“And even if she does, she’s not as perfect for you as Angel, is she? At least not on paper.”
Ben closed his eyes. “Life doesn’t happen on paper. I’ve waited my whole life for Charlie.”
“And how much more of your life are you going to keep waiting for her? And are you going to let an opportunity for something real—something good—slip through your fingers while you wait? And how will you feel if you do, and then Charlotte doesn’t come back anyway?”
Ben shook his head. “It’s not like that, Smoke. I’d wait for Charlie till the day I die.”
Smoke nodded. “And how many regrets will you have on that day if you’re still waiting?”
Ben met his gaze, but didn’t speak.
Smoke grasped his shoulder. “I’m not saying I know what’s right. I’m not saying I know what you should do. I just hate seeing you this screwed up.”
“Thanks.”
“Do you want to do a whiskey night, tonight?”
Ben nodded. “Yeah. I’d love to. It’s been a while, huh?”
“It sure has. You helped me through my tough times. You helped me see sense. I want to be able to help you.”
Ben smiled. “Well, right now, you can help by bringing another pot of coffee out. I reckon we’ll need at least three.”
Smoke picked up a coffee pot and followed him back out onto the deck.
When he saw the look Emma was giving him, Ben almost veered away from their table and went to serve the coffee to other customers.
Smoke chuckled behind him. “You’re going to have to face it.”
Ben nodded and carried on. He greeted everyone with a smile. Gabe and Renée and Nate and Lily had arrived while he and Smoke had been inside. Emma was glowering at Angel and only broke her death stare to turn it on Ben.
He gave her an apologetic smile, even though he had nothing to apologize for. She was overreacting. Angel worked for him. No matter what Smoke might have said about her being perfect for him, she worked for him and that was all.
“Hey, Ben.” Jack smiled at him, no doubt hoping to head Emma off before she started.
“Hey, Jack.”
“I’m glad you finally invited Angel to join us,” said Pete with a grin.
Ben groaned inwardly. Trust Pete.
“It’s lovely to be able to join you all,” said Angel with a bright smile.
Was she really oblivious to all the undercurrents swirling around her? She was a smart woman, Ben knew that much.
An awkward silence descended around the table. Ben looked to Missy for help. She grinned. “So, who’s got any news? I do, but I want to save mine for last.”
Jack seemed eager to get the conversation flowing again. He put an arm around Emma’s shoulders. “We’re hoping to have some news very soon.”
“When’s your due date?” Missy asked Emma.
“Wednesday.” Emma was tight-lipped and still eyeing Angel suspiciously.
“So you’re only a couple of weeks ahead of Megan?” asked Gabe.
Jack smiled at him. “Yep.”
Angel smiled at Emma and Ben held his breath, wishing that she’d just stay quiet. “Wow, you’re so brave! Are you the first one of your friends to have a baby?”
