A few of the women shift in their seats. Does everyone know about Luke’s former life? I should probably say something.
“It isn’t a secret.” I fold up the onesie, squaring my shoulders. “That Luke spent time in prison? He’s okay with everyone knowing.” Here’s the part I very much want to be true. “I’m totally fine with it. Luke has a past, so what? We all do.”
“That sounds very healthy.” Ruby looks conflicted. “I dated a man with a criminal conviction. It didn’t end well.”
Zoe sighs. “Bruce had a felony record for indecent exposure.”
“Repeated indecent exposure,” Cassidy adds. “Mom dated a serial flasher.”
Erika frowns. “Since when is flashing a felony?”
“When you flash a California senator.” Cassidy looks pained.
“Multiple times,” Zoe adds. “She wasn’t impressed.”
“Neither was I,” Ruby huffs. “Bruce was hung like a hamster.”
“For God’s sake, Mom,” Cassidy mutters.
“But I tried not to judge him,” Ruby says. “We all make mistakes. Hazel, honey, I’m glad you can look past Luke’s checkered past.”
The urge to defend him overwhelms me. “Luke’s crime was a motor vehicle offense when he was barely out of high school. He’s paid his debt to society and put that whole chapter of his life behind him.”
“Wonderful.” Ruby smiles. “Good for him. And for you two.”
“Thank you.” I don’t know why I’m still talking. “He’s severed all ties to the criminal life. He’s a model citizen who hasn’t even had a speeding ticket since he got out.”
“That’s promising,” Ruby agrees.
“Which means there’s no reason we can’t have a drama-free, perfectly legal future together, with no criminal element whatsoever.”
“Attagirl.” Erika takes the box with the handcuff onesies and sets it aside. “Now that we’ve got that out of the way, should we open more gifts, or take a break for pie?”
“Pie,” I say quickly. “Definitely pie.”
On the phone later, I bring Luke up to speed on the baby shower. We agreed to sleep at our own places tonight, since he has some projects to finish. Projects with paint fumes pregnant women shouldn’t breathe.
“Enough about the baby shower.” I shift the phone to my other ear to make room for Squash. She’s prowling the floor by my feet, inspecting my lap for a landing zone. “What did you do today?”
“I didn’t do much. Ran errands, mostly,” Luke says. “Went to Salem to try on twin carrying slings at that new baby store.”
“I didn’t even know they made those.”
“Neither did I. Not until I saw them online.”
Squash jumps on my lap, disgusted to find there isn’t much room. She somehow finds space and curls into a ball by my oversized bump. “Are you sure you don’t want to come over?” I prompt. “We got so much fun stuff for the girls. I’d love you to see it.”
“I wish I could. But I really want to get this dresser refinished.”
“Tonight?” I don’t know why I sound so needy. We agree it makes sense to keep space in our relationship. “The projects can’t wait until next weekend?”
Luke chuckles. “Tempting, but I’ve already put this off too long. What if the girls arrive early?”
“Bite your tongue.” From the state of my cervix—a measurement I never expected to know—my doctor believes I’ll hold out a couple more weeks. “I’m keeping these buns in the oven as long as I can.”
“Let’s hope.” There’s a hint of nervous energy in his voice. “You’re sure it’s safe to visit your dad tomorrow? I could go with you if you’re willing to wait a few days.”
“I promised I’d see him before my doctor forbids me from road-tripping.” We’ve been through this already. “Besides, Erika’s really excited for our spa date.”
