Page 78 of An Unfinished Memory

I’d returned only a few days ago and hadn’t had a chance to talk to my friends. I’d messaged Aggie that I’d gotten home okay, but I’d also avoided her. Lying to her didn’t come easy, and I’d have to keep what really happened from Tova and Vienne, too, since Vienne thought I broke things off. What would she think if she learned we were trying again?

“Good. We went to the musical and got lots of hiking in.”

Aggie cocked her head. “We?”

Shit. “Sorry. I left Oreo in the camper with the AC while I went to the musical.” I almost said he’d gone hiking withus. I couldn’t get through one sentence without messing up. I wasn’t cut out for sneaking around.

“I’ve been camping with the kids in the yard,” Tova said, “but I’ve never been camping for real.”

“The kids would love Medora,” I said. “So many souvenir shops and short trails they can take.”

“They still have some horse-friendly riding paths too,” Aggie added. “We should plan a big family trip there.” She grinned at me. “But not in April.”

“Wouldn’t it be fun if you all could meet me in the Black Hills?” I wistfully thought of sitting around thecampfire and laughing and talking with my friends and family. The trip would be more fun with people.

Medora without Wilder would’ve been nice. I would’ve gotten some rest and maybe chatted with a few other campers. But it wouldn’t have been a company-filled weekend.

Goddammit, IlikedWilder. A lot. The sex was amazing, but I also liked his sense of humor, the way he looked after Oreo and other animals, and the ease of talking with him. We’d touched on heavy topics, but we’d also laughed together. A lot.

“A big Black Hills trip would be fun,” Vienne agreed. “Catherine’s wanted to do s’mores. She refuses to use the microwave, but I don’t do fire. I’d burn down the neighborhood.”

“You can come out to our place,” Aggie said. “Ansen will get the fire pit going. It’s not the Black Hills, but maybe we can get us all out before the baby’s born?”

We all looked at Tova. She smiled, sheepish. “You know if we plan any time in the next month, I’m going to drop as soon as you bring the marshmallows out.” She shifted in her chair and winced. “I might actually ask you to pick a night so I can get this watermelon out.”

“That’ll help me plan when to be on auntie duty.” I laughed. The plan was for me to stay at Cody and Tova’s so the kids didn’t have to get moved around. Aggie was across the road to help see the kids to school and take over football games when I was at the clinic Saturday mornings.

Aggie nodded. “Then let’s do two weeks from this Friday night. Campfire and s’mores and maybe babies. Also, I’m pregnant.”

A collective gasp erupted from the table. Elationswept away the panic from my earlier “we” slip. We all hopped down to embrace her. She’d been drinking water and juices when we went out because she and Ansen were trying, but I’d almost forgotten until now.

Tova was the last to make it off her stool and join in the hugging. “That’s so cool. This baby is going to have a giant family and never be alone. I can’t wait.” She wiped at the corner of her eye. “My hormones are causing the tears, but I’m really happy I met you guys.”

“Group hug!” Vienne announced, but only loud enough for us to hear. In this bar, we’d have a few guys trying to join in if they heard.

When we pulled away, Tova dabbed at her eyes again. “Since I’m standing, I have to go to the bathroom. Again.”

“I’ll go with you,” Aggie said. “I’m in the early stages of peeing all the time.”

They disappeared, and Vienne and I climbed back onto our seats. Group hugs and more babies, and I got to be part of it all.

Vienne ran her fingers over the silver loops of one of her long necklaces. Tonight was necklace night instead of bracelets. Her critical gaze pinned me in my spot. “We, huh?”

Busted. I buried my face in my hands. “How obvious was it?”

She laughed. “You covered well except for looking like you wanted to climb out of your skin.” Her smile faded. “You and Wilder are back together?”

Vienne wasn’t his sister, but she’d know I was lying to Aggie again—and to her. Would she consider my drama unwelcome? “We’re trying a long-distance thing. We just can’t…” I lifted my hands and dropped them.

“Star-crossed lovers?”

Emboldened by her understanding expression, I told her the rest. “I, uh, told him I was never interested in getting married again.” The words came out sour, but when I thought of getting married, Wilder flashed through my mind, and I couldn’t go there again.

She tipped her head, her brow furrowed. “Never?”

“I can’t…” I licked my lips. I wasn’t usually so open, but she’d kept my confidence when she didn’t have to. And she’d do it again. I doubted I even had to ask. I owed her. “My parents treat me like I’m inconsequential. I grew up isolated and alone with cats and game shows to get me through. So when I felt like that with Wilder, I left.”

“Oh, Sutton.”

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