“I can totally picture that,” I concur. “He’s always been amazing with Emmy and Gracie.”
Callie’s expression softens like she’s lost in a memory, and a smile tugs at her lips. “He’s so excited about it. It’s really sweet.”
“Ok, enough about boobs and babies and baby daddies. Surely somebody has some hot gossip to share,” Olivia says. “This isn’t just breeding season at Whispering Oaks Ranch.”
I manage to stop the spit take from happening, but not before a drop of water escapes down my chin. After wiping it on my sleeve, I say, “It’s so much worse when you say it like that.”
She throws her hands up and purses her lips. “Am I wrong?”
“I mean, technically, I didn’t get pregnant on the ranch.”
And the baby isn’t Griffin’s, but I’m not about to bring that up.
“Whatever,” she says. “My point stands.”
“Unless you want to hear about old man Wilson’s donkey and the litter of adorable kittens that came into the clinic yesterday, I’m fresh out of gossip, I fear.”
“Pink eye again?” Olivia asks.
“I swear it’s a quarterly problem with Clover.”
Callie’s mouth drops open, and she presses her hands to her chest. “The donkey’s name is Clover? I’m sorry, that’s so fucking adorable.”
“Yeah, she’s actually aggressively cute when she’s not contagious.”
“I’m trying to convince Wilder to let Emmy and Gracie get a highland cow.”
“Oh my god, are those the fluffyones?” Callie asks.
“Yep. But he’s not budging.”
Callie’s expression turns downright mischievous. “Christmas is coming up soon, and Uncle Jaxy and Auntie Kiki haven’t picked out a gift yet.”
“Wilder might actually kill you,” Olivia says. “And he wouldn’t have any trouble hiding the body.”
“He wouldn’t dare.” Callie shoves half a pickle into her mouth and chases it with a spoonful of ice cream.
“Wait, speaking of Clover. Have you guys thought about baby names?” Olivia asks. “Sorry. ADHD is so much worse when I’m pregnant.”
I fidget with the tassels on my pillow, braiding the strands. “I think I want to name them Jessie.” I swallow thickly as my eyes well with tears. “It’s neutral, so it works for a boy or a girl.”
The explanation comes out hoarse, and an oppressive silence falls around us.
“Do you think Wilder would be okay with it?” I ask. “I don’t want to make things awkward or step on any toes, but she was my best friend, you know? We both loved her, and she’s still such a big part of my life even if she’s not here with me anymore.”
It’s a wonder I’m able to get all of the words out without sobbing into the cookie butter. I don’t often get to talk about her anymore, so when I do, all of the pent-up emotions come rushing back.
Olivia reaches for my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “You don’t need his permission, but if you asked, he’d gladly give it. Jess is still a part of our lives, too. She always will be.”
Callie dabs at the corners of her eyes with a napkin. “You can’t cry, or we’re all gonna start.”
“Too late,” Olivia chokes out. “It’s beautiful, Angie. I’m sure Jess would be so proud.”
I barely register the distant sound of the back dooropening and closing as Callie and Olivia pull me in for a group hug.
“I blame these stupid hormones,” Callie says, sniffling.
A chorus of watery laughter follows.
