by Kacey Shea
“You mean whore.” She scoffs and her smile sours.
“Kate!” I say.
“What?” She shrugs and then rubs her hands over her belly. “That’s what I’m calling her until you have a name.”
Jon blows out a breath. “Well, we have a name.”
“I’ll stick with whore. And you don’t have to rush out, Evie. I’m starving. Maybe we can go grab something so we’re not subjected to Jon’s healthy cooking.”
“You love it.” He winks at her.
Her smile meets his. “I do, but I’m craving something greasy and fried. Or chocolate. Maybe we can get dessert too.”
“Whatever makes you happy, babe.”
“Speaking of things that make me happy, did you see the names I texted you earlier?” Her eyebrows lift.
I perk up in my chair, eager to hear if they’ve made any progress. The two agree on almost nothing. It’s a miracle they get along as well as they do.
“Those were baby names? Shit. I thought those were the band names your studio photographed last month?”
“They were, but I was going through proofs with Jason today and it hit me that they’d be great names!”
Jon pulls out his cell, the crease along his brow deepening with every suggestion, “Bain. Crescent. Kingdom. Rise. What the fuck?”
“Language.” Kate, the sailor mouth amongst women, raises her eyebrows at Jon.
“The baby cannot make out words, and you cuss all the time,” Jon argues, but when her features don’t move from their disappointed scowl, he concedes. “Fine!” Gaze back on his phone, he continues reading aloud. “Alice. Now that’s at least normal. A little girl named Alice . . . that I could do.”
“Actually, I was thinking for a boy’s name.” She claps once.
“I still can’t believe you two decided to wait to find out the gender of the baby.” I say with a shake of my head. Jon nods but I catch Kate’s relaxed smile force for just a second before she turns around.
“I’m starving!” She disappears inside their bedroom without a glance back. “Get your shit, Evie. Let’s go!”
My brows rise and I sling my bag over my shoulder, slipping on my Chucks before my crazy best friend returns. My eyes are wide and full of shock when I turn to whisper to Jon, “She totally knows!”
Kate rushes back, poking her head into the room. “This preggo woman wants food! No time for chit chat.” She snaps and then stomps to the front door.
Jon winks at me and whispers, “I know she does,” before shouting after Kate, “Babe, bring me back something!”
I follow Kate outside and before she closes the door she yells back, “’Kay, Army.”
We get into Kate’s Acura and she cranks the top forty pop as she turns the corner. “What do you feel like eating?” she shouts above the music.
“You know I can always go for Joe’s.” Pizza. It’s my go to food group. I’d eat it every day if I could. It’s a good thing I’m marrying such a health conscious guy. He brings balance to my mozzarella infused life.
“Joe’s it is!” Kate calls out and makes a left at the light.
“Hey!” I turn the volume low and turn in my seat to scrutinize her features. “What’s with you being a big fat liar and not telling us you found out the gender of the baby?”
“Don’t be a bitch, Evie. It’s not polite to call a pregnant woman fat.” She avoids my gaze until I laugh out loud.
“You’re a sneaky one, Kate Bryant.” I shake my head and she joins in my laughter. “I’m not sure how you pulled it off, but you have to tell me—do I buy blue or pink?”
“You know I’m all about gender equality. Buy whatever you want.” She smirks.
“What a bitch! You’re not gonna tell me?” I sputter. There’s a playful glint to her eyes as she settles her gaze on the evening traffic.
“Nope. No way. That’s something I tell Jon before you. Sorry, girlie.”
“Fine. I get that.” Because she should, although she really should have found out with him. But it’s kinda funny. Perfect, really when it comes to Kate and Jon. “How long have you known? And how come Jon doesn’t?”
“I snooped in the file at my last appointment. I blame it on him, really. Ever since you guys got into this PI business, I can’t help but be curious about everything.”
“Wasn’t it your idea to be surprised?”
“Whatever. It was a good idea. I’m just impatient.”
“So, you haven’t told Jon?”
“He doesn’t want to know. I’ve tried to convince him we should. Even blow jobs won’t sway him.”
“You’re both so damn stubborn. Okay, I give you a pass on gender, but tell me this . . . When are you gonna let him put a ring on your finger? The baby’s due in less than six weeks and you’ve said nothing.” I catch her rolling her eyes but I continue. “You know I respect your feelings, but I just don’t get it. You love him. He loves you. You guys made a baby. Does a wedding come into play soon, or what?”
“Look. I love him. That’s not even what this is about. I won’t be one of those women who gets married right away and everyone thinks obviously they’re only doing it because of the baby. I get enough crap as it is. I don’t need those negative thoughts directed toward our love child.” She takes one hand off the wheel to caress her belly.
I resist the urge to shake my head. “So, let me get this straight. To prove the haters wrong, you’re having your baby out of wedlock? I’m pretty sure those same people will gossip either way. And when did you start giving a fuck about what people say?”
Kate flips her blonde locks over one shoulder. “I don’t. But I want to make sure Jon wants to marry me for the right reasons. Not just the baby, you know?”
“Has he asked you?” I’m almost certain he has.
She rolls her eyes. “Like a hundred times.”
“God, you’re so difficult. I don’t know how he puts up with you.”
“He’s no walk in the garden,” she bites out. We jostle to the left as she swings the car into a parking spot. I release my seat belt so I can twist and face her.
“I’m pretty sure it’s walk in the park. But Kate, be honest. Why are you really scared to marry your best friend?” I nod at her bump. “And father of your love child.”
She studies the restaurant’s exterior block wall through the window for a long moment, tapping her manicured nails against the dash. Then she whispers, “What if something happens to the baby? What if he changes his mind?”
“Hey, stop. You know the chances of that—”
“I know. I just worry.”
“Of course you do. You’re a good mom. But you guys have been through so much together—to get together. You really think that would stop him from loving you?”
“Of course not,” she admits, her gaze finding mine. She searches for the truth in my words and I patiently hold her stare. “You’re a keeper, Evelyn Harper soon to be Reynolds. Now, let’s get pizza.”
It’s my turn to roll my eyes. “Nice change of subject. Hit me at my weak point. Don’t think I don’t see what you did there.”
“But it worked.” She grins.
“Promise me you won’t make him wait forever. You’ll eventually make an honest man out of him?”
“Of course, I will.” She nods and then smiles. “Eventually.”
“Okay, you win this round. Pepperoni and sausage are calling me.” I open my door but before Kate and I can make it inside, my phone chimes.
“It’s Melissa. I better take this.” Kate nods, waiting with me outside while I accept the call.
“Hey, sis.”
“Hey,” she says. “Any updates on that dress you’ve been trying to track down?”
“Huh?”
Her voice drops to a whisper. “Have you found who the woman is?”
“Where are you?”
“I’m in the pantry.”
“Where’s Drew?”
“He’s playing with Claire in the living room. I don’
t have a lot of time. Please tell me some good news.”
I try to keep my tone bright and positive. “Jon found a new lead today. Don’t worry, Melissa. We’re on top of this.”
“Sorry, I just had to know. Oh!” There’s a shuffle and I hold the phone closer to my ear to catch Drew asking her what she’s doing in the pantry.
“Melissa?”
“Sorry, sis, I’ve got to finish dinner. Call me the minute you find your dress! Can’t have a wedding without a gown! Love you. Bye!”
“Love you, too.” I barely get the words out before she ends the call. I pull the phone away, shake my head, and slide the cell in my back pocket.
“Melissa?” Kate purses her lips together.
“Yeah, she’s getting crazier by the day. We need to find out what’s going on. Tell your baby daddy it’s a priority.”
“Got it. I’ll bribe him with sex,” she promises.
“As long as you don’t recount the play by play, I’m good with that.” She pulls open the door to Joe’s and I step in after her. The aroma of fresh dough, melted cheese, and marinara sauce hits my nose. Best smell ever. We slide into our favorite corner booth and the owner comes over to greet us.
“Evie! Kate! Bellas! You’re looking beautiful this evening.”
“Joe, you sure know what a lady likes to hear.” Kate huffs and pushes the table closer to me to make room for her bump.
“And I feed you, too. What more do you need from a man?” Joe’s laughter carries throughout the mostly empty restaurant. “The usual?”
“Yes. And a salad to go.” Kate rolls her eyes.
“Ah, yes. For that man of yours. It’s okay, as long as you two still love my food. Evie, how about your mister?”
“Nothing for him. He’s working tonight.”
Joe nods. “The wedding is soon, yeah?”
“Two weeks.” Anxiety claws up my spine.
“Ah, bella, that’s good. Very good.” He turns away and hustles back to answer one of the phones. His daughter is already taking an order on another. The bar is filled with waiting customers, and sounds of the kitchen’s jovial bustle drifts over the counter along with the aromas. Joe’s doesn’t have much in the way of ambiance so most people don’t dine in, but their food is amazing. That phone will ring nonstop with takeout orders.
“So, want to confide in your best friend why the most relaxed bride in all of history has suddenly developed a case of jitters?”
“What?” Am I that obvious? Kate’s glare tells me I am. “Fine. I’m nervous. That’s normal.”
“But you’re not an average bride. What gives?”
“I just had this picture in my mind of how the day would go, you know? And it’s not about good weather, though that would be nice, or how extravagant my dress is, even though it’s really the most beautiful thing I’ve ever worn, or if my hair looks perfect, though a good hair day gives a girl confidence to take on the world—”
“Evie.”
“It’s . . . I didn’t expect my sister to be sad on my wedding day. But now, with everything going on with Drew, I don’t see how this ends any differently.”
“Oh, Evie.” Kate frowns.
“I know. It’s completely selfish. But it’s an important day, and I wanted those celebrating around us to be happy. You have Jon. Carly has Derek. I’ve always thought my sister and Drew had the perfect marriage. They’re the example of what I’ve always wanted. And now . . .”
“See. This is why weddings are stupid,” Kate offers helpfully.
“What?” I straighten my spine.
“Evie. Your wedding day is just another day.”
It’s all I can do to not roll my eyes. “Tell me how you really feel.”
“I will. It’s a day. It’s an important moment, yes, but it’s only a moment. You and Tate have your entire lives ahead of you. Enjoy your wedding, sure, but don’t stack expectations all around it, because life is out of your control. What’s happening with your sister sucks, but we don’t know the entire story. And even if we never do, it’s out of your control.”
I pick at the edge of my paper napkin. “God, this is so stressful. We should’ve eloped.”
“Don’t you dare!” Kate glares. “I won’t miss my best friend’s wedding. Also, I have to witness you voluntarily wearing heels.”
“About that . . . I’m not.” I cringe because I know her too well.
“What?” she almost screams.
“I bought white Chucks. I’m good.” I shrug, hoping she’ll let my choice of footwear go.
She shakes her head but holds her tongue as Joe returns with a plate of fried appetizers and two giant glasses of soda. As soon as he leaves she pins me with a hard glare. “Now that’s the most upsetting thing you’ve said all night.”
I push the mozzarella closer to her, fried cheese a balm for all things upsetting.
“Kate, it’ll be fine.” I take a bite, chew, and swallow with a grin. “It’s out of your control.”
She picks up a fried zucchini slice and dips it in ranch dressing. “Remember that at your bachelorette party next week. You know what they say about payback.” Her eyes dance with amusement as she fills her mouth with food.
I smile sweetly and pull the plate of food closer to my side of the table. “Is it too late to pick a new maid of honor?” I joke, but I’m thankful to have a friend like Kate. Someone I’ve known more than half my life, and who gets me enough to know a night like this is just what I need. We spend the rest of dinner going through my to-do list. She puts most of my fears to rest, and volunteers to help assemble wedding favors the next day. But even her ever positive, no shit attitude can’t shake the ominous feeling toward my impending nuptials. I don’t have control over what happens with Melissa and Drew, but hell if I won’t do everything I can to uncover the mess of it all.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Tate
The days fly by in a blur of work, rushed dinners, and last minute preparations for our big day. Last night I came home to Evie’s family and a temporarily constructed assembly line of tulle, chocolate, cards, and ribbon in our kitchen. I offered to help, but when they realized my bow tying skills were severely lacking I got put on kid duty. Fine by me. It’s no punishment to play with Miss Claire in the other room. After we built a castle using blocks and played way too many rounds of peekaboo, she snuggled in my lap while we watched one of her favorite shows on television until we both fell asleep. Evie woke me after nine, another wedding project checked off her list, and I loaded Claire into her sister’s car.
I know this stuff matters to Evie, at least I hope it does since it’s consuming every free moment, but I am counting down the days until it’s behind us and we can spend our evenings the way we used to: preparing a meal together, watching a show, and then making love until we fall asleep. Happy. Together. My wife. Yeah, it’ll all be worth it in another week. Getting there is the challenge.
Today’s pre-wedding agenda isn’t so bad, though. Bachelor and bachelorette party plans for both of us on this gorgeous April day. Mine starts before the sun breaks over the mountain peaks to the east. My phone buzzes atop the bathroom counter while I’m brushing my teeth—my ride—and I pocket it on my way out. Along the way, I steal a kiss from a very sleepy Evie.
“Be safe. Have fun,” she says, her eyes still closed.
“You, too. No strip clubs,” I say as a joke. Mostly.
Her voice, thick with sleep, comes out in a chuckle and she curls back into the covers. “Can you imagine? With my preggo sis and Kate? I think I’m safe.”
“With them, you’re never safe.” I chuckle and kiss her forehead, breathing her in, the scent of her shampoo as sweet as she is. “Love you.”
“Love you,” she answers. I hustle to the truck waiting in my drive and hop into the passenger front.
“Mornin’” Jon says with a nod of his baseball cap.
“Hey, man.” I smile and buckle up. “How’s it going?”
He gives in to a smile
as he navigates toward my sister’s house. “Long week, but nothing that blowing up shit can’t fix. It’s been too long.”
“Hear you there. With all the extra hours I’ve been putting in at the gym, and then Evie being so distracted with the wedding, I’ve barely spent any time with her.”
Jon grunts, his gaze trained on the road.
“Seriously, you’ve known Evie forever. Have you ever seen her so wound up? I know it’s normal, but I guess I didn’t expect her to be like this. I’ll be so glad when I make her my wife and we can move past this.”
“At least she wants to marry you. I’ve been asking Kate for months and I’m about ready to give up.” He blows out a deep breath. I can understand his frustration. Kate’s feisty and stubborn, but her love for Jon is clear to everyone. Hell, she’s carrying their child with nothing but pride. But she’s also got it in her head to refuse his endless proposals for marriage.
“But will you?”
“Never.” He grins wide and swings the truck into my sister’s driveway. It doesn’t take more than a second before the front door flies open and Ezra and Elijah race out. Derek follows seconds later with a backpack slung over his shoulder.
“Good morning!” Derek pulls open the back door and my nephews cheer, their smiles much too bright for the early hour.
“You two little dudes ready to help your uncle celebrate his last day of freedom?” Derek says as he helps them climb into the back seat of the cab. They answer in a chorus of excited shouts and Derek shuts the door. “Buckle your seatbelts.”
This is why I want a non-traditional bachelor party. Evie would easily tolerate me taking a drunken trip to the strip club with a bunch of my co-workers, but I don’t want any of that. There’s only one woman I want naked on my lap. Add in that two of the best humans on this Earth, my nephews, are still under the age of ten, and the result is a party suited for a more youthful audience.
“You boys ready to go shooting again?” Jon tips his chin and checks their response in the rear view mirror before pulling out of my sister’s driveway.
“Yes, sir, Mr. Jon. We’ve been practicing.”