Page 102 of Once Upon a Holidate
“Her clothes.”
The confusion grew. “She has on pants and a top thing.”
Wynn held in a smile. “It’s a twinset and it’s lovely.”
“But you look better.”
Wynn glanced down at her cropped pants and the boat neck T-shirt she’d put on. A step up from her usual at-home uniform of jeans, but not by much.
“Did you see her diamond earrings?” she asked.
“No. Is she wearing earrings?” He shifted uncomfortably. “Wynn, I’m lost here. What’s going on?”
She was being ridiculous. Alisha was nothing to Garrick—she hadn’t been for decades. There was absolutely no reason to get riled up about her. So what if she was perfectly dressed and more than pretty?
“Sorry,” Wynn said, stepping close and putting her hands on his chest. “I had a moment of insecurity. It’ll pass.”
He drew her against him. “You are the last person who should ever be insecure. You’re perfect.”
She laughed. “I wish that were true, but I think we both know it’s not.”
“You’re wrong.”
He kissed her. She let herself get lost in the feel of his mouth against hers, then stepped back and smiled at him.
“I have pulled on my big girl panties and I’m fine,” she said. “Let’s head out to the patio. We can get the first couple of games going, then we’ll bring out the food. After lunch, another game, then we open presents. Then anyone who wants to leave can, and the rest can stay and visit.”
He touched her face. “See? Perfect, just like I said.”
Before Wynn could answer, Yolanda strolled into the kitchen. When she spotted them, she waved her half-empty glass.
“So I tried the punch and it’s, ah, kind of boring. I was hoping I could get a little something in my drink.”
Wynn had to fight to keep from rolling her eyes. “You mean like alcohol?”
Yolanda brightened. “That would be great.”
“No.”
Yolanda stared at her. “Excuse me?”
“No. This is a baby shower, not a nightclub. I’m confident you can go a couple of hours without alcohol in order to support your friend at her baby shower.”
Yolanda’s expression turned annoyed. “Whatever.” She spun on her heel and walked back the way she’d come.
“See,” Wynn said, linking arms with him. “It could be worse. She could be your daughter.”
“No, thanks. I’ll stick to the one I have.”
***
Joylyn sat in the shade on the patio, letting the conversation flow around her. She was tired, but happy. The shower had been great. She’d enjoyed the games and the laughter. The lunch of high tea had been so special. She still couldn’t believeher friends from base had driven all the way out to Happily Inc to spend time with her. The day had been perfect. The only thing missing was Chandler.
They were down to eight days, she reminded herself. He had his flight information, and if all went well, he would be with her a week from tomorrow.
She touched her belly and whispered, “You’re going to see your daddy soon, little guy.”
Holly was studying the notes she’d made, listing who had given what present. After church tomorrow, Joylyn was going to write the thank-you notes and get them in the mail. Real thank-you notes, she thought with a smile. Not emailed ones. Wynn was going to be so proud.
