“So did I,” Manny admitted. “And I can assure you, I’m not pregnant.”
They all laughed. They’d joked about Manny serving as Kasi’s stand-in for the meeting. He had joined them because he was already sick of being stuck in bed. Ella suspected he’d also come downstairs in hopes of book club snacks, but Edith was too clever for him.
He’d grumbled when he took in tonight’s fare—a veggie tray with hummus, fruit platter, and air-popped popcorn, sans butter—but he remained just the same because, bored out of his mind in bed, he’d spent yesterday evening and all of the day today reading their romance selection.
Ella was grateful they’d chosen a different author’s work. Listening to Manny ask the group if women really liked all that dirty talk in the bedroom had beenhilarious, given they weren’therwords he was referring to.
Remi was not deterred by the naysayers. “Mark my words, there will be a little Levi here by Valentine’s Day.”
“Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” Gretchen gushed.
Mila nudged Gretchen with her elbow. “How long before we get the same news from you and Theo?”
Gretchen waved her hand dismissively. “We’re taking it slow.”
Remi snorted. “Twenty bucks says you’re knocked up by this time next year.”
“Remi,” Gretchen said, though her wide grin made it apparent she wouldn’t be upset to lose that bet.
“And double or nothing says Mila will be too,” Remi added, looking at Ella. “You want a piece of this action?”
Ella laughed, then shook her head. She’d seen Theo and Boone with their ladies on several occasions now, and she was pretty sure Remi was right.
“No?” Remi asked, surprised.
“Not unless I can place the same bet as you,” Ella said, much to the delight of everyone. “Because the only thing missing on that farm right now is a bunch of adorable babies.”
Edith tapped Ella’s knee with her hand. “Clever girl. Hasn’t been here two months and she’s already got the lay of the land.”
Talk returned to the book they’d all read for another half an hour. Once they’d said all they wanted to about the book, the conversation turned to a summer wine festival Gretchen and Nora had organized for Lightning in a Bottle Winery.
“It kicks off tomorrow,” Nora said, excited about the plans.
Gretchen leaned forward. “It’ll run Sunday to Sunday. We’re hoping it will pull in a huge crowd.” She began discussing some of the activities, as Mila shared the food details. Apparently, her role on the farm was to serve as caterer for the brewery, winery, and event barn. After tasting Mila’s homemade lasagna, Ella didn’t doubt her food was a hit no matter what the occasion.
“Hope you three are planning to come,” Nora said to her, Edith, and Manny. Ella had noticed that lately, no one was asking if she’d still be around for future events; they just assumed it was a given, which she liked more than she could say.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Edith assured her. “Already have it written on our calendar for next Saturday.”
“Perfect,” Gretchen said. “Will you be coming for Sunday dinner tomorrow?” It was obvious she was asking because of Manny’s health concerns.
Manny started nodding immediately, but Edith was less committal. “We’ll have to see how things are going. I’ll text in the morning,” she said to Mila. “To let you know one way or the other.”
“Auntie,” Manny said, ready to fight for his right to Mila’s food.
“A text tomorrow is just fine.” Mila understood Edith’s hesitance, as the older woman was determined to keep Manny on a stricter diet. Ella suspected the Storm’s Sunday dinners were about to get decidedly healthier.
Mila glanced at her phone when she got a text. “That’s Boone. He said to take our time if we’re not finished, but if we are, he’s waiting outside.”
Gretchen, Mila, Nora, and Remi all rose. Theo had dropped them off so they could drink wine without anyone having to serve as designated driver, with Boone serving as the pick-up chauffeur.
Ella couldn’t help the twinge of jealousy she felt. How wonderful must it be to have such thoughtful, caring men.
Then she thought of her all-too-brief relationship with Maverick in school. He’d been just like Boone and Theo. Always bringing her treats, surprising her with a flower from his mom’s garden, carrying her books, and packing their lunch for the cabin every single day that summer. For eight glorious months, she’d felt as if she was at the center of someone’s universe. She hadn’t felt that way since. Not with Joel, her college boyfriend, and not with Silas. God, she’d dated Silas for five years and she was certain if asked, he wouldn’t have a clue about her favorite food or movie.
Of course, she realized she wouldn’t knowhis, either.
However, she still remembered that Maverick would eat a cheeseburger every night for dinner if his mother would have let him, and he’d watchedFast and Furiousabout a million times.
