Page 56 of Forever in the Country

“Don’t tell him.”

“Delete it,” I hiss as Cheyenne walks in the door carrying shopping bags and a casserole dish. Otto says hello and goodbye and hurries out the door before I can say anything else.

Coward.

“Sorry I’m early,” Cheyenne says as I take the dish from her, and she drops all the bags on the table.

“What is all this?” I laugh.

“Snacks, and what?” she says as I give her an amused look. “I was hungry when I went to the store.”

“Because I never have enough food,” I muse and she rolls her eyes.

“Options.”

“I brought drink options,” Hannah says as she drops a bottle of wine and a bottle of vodka on the counter.

I snort as Isla and Marlee let themselves in, followed by Fallon who sort of waddles in behind them. She catches me staring and narrows her eyes.

“Do not say a word.” Fallon’s voice is full of warning which makes a giant smile spread across my face.

“But you look so cute.”

“I’m not cute.” She pouts as she drops into the closest chair. “There is nothing cute about my ankles.” I slide her a glass of lemonade and her face instantly brightens. “Oh! Thanks!”

Isla snickers and then moves around my small kitchen to pull out plates and cups. Otto had distracted me from finishing up my hostess duties, but I’m happy the girls make themselves at home here.

Mama always had a kitchen full of kids while I was growing up. My siblings and I, Marlee and Sorren, our friends, and some of the neighbor kids all wound up there at some point during the day.

It’s something I’ve wanted for myself. I like taking care of everyone, but more importantly, I like being the one they turn to for advice or help or just want to hang out with.

“Have y’all picked a name yet?” Marlee asks and Fallon groans.

“No. This poor thing is due in like a month and a half and we can’t agree on a name.”

“Maybe it will come to you when you see her.” Cheyenne looks around. “That’s a thing, right?”

“Totally a thing.” We all agree whether everyone believes it or not.

“Who is more of a diva dad? Hank or Otto?” I ask and everyone bursts out laughing.

“I mean…” Isla starts, “I think Hank wanted to put me in bubble wrap but…”

“There is no debate necessary. My husband is the most diva father to be on the planet,” Fallon laments dryly.

Hannah cackles and Cheyenne wipes a tear from her cheek before saying, “He’s asked me to makesomany shirts, so no one be surprised if you get one.”

Fallon nods solemnly. “Be prepared, y’all.”

“I love that you have your accent back,” Marlee tells Fallon and she smiles.

“I’m happy to be back.” Her eyes flood with tears and Isla hands over a tissue without being asked.

“Pregnancy is so weird,” Hannah whispers to me, and I nod while squeezing Marlee into my side.

She hugs me back and doesn’t let go.

“I’m okay,” she murmurs, and I turn and drop a kiss on her hair.

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