“We’re having a baby.” She showed him the pregnancy test. “I like this kid already,” she said. “He’s stealing your thunder on opening night.”
“He?”
She nodded, rubbing her midsection. “It kind of feels like a he. And you thought your biggest competition was Rory.”
“Let’s move up the wedding,” he suggested.
She shook her head. “I don’t want a wedding.”
His eyes lowered to his feet. “Have you changed your mind about getting married?”
“No, not at all, but I don’t want a circus wedding. I want to have a party instead.” She smiled. “A surprise wedding.”
“When?”
“I don’t know?” She twisted her dazzling engagement ring, admiring the diamond. “The only window open is July first weekend.”
“Then July first it is,” he confirmed.
She raised her brow. “Canada Day?”
“What’s more Canadian than getting married on July first?”
“It’s two weeks away,” she reminded him. “We won’t be able to pull it off in time.”
“Not with that attitude,” he teased. “Babe, you’ve put tours together in less time, and we’ll hire people.”
“Okay. Let’s do it.” She tapped her lips. “Do you know what I was thinking?”
“Uh-oh . . .”
“Stop.” She stilled her gaze. “I’m being serious.”
“Okay, what?”
“You don’t have to wear a ring. It will inhibit your guitar playing.”
“Who am I? Fucking Tommy?” He shook his head. “I’d like to think I’m a little more skilled than that. Once it’s on, it’s on forever.”
Later that evening at the WAG, Cary strode down the red carpet, camera flashes glinting off his sharp suit. Reporters called his name, their voices blurring into the low hum of the crowd. Near the entrance, Tyler stood watching, a smile on her lips as their eyes locked for a brief, electric moment.
A story had leaked about him buying a house in the area, but true to form, Winnipeggers weren’t making a fuss. A few onlookers nodded politely and left him alone.
“Over here!” Allie whistled. She wore a white pantsuit with black Chuck Taylors—the most dressed up she’d ever been.
“You look great,” Tyler said, hugging her.
“Thanks, man.” Allie lifted the lapels of her jacket. “You don’t look too shabby yourself.”
“What? This old thing?” Tyler twirled in her Jason Matlo black gown and candy-apple-red heels. She believed in supporting Canadian designers—just like her fiancé.
A few moments later, Cary joined them and the three walked into the WAG together.
“How are you settling in?” he asked Allie, waving at someone who shamelessly snapped a picture.
“I love it! My place is spacious and everyone’s so nice here.”
“Friendly Manitoba,” Tyler chimed in.
