“Perfect,” Marjorie said. “You just leave this all to me. I’ll plan the best wedding ever.”
“Good,” Jade said. “Honestly, I don’t have any time to help you.”
“Don’t you worry. Your maid of honor is on the job.” Henry had fallen asleep in her arms. “I’m going to go put him to bed, and then I’ll get started on it.”
Jonah and Talon exchanged wary glances. “This is going to cost a lot,” Jonah chuckled.
I shuddered. “I don’t want you to go to any expense.”
“Doc,” Talon said, “it’s all on us. Don’t worry.”
“Melanie,” Jonah said, “we all deserve a vacation, and this is our wedding. Let me treat you. Please.”
“All right.” I smiled. “I don’t know how I got lucky enough to get involved with this great family.”
“Doc,” Talon said, “we’re the lucky ones.”
“Agreed,” Jade said.
“Agreed a hundredfold,” Jonah said, taking my hand and laying a light kiss on it. “We are the lucky ones.” Then he stood. “If you’ll excuse us, Melanie and I have an errand to run.” He squeezed my hand. “I think our little sister has all of this under control, so we’re not needed here.”
“Before you go, Joe,” Talon said, “I’ve been thinking…”
“Yeah? What is it?”
“When are you going to see Larry Wade again?”
“As soon as I can get away,” Jonah said. “I have a lot more questions for him, after my ordeal with Wendy Madigan.”
“I think”—Talon rubbed his forehead—“I’d like to go with you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’m sure.”
Chapter Forty–Four
Jonah
Melanie had insisted on going home before taking the pregnancy test. I wanted h
er to use the bathroom at the drugstore, but she wouldn’t hear of that. Now, as I sat on my bed, wringing my hands and waiting for her to come out of the bathroom, my heart raced.
I wanted a positive result so much.
I kept telling myself it would be okay no matter what. That we would have more chances to have a baby. But Melanie was right about one thing. Neither she nor I were getting any younger.
I rubbed Lucy’s soft head as I glanced at my watch. Melanie had said it would only take a minute.
This was the longest minute in the history of the universe.
Finally, Melanie strode out of the bathroom, the expression on her face unreadable.
I arched my eyebrows.
She came and sat down on my lap. Still no smile.
“Baby,” I said. “Whatever it is, it’s okay.”