claire. He colors way too well for a man. Guys don’t always want to admit their love of crafting old T-shirts into a comfy, warm keepsake blankie.”

What?I can’t help but gawk at Kate.

Melissa’s eyes widen as she wipes at her tears. “Do you really think he’s learning to quilt? Maybe I should check his T-shirt drawer.”

“Oh, my God!” I throw up my hands. “Really, Kate? Where do you come up with this stuff?”

“I have a vivid imagination. Don’t I, Jon?”

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