Courtney’s lips curled into a smile as she parked in the town square and climbed out of her old truck, turning to look at the giant Christmas tree in the center of the square. It was festooned with red, green, and white sparkling lights. Perched at the top was an oversized star that looked almost precarious. The rest of the square was decorated as well – with bright lanterns hanging from the oak branches, and a Christmas garland hanging from the bandstand roof. Inside was a sleigh and three comical looking reindeer, ready for the weekend before Christmas when Santa was due to visit the children of the town.
A biting wind was blowing from the west, making her pull her padded coat tightly around her. At three months pregnant, she couldn’t do it up anymore, it was too tight at the waist. But she couldn’t bring herself to purchase a new one either.
Not when she wanted to decorate the nursery she was putting together in the spare room of her little cottage.
“Hi. It’s Courtney, right?”
Courtney turned to see a woman standing to her left, her hands curled around a double stroller. Two little boys were sitting inside, wearing matching padded jackets, wooly hats, and gloves.
“Hi.” Courtney winked at the little ones, then looked at their mom.
“I hope you don’t mind me introducing myself, but I saw you walking this way and thought it would be rude not to,” she said warmly. “I’m Maddie.” She leaned forward to shake Courtney’s hand. “I think we’re going to be kind of related, aren’t we?”
“Kind of,” Courtney said shyly. “You’re Gray Hartson’s wife, aren’t you?”
“Fiancée.” Maddie grimaced. “With these two little monkeys I haven’t had time to arrange the wedding. We keep talking about eloping to Vegas.” She brought her gaze up to Courtney’s. “Anyway, how are you doing? And congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Courtney smiled. “I’m doing good. Just slipping into the second trimester, which everybody tells me is a breeze compared to the first.”
“It is,” Maddie agreed happily. “Though the third is worse.” She slapped her hand over her mouth. “Uh oh, ignore me. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t supposed to tell you that. I feel like I’ve broken some kind of code.”
Courtney couldn’t help but laugh at her dismayed expression. “It’s okay. It’s nice to have somebody who knows how it really is. Apart from the animals on my farm, I haven’t come into contact with that many pregnant women.”
“In that case, we should meet up some time. I can give you all the secrets.” Maddie grinned. “And I know the best places to shop for baby stuff, too. If you want any company.”
It was impossible not to be drawn in by her warmth. “I’d love that.”
Maddie leaned forward, rifling through the bag hanging from the stroller. “My phone is in here somewhere,” she muttered, digging her hands deeper. “Give me your number and we’ll arrange to meet.” She looked up, her brow furrowed. “Or maybe I should give you mine. I know my phone’s in here somewhere, but damn if I can find it.” She reeled off her number and Courtney keyed it into her own cell.
“I’ll message you now,” Courtney said, tapping out a quick text. As soon as she sent it, a loud buzz came from deep in the stroller. Maddie sighed, pushing her hand down the back of one of the twins. “Here it is. I remember now. I gave it to Marley to keep him quiet. Good thing he didn’t drop it.” She leaned closer. “Don’t tell anybody I give my sons electronics, okay?” Maddie mock-whispered. “I’ll get thrown out of mother and baby club.”
“Your secret’s safe with me,” Courtney said grinning.
“I should get these two into the warm,” Maddie said, ruffling the tops of the boys’ hats. “It was so nice to meet you. I’ll message you about that shopping date, okay?”
“Great.”
Courtney watched as Maddie struggled with the stroller, having to turn it sideways to manage her way into the diner. And with that grin still on her face, Courtney walked over to the I Can Make You Beautiful salon, where she had a date with Lainey, a mug of steaming hot chocolate, and a pedicure waiting.
One day in, and this second trimester thing felt like a breeze.
I got the brownies. And the carrot cake. And the red velvet cake. Thank you. I’m about to go into a sugar coma. - C
Logan read Courtney’s message on his phone and smiled.
I wanted to give you a choice. I read that cravings can change over time. If you start wanting to eat charcoal or something, let me know. I have contacts. - L ;)
“Table three are being assholes,” one of the waitresses said, carrying a tray full of food back in to the chef, making Logan lift his gaze from his phone screen. “The steak is apparently too well done, and nobody’s gonna eat until it’s ready.” She sighed. “Sorry.”
The chef caught Logan’s eye. “The steak was perfect. Med
ium rare.” He grabbed an oversized knife and sliced through the meat, picking it up to show Logan. “See?”
Logan nodded. “It’s not you, it’s them. But the customer is always right. Cook another one and send it out.” He looked back at the waitress. “Is it the table in the corner?”
“The one with the eight suits. Yeah.”
“If they give you any more trouble, let someone know.” Logan nodded at her.