“They’re going to induce Codi on Monday next week,” Bryce said. “Apparently, the baby’s getting really big, and they’re worried she won’t be able to deliver him if we don’t take him a week early.”
“Oh, that’s great news,” Joey said, grinning at Codi. “A week early—you must be thrilled.”
“I can’t wait,” Codi said, and she rested both hands on her pregnant belly. “I feel like a one-humped camel, and I can’t move.”
Bryce grinned at her and put his arm around her as they looked around at the group.
“I’m auditioning for a cello solo in the orchestra for the spring concert,” Corinne said.
“Oh, that’s great,” Bryce said. “I’m sure you’ll get it.”
Corinne shook her head, her dark curls bobbing. “I’m sure I won’t, but it’s just part of my New Year’s resolution to do something every month that makes me uncomfortable.”
Harry grinned at her because he didn’t like doing things that made him uncomfortable either.
“My daddy thinks I’m going to kill us all when I get my driver’s license.” Liesl grinned out at everyone. “He makes Momma go driving with me because he said it just makes him too nervous.”
Harry chuckled, though he knew the reason Uncle Gabe didn’t like driving with Liesl was because it reminded him of how grown-up his daughter had become.
“My daddy says I’m never, never allowed to learn how to drive,” Rosie said, and she rolled her eyes. “But I started working with a new horse a couple of weeks ago, and Gypsy is amazing. I think we’re going to win everything next rodeo season.”
Harry had no doubt that she would, because all of Rosie’s fire and sass melted away whenever she got on a horse. It transferred to them, and they performed well for her in barrel racing.
Eric raised his hand halfway. “I’m going to apply to be the FFA president at school.”
“Oh, you’ll be perfect for that,” Liesl said kindly. Harry nodded along with several others, though he thought Eric might accidentally light the agriculture wing of the high school on fire just as easily. The boy seemed to bring a windstorm with him everywhere he went, in everything he did.
“That just leaves you, Cole,” he said.
“And us too,” Belle said.
Harry turned to her. “Do we have news?”
“Well, we sold a couple of songs last week.”
He grinned at her and took her hand in his. He lifted it to his lips and said, “Yeah, we did sell a couple of songs last week. That’s how we’re paying for your burgers.” He laughed, because everyone in the room knew he had plenty of money. He’d made three professional albums with a major country music studio in Nashville, and done two huge world tours and then a third online.
“How’s Adam doing with Country Quad?” Bryce asked, and Harry’s gaze flew to him.
“He’s doing great,” he said. “And Cole, don’t think we’ve forgotten about you, but I wanted to ask you guys about Adam.”
He cleared his throat and looked over to Joey. “He’s my best friend who doesn’t have the last name Young, and I’ve thought about inviting him to these movie nights several times. I’ve never done it, though, because until very recently, I was also his boss. But now that I’m not….” He let the words drip there and end, and Joey simply folded her arms and looked at him.
“I mean, if there were any other announcements….” He didn’t look away from her either, and that brought several other people’s eyes to her.
“Yeah, Joey, we haven’t heard from you,” Rosie said, picking up on all of the things Harry put down.
“I don’t have much news,” Joey said. “I got stuck at my mother’s on Halloween during that big snowstorm. And while I love Grams and Gramps, it reminded me that I want to get my own place, so I’m going to be doing Thanksgiving pies to earn some extra money for my security deposit.”
“Oh, that’s awesome,” Harry said. “I can share on social media.”
“Would you?” Joey’s whole face lit up. “I’d really appreciate that, Harry.”
“I can too,” Bryce said. “Just let me know all the details.”
“Aunt Faith is finishing up with my website today,” Joey said. “And she’s going to text Joe about posting on the Hole in One page as well.”
“Is your mom going to post on the bookstore page?” Belle asked.
