“Vague?” I finally take a sip of the coffee, and it’s as good as I remember.
When Case left for California, Lester stopped dropping by the apartment with a morning coffee for me.
I’ve restricted myself to a coffee from the café next to Durie’s. It’s bland, but not overpriced.
“All she would say is that it had to do with Mickey’s dad. It was literally that one sentence and then she changed the subject.” She looks to the counter. When the woman working the cash register notices her, she raises a hand in greeting.
Bella smiles and waves back.
“Do you think she heard from him?”
Bella’s head slowly turns until our eyes meet. “He died before he knew Delaney was pregnant.”
“She waseighteen when Mickey was born.” Bella shakes her head. “I’m twenty-four and some days I don’t think I’m ready to have a baby.”
“The only thing I worried about when I was eighteen was which dress to wear to prom.” I tap my fingernail on the table. “Delaney was thinking about giving birth and raising a child all by herself.”
“Her family helped.” Bella curls her hand around the cup in front of her. “Her aunt owns Sweet Bluebells. She’s the one who gave Delaney the job.”
“Did Mickey’s dad’s family help at all?”
Bella shrugs. “She never talks about any of them. I’ve only ever gotten bits and pieces about that time in her life. Once, I asked how they met, and she burst into tears, so I don’t press.”
It must have been desperately hard to lose him and then to have his child alone.
“She told me he was her first love.”
Bella’s lips curl into a smile. “She told me that too.”
I glance at my watch. “I have time to stop at Sweet Bluebells before Drake’s flight arrives. Is she working today?”
Bella pushes back from the table. “I don’t know, but let’s go find out.”
“You have time to go with me?” I shoulder my purse before I stand.
“I always have time for a cupcake.” She skims her hand over the front of her dress. “This little lady loves those strawberry cream ones the best.”
My brows perk. “It’s a girl?”
She waves her hand in front of her. “I don’t know yet, but I feel it. I think we’re having a sweet little girl.”
“She’ll be beautiful, Bella.”
“Or he will be.” She chuckles. “Barrett is convinced it’s a boy, so who knows.”
I laugh along with her. “Either way, that baby is going to be well-loved.”
“That’s what matters the most, isn’t it?”
I stop and look in her eyes. “I think it is. I think every child needs to feel loved every single day of their lives.”
CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
Case
“You’re a fool!”my grandfather yells as he approaches. His bare feet are moving at a snail’s pace through the sand.
“Good to see you too, old man.” I adjust my surfboard under my arm. “Did you catch my form out there?”
