Bea was the first to arrive, with Evie close behind.
“I can’t believe you parked that way,” Evie said, out of breath as she jogged to catch up.
“What? It’s fine.” Bea brushed her aside, giving Taya a kiss on the cheek. “Let it go.”
“You’re at an angle. You have to redo it or someone will run into the side of your truck.”
“Aidan’s truck, and I’m sure no one will dent it. We’re in Blue Shoal—there’s hardly any traffic at the busiest of times.”
Evie shook her head. “You’re a rebel and a rule breaker, Beatrice Rushton.”
“Whitlock now,” Bea reminded her with a twinkle in her eye. “I finally changed my name.”
“I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to that,” Taya said with a sigh. “‘Old dogs and new tricks’ springs to mind. I’ve called you Beatrice Rushton my entire life.”
Bea shrugged.
Evie gave Taya a hug, then the three of them sat at the table.
“Where’s Penny? I thoughtwewere running late,” Evie said, glancing around.
“She’ll be here. And you’re not late. Not really.”
Beatrice linked her hands together on top of the table. “There’s something you should know before she gets here…”
Bea seemed uncomfortable, her cheeks pinker than usual. What was going on?
Just then, Penny arrived, carrying an armload of wrapped gifts. She set them all on the table. “Ta-da! I’m home!”
She grinned, looking around at each of the women, her arms open wide for a hug. But no one moved. All eyes were glued to her enormous stomach. Taya gaped like a goldfish. Her mouth opened and closed, but no sound emerged.
Penny looked down at her bump. “Oh, I thought Bea would’ve told you.”
Beatrice stood and embraced Penny with a warm smile. “I was about to, and you interrupted us. Rude.” She laughed.
Penny bit down on her lower lip. “I wanted to surprise you. So, what do you think? Come on, Taya. I know you have something to say.”
Taya’s eyes filled with tears. She strode over to Penny and wrapped her arms around her friend. “I can’t believe it. Congratulations, sweetie.”
That’s when Evie began to sniffle, hiccoughing through a veil of tears. “When are you due?” She hugged Penny next.
“I’m due in two months. Although, look at the size of me. You’d think I was popping tomorrow. The doctor says I have a short body. Not exactly a news flash.” She laughed, rubbing one hand over her distended stomach.
They each took a seat at the round dining table in the private dining room of the Blue Shoal Inn. The place was warm and familiar to Taya after many years as the owner. But the dining room had been updated, and she hadn’t worked there in more than twelve months. It still reminded her of Dad.
She didn’t seem to be able to stop crying. Tears streaked down her cheeks, and she sat in silence, not wanting to ruin the moment for Penny but unable to do anything about it.
“Oh, honey, are you okay?” Penny asked, coming around to where she sat and kneeling beside her.
Taya nodded, still crying quietly. “I’m fine. Don’t kneel there—you might not be able to get up again.”
Penny laughed and lumbered to her feet. “You’re right about that.” She pulled up a chair. “Is it your dad?”
“I guess so. I’m a mess. I’ve been crying nonstop for over a week. I can’t seem to get a handle on my emotions.”
“I know how much you miss him.”
“I do, but I’m also happy for you. That’s why I’m crying now. Because I’m emotional, but also because I never thought I’d see…” She burst into tears again, unable to continue.
