Page 36 of Once Upon a Holidate
Carol looked up and laughed. “He is a curious guy.” She motioned to her left where Millie stood keeping a watchful eye on her two-month-old son. “As long as Mom stays close.”
Bodey was the first giraffe born in the animal preserve. He was visibly taller and stronger every time Wynn saw him.
“Hey, little guy,” Silver said, slowing her approach as Bodey turned to stare at them. “We’re just here to eat lunch and tell you how adorable you are. Is that okay?”
His eyes were huge—dark brown with long lashes. His nostrils flared as he studied them.
“He’s cuter than he was,” Wynn said softly. “How is that possible?”
Carol grinned. “I know. I keep taking pictures of him.Mathias keeps reminding me we have our own baby. I think he’s jealous on Devon’s behalf.”
The conversation was too much, or maybe it was the sight of three humans all together. Either way, Bodey retreated on his gangly legs, circling to the far side of his mother where he could watch while protected by Millie.
“Speaking of Devon, where is she?” Silver asked, settling her potato salad next to the buns.
“She has a bit of a cold. I didn’t want her exposing the other kids, so she’s with her dad today.” Carol’s eyes were bright with amusement. “Mathias complained that he wouldn’t get any work done, but the truth is they both love hanging out together. By the time I get home, she’ll either be on the mend, or he’ll be sick, too. I’m hoping for the former.”
“It’s us,” a familiar voice called.
Renee, Natalie and Pallas joined them. Renee and Natalie each carried two large tote bags while Pallas had her son with her. Little Ryan squealed when he saw all his lady friends, writhing and waving his arms to be put down. Pallas obliged and the toddler took off, racing first to Wynn and then to Carol and Silver. All the women crouched down to get hugs and very wet kisses.
Just as the greetings began to calm down, Bethany walked in with her daughter Addison on her hip. Ryan clapped his hands and hurried over as fast as his chubby legs would take him.
It took several minutes to unload food and get the kids settled. Baby Bodey hovered on the edge of the picnic area, curious but cautious. Millie chewed on leaves and regarded them with bored disinterest. The only human she really loved was Carol. The rest of them were simply a part of the landscape.
“This was easier pre-kids,” Wynn said as she took a seat next to Renee. “But much less fun.”
Natalie sat down with Ryan in her arms. Her nephew leaned against her baby bump. “At the rate we’re reproducing around here, we’ll have to get a separate kids’ table in another year or two.”
Silver looked at Renee. “Pressure’s on you, lady.”
“To find a kids’ table? Sure. I can do that.”
Everyone laughed.
“I think she meant you should get pregnant,” Wynn said.
Renee shook her head. “I will. Eventually. What about you, Silver? You and Drew aren’t too old.”
Silver waved her hand. “I don’t know. We talk about it. Maybe. We like what we have now. Why mess with that?”
Wynn knew that Silver and Drew had a teenage daughter together. Silver had gotten pregnant in high school and had given up the girl for adoption. Over the years, she’d stayed close with the adoptive mother and had been a part of her daughter’s life. Drew had only found out about Autumn a couple of years ago, and the three of them were spending more time together. Wynn would guess Silver wasn’t sure about adding a baby to the mix. She wouldn’t want Autumn to feel she was being replaced.
They served themselves lunch. Conversation flowed easily between the friends as they caught each other up on what was going on.
“What’s the plan for the royal holiday season?” Natalie asked Bethany.
Bethany sighed heavily. “My parents,” she began, pausing when everyone laughed.
“What did the king do now?” Wynn asked. “I know the man loves royal proclamations. You should tell him to get them all printed at my shop. I’d give him the royal discount.”
“Because you have so many royal customers?” Pallas asked, her voice teasing.
“Not yet, but I’m willing to explore the market. I’ll be fairon the pricing. No gouging simply because he’s one of the ten richest men in the world.”
“I think he’s only fifteenth,” Bethany said.
“How tragic for you and your family,” Renee teased.
