Page 15 of Perfect Strangers

She smiles at my optimism and nods her head. “That’s exactly the kind of attitude you need to continue. No point in wallowing in your own downfall. Now, what are we eating? They have a great lunch menu.”

I glance at the menu just as the waitress comes by for our drink order. “I’ll just have a water please.”

Taking a look at the menu, I notice they have a nice seafood Alfredo so I decide on that.

“Seafood Alfredo? That’s not really lunch.”

I laugh at Juliette’s confusion and shrug. “Don’t care, I’ll pay extra if I have to. I want some damn Alfredo.”

We both laugh in unison just as the waitress returns with our drinks. We give her our meal orders and I take a sip of the ice-cold water.

“So, tell me. How’s the family? I bet Crew is growing up fast.”

My face lights up at the sound of my son’s name. “Yes, a little too fast. This morning I walked him to school and he’s like a little man. I wanted to cry so bad.”

Juliette laughs. “Yea, Cassie is too. She’s got that little spunky attitude with that sass that I just love about her. Of course, Declan, isn’t too keen about her growing up either. She’s been dancing really well and we’re having another recital for her fifth birthday. You should come.”

“Just tell me when and where, and I’ll be there. And how’s little Henry? Is he getting along with his big sister?”

Juliette sips her water and nods. “The kids have their riffs now and then, but he does love his big sister. And Cassie is such a big help. She picks out his clothes in the mornings and helps him get dressed.”

A small smirk displays across my face as I listen. “He’s one year old now, right?”

She nods. “Yup, one. Before I know it, I’ll have all three of them grown and living their own lives.”

My brow arches as I give her a puzzling look. “Wait, three?”

At that instant, her face glows. “Yes, three. I’m pregnant.”

Happiness and joy soothes all over as I rejoice with Juliette. I stand, pulling her into a congratulatory hug. “Oh my god! Congratulations! When did you find out?”

“Just recently. It’s all happening so fast but Declan and I couldn’t be any happier right now!”

I sit back in my seat just as the waitress returns with our meals. “Okay, lunch is on me! I can’t believe you’re having another baby.”

“Oh, Dylan, you don’t have to.”

I put up my hand stopping her reluctance. “Please, it’s the least I can do.”

We give each other warm smiles as we dive right into our meals. The hot goodness of the shrimp with scallops melts into my mouth as the Alfredo sauce brings it all together. The savory taste gives me butterflies of happiness as I try to make each morsel last.

“Wow, this is really good.”

Juliette chimes in, “Right? So, so good. This place opened up a couple months ago. Declan and I love this restaurant. Apparently, it’s the owner second location, too. Can you imagine two restaurants having food as good as heaven?”

I grab the dessert menu from the table and glance at it. “What’s the name of this place?” I read the name with hesitation. “Luce del Sole…hmm. I wonder what means.”

Juliette answers, “It’s Italian. Declan says it means ‘sunshine’.”

I choke on scallop for a brief second as she says the meaning. “Did you say sunshine?”

Juliette’s brow arches with concern. “Yes, you alright? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

As soon as she asks, the waitress returns. “How’s everything tasting, good?”

Juliette exclaims with delight. “Yes, everything is delicious. Thank you.”

The waitress turns to me. “And you ma’am? Would you like a refill on that water?”

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