Forever Friends

by Sarah Mackenzie

  “What? Come on! Castaway has to be closing early for the Fling!”

  “We are…” Bree paused. “But I, um, volunteered to do some inventory work after the shop closes.”

  It was an unexpected response and a strange excuse at that, particularly since the gala was a huge deal in the Cove. There was no way that Nina, Bree’s sweet boss, would expect or request the extra hours on that day.

  “Bree, what gives?”

  “I’m actually in the middle of an episode of Big Little Lies—chat later!”

  “Press pause!” Renee had shouted back, but the line was dead. Bree had already hung up.

  Regardless, what did it matter that Bree wasn’t around to help her look her best? Dan was escorting Essie to the gathering. And she wasn’t at all sure he had enjoyed their night together. Maybe he wasn’t as ready to move on after his wife’s death as he’d thought. Not even gorgeous Essie Park could compete with that.

  “Yes, queen! Do your thing!” Myles crowed when Renee finally made her grand entrance downstairs. He’d mixed himself a drink and had settled into her sofa while he waited. That was Myles all right. He never failed to make himself comfortable. “What are we calling that color?”

  “Dove blue. But I have to be careful around the wine, it’s only on loan.”

  She’d gone online to Rent the Runway and splurged on the Badgley Mischka off-the-shoulder gown with its sweetheart neckline. It wasn’t because she was trying to make Dan’s eyes pop out of his head. No, of course not. Not in the least. She most definitely was not trying to show Dan what he was missing out on. Nope. No way. But yet, despite the fact they had had only one night together, she missed him terribly.

  Myles helped her with the zipper and winked. “You should treat yourself. It matches your eyes.”

  She kicked off her stilettos as she drove them downtown, having never mastered driving comfortably in heels. The parking lot was already crowded when they arrived, and she immediately recognized Dr. Dan’s Toyota Highlander. Her stomach dropped, and she felt slightly sick. Taking a deep breath, she drove to the opposite side of the lot where she squeezed her little sedan in a spot between two SUVs. Myles gallantly extended his arm, and the pair waltzed inside.

  The Spring Fling Gala was held in the Cranberry Cove Town Hall the first Saturday of May. The women all wore cocktail dresses in pastel hues while many of the men opted for seersucker suits. Fern Nielsen, the town florist, provided whimsical decorations and place settings, and a band had driven in from Portland.

  “Hey, do you see Bree?” Myles squinted his eyes. “She said she was going stag. Again. When is the last time that sister of yours was with a man?”

  Renee smiled. “More recently than me?”

  “Oh honey.” Myles arched a brow. “That’s not saying much. You two need to get out there. Live it up. Stop hiding all that gorgeous sparkle in the shadows.”

  “You’re just saying that because you’re one of my best friends,” she said. “I just hope Bree made it by now. She said she had to work late. That’s why she couldn’t get ready with me like we usually do.”

  “Work late? The night of the Spring Fling?”

  Renee shrugged. “I tried fighting her on it, but she’s so stubborn.”

  “Something is up with that girl,” Myles said. “Do you know she’s canceled on our Wednesday wine night two weeks in a row now?”

  Renee had always been slightly envious of the fact that one of her best friends had a standing weekly hangout with her sister. The two split a bottle of wine and a fancy charcuterie board while watching celebrity cooking shows. She’d joined them a handful of times but had a hard time keeping up with their passionate love of Hollywood gossip.

  “I’m worried about her,” Renee admitted. “And a little bit hurt too.”

  “Talk to her,” Myles advised. “There has to be something going on. It’s not you… it’s her.”

  Huh, something to think about. Worry started winding its ugly tendrils through her already overstimulated brain.

  Just then, Sadie and Ethan approached.

  “Oh my God! Look at you.” Sadie engulfed Renee in a hug that went on an extra beat. It felt wonderful. “That dress is stunning.”

  “You look pretty amazing yourself. Hello, Ethan!”

  Ethan kissed her cheek. “Hi there. Hey, Myles.”

  Sadie wore a coral eyelet dress that set off her dark hair. And while Ethan’s khaki suit expertly complemented Sadie’s ensemble, the couple seemed a little sad, a little tired.

  “Have you two seen Bree?” she asked them. “She had to work late, but she should be here by now.”

  “I feel like I saw her earlier.” Ethan craned his neck.

  “But you know who we did just bump into? Dr. Hanlon.” Sadie gave an innocent, wide-eyed shrug. “Oh, there he is right over there, near the bar.”

  Renee blushed furiously as her eyes moved toward the center of the room where Dan was handing Essie Park a pink cocktail. Essie wore a striking white dress that looked unnervingly similar to a bridal gown. It was strapless and clung in all the right places. Dan looked dapper in his navy suit, his salt-and-pepper hair close cropped and his face freshly shaven.

  “I need my smelling salts. Take me over!” Myles practically purred, and Renee regretted not filling him in on the situation. If he knew what had happened between them, there was no way he’d drag her into such agony. Myles may be a flirt, but he was a fiercely loyal friend. “No offense, Ethan. I’m just more of a Tony Stark than a Captain America sort of guy.”

  “None taken,” Ethan laughed.

  “What would Nathan say?” Renee elbowed him, trying to save herself from this impending doom.

  “That there’s nothing wrong with window-shopping.” Myles was already walking toward Dan and Essie. “It’s not as though I’m going to try anything on!”

  Rolling her eyes, she helplessly trailed behind him.

  Dan’s eyes widened when he first saw them, and Renee immediately gazed down at her dress, regretting the plunging neckline. Why hadn’t she worn that yellow swing dress with the scoop neck? Or the darling vintage number with the polka dots? She looked ridiculous with all this cleavage, like a try hard cougar.

  “Renee, Myles,” Dan said, nodding toward them. He shook Myles’s hand and gave Renee a chaste kiss on the cheek. “Great to see you two. Renee, you look beautiful.”

  “Thank you.” She plastered a smile across her face, even as her skin burned where his lips had grazed. “You both look super.”

  Super? She did a mental face-palm.

  “Essie Park, you’re slaying it! White—how virginal!” Myles dramatically fanned his face. “About to be touched for the very first time.”

  “Oh, stop it, Myles Morrison.” Essie swatted at him. “But if you must know, I had a business meeting in the city a few weeks ago, and I made a trip to Bloomingdale’s while I was there.”

  “Speaking of business, you should really take a leap.” Essie gave her a pointed look. “What could go wrong?”

  The thought of the pie shop served as a pick-me-up, but she wasn’t in the mood to talk business. She had no right to be jealous and yet here she was slowly turning the same color as split pea soup.

  “Still thinking it over,” she murmured.

  Dan cleared his throat. “I, for one, think it’s an outstanding idea.”

  “Yes, well.” She shuffled awkwardly. Her feet were already hurting from the stilettos, and she could practically feel the blisters forming on the sides of her pinkie toes. “If you’ll all excuse me, I need to use the bathroom.”

  Smooth, Renee. Real elegant exit.

  She hurried toward the ladies’ room, pretending not to hear Dot Turner call her name and avoiding all eye contact. Once safely inside, she leaned against the deep basin sink and glared at her reflection. She regretted coming tonight. Seeing Dr. Dan coupled up with Essie was breaking her heart in all sorts of new ways.

  “Bree?” Renee startled when she saw her s
ister slinking out of a bathroom stall, her face splotchy and tear-stained. “Oh my God. What’s the matter?” Was there some new man in Bree’s life causing a ruckus? “What did he do to you?” she spat.

  “Who? Who did what do to me?” She quickly wiped the area beneath her eyes. Bree clearly thought she’d been alone. She took in Renee’s appearance and tried to smile. “New dress? It makes your boobs look eighteen. Every guy in this place must be wanting to motor boat them.”

  Renee shook her head. “Thanks, but no changing the subject. Why is my favorite sister crying alone in a bathroom stall?” If there was a man behind those tears, he was going to have hell to pay for whatever he’d said or done to hurt her sister. Especially considering all she’d been through.

  A look of alarm shot across Bree’s face. Every part of her sister looked exhausted, from her smudged eyeliner to her slightly wrinkled dress. “I’m fine, really.” Bree hastily washed her hands, her eyes set downward. “Just springtime allergies. Freaking hay fever.”

  “You don’t get allergies.” Renee narrowed her eyes. “In fact you brag about it every year while the rest of town is sneezing up a storm. Seriously, cut the crap. What gives? I’m worried about you.”

  She moved forward, ready to engulf her in a warm hug, but Bree stumbled backward.

  “Here’s an idea. How about you stop acting like everyone’s mother?” she snapped.

  “Excuse me?”

  “I’m not Tansy. I’m not your responsibility.” Bree’s voice was defensive. “If I need you, I’ll let you know but right now I just really need to be alone.”

  “Wow, okay then.” Surprised and overwhelmingly hurt, Renee hugged herself close. “I get it. I’m sorry. I just love you, sis.”

  “I love you too, more than words can say, but please get out of here. I’m begging you. Go enjoy the party.”

  As if. As soon as she exited the bathroom, she knew she had to get out of here. She was worried about Bree—really worried. She had to get to the bottom of this. And yes, she was feeling a bit sorry for herself too. She barged back into the party. With the strands of lights and flowers it looked like a fairy tale. Too bad it felt like a nightmare.

  Myles was still chatting with Dan and Essie, though Jill Kelly had joined the group. Essie was resting her hand on Dr. Dan’s forearm and laughing at something he’d just said.

  Essie was so outgoing and effervescent, the very sort of woman to entertain him without expecting more from him than he was able to give.

  She needed to let the fantasy go. Let the ship sail.

  She discreetly tapped Myles on the shoulder.

  “Hey,” she murmured. “I’m sorry, but I’m getting a crushing migraine. Do you think you can get another lift home?”

  “You poor thing!” Myles exclaimed entirely too loudly. “But don’t worry about me, sweet pea. Dr. Hanlon here passes my place on the way out to his cabin. I’m sure I can beg a ride from him.”

  “Who said I’m letting this babe go home alone tonight?” Essie winked, making the small group burst into laughter.

  Renee and Dan locked eyes. He quickly glanced to some mystery spot on the ceiling. Her stomach muscles clenched. She felt like she was going to throw up. “Thanks again for joining me tonight,” she told Myles quickly. “Have a nice night, everyone.”

  Turning sharply on her foot, she made a beeline for the door.

  Once outside, she sucked in deep breaths of the salty air, trying to fill her lungs to bursting. Maybe that would put her out of her misery. She leaned against the brick building and closed her eyes, willing the tears to stay put. She had been through hell and back with Russell. She was not going to let this man who she’d slept with one measly time drive her to tears.

  “Renee?” She looked up sharply. Dan. His eyes were narrowed with concern. His movements cautious, hesitant. “I didn’t realize you get migraines. Will you be okay driving home?”

  She couldn’t deal with a pity gesture, not right now.

  “Oh it’s just one of those things. Boring really.” She made an offhand gesture. “I’ll manage.”

  And before he could say another word, she fled to her car.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Sadie could hardly breathe.

  Here they were, the first appointment of the day on Monday morning, after an agonizing remainder of the weekend, which even included a ridiculous attempt to have fun at the Spring Fling. As if that was remotely possible when the only thing on her mind was the health, the very viability, of her unborn child.

  “Our baby is going to be okay.” Ethan nestled his nose into Sadie’s hair, resting it just above her ear. “Just think, this time next year? We’re going to be sitting on the beach eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches and building sandcastles together. All four of us.”

  Sadie loved that image. She thought of Lincoln digging a moat while Ethan molded turrets from wet sand. She would have the baby snuggled against her chest, maybe breastfeeding or reading a story to the happy infant.

  “But what if he or she isn’t?” A wave came crashing into the frame, knocking them all to their backs, helpless.

  “We have to think positively.” His words were more convincing than the thick emotion in his voice. “We’re his or her parents. If we aren’t in the baby’s corner, who is?”

  Sadie nodded, resolute. She rubbed her stomach. “You can do this, little one. We believe in you.”

  “We love you,” Ethan said so quietly, it was nearly a whisper.

  Thank God Renee had volunteered to watch Lincoln this morning. If this pregnancy wasn’t viable, she wasn’t sure how she was going to react. Would she burst into ugly sobs? Quietly cry? Scream? Any of these possibilities would scare Lincoln, and the last thing she wanted to do was upset her boy.

  “Good morning.” Dr. Jennings’s tone was serious and somber. Sadie appreciated that the doctor wasn’t trying to pretend like this appointment was anything other than tense. “I know this all must be incredibly scary.”

  They both nodded, their voices caught in their throats.

  “Are you ready?”

  Again, more silent nodding.

  Sadie gripped Ethan’s hand as they watched Dr. Jennings move the ultrasound wand inside her. They didn’t make a sound, their hope spread as thin as tissue paper, as if any noise could rip their hopes in half.

  Please be okay, Sadie prayed. Please be okay in there.

  Ethan squeezed her fingers, and she looked up at him, locking gazes. They didn’t need to talk—their eyes said it all. While this pregnancy had startled them, they wanted this baby.

  Their baby.

  Then the corners of Dr. Jennings mouth lifted up and suddenly everything was all right.

  “There’s the heartbeat.”

  Sadie’s eyes welled up with tears, and she let out a giant exhale. Nervously, she asked, “So the baby is going to be okay?”

  “Yes. Your baby is fine.” Dr. Jennings nodded. “Would you like to listen to the heartbeat?”

  “Yes, please,” Ethan said quickly. Sadie noticed his own eyes were glassy. He let out a small exhale and collapsed into a nearby chair, running his hands through his hair. “Christ. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so worried in my life.”

  “Exhausting, isn’t it?” Sadie said, though she couldn’t agree more. The couple listened to the soft whoosh of their child’s heartbeat, relief making her shaky. “That’s our baby, honey. Listen how strong they sound.”

  Ethan reached over and stroked her thigh before holding her hand once again, this time looser, more relaxed.

  Dr. Jennings let them listen a while longer before asking if they had any other questions. “No? Well, I’ll see you at your next scheduled appointment then,” she smiled, tossing her gloves into the trash. “And congratulations to you both.”

  They talked about baby names the entire drive home.

  “I want something old-fashioned and elegant for a girl, like Tabitha or Theodosia,” she mused. “And if it’s a boy,
maybe Harrison or Alexander.”

  “Not bad.” Ethan drummed his fingertips against the steering wheel. “Theodosia is a mouthful though. Maybe Thea?”

  “Wouldn’t it be fun to have a girl? Of course, two boys would be great, too. I’d get to be the queen bee of my own wolf pack.”

  “I love imagining Lincoln as a big brother. He is such a sweet kid…He reminds me so much of Stephen.”

  “Yeah? I like that comparison.” Stephen Landry was Ethan’s older brother, a public defense lawyer who spent his downtime coaching his kids’ sports teams and volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House.

  When they turned onto Seashell Lane, Ethan suggested Sadie pick up Lincoln from Renee’s house while he made them breakfast. “How do croque monsieurs sound?”

  “Oh my God, yes, please!” Sadie loved Ethan’s gooey grilled cheese sandwiches with their slices of crisp, buttery bread, and savory folds of ham. “Thank you, honey.”

  When Renee opened her door, she eyed Sadie cautiously, her brows furrowed but her eyes hopeful. “How did it go? Would you like to sit down?”

  “The baby’s okay,” she sighed. “We got to hear the heartbeat, and it was the most glorious sound you can imagine.”

  Renee took Sadie into her arms and gave her a wonderful, warm hug. When she finally released her neighbor, she was wiping tears from her eyes. “Sorry about the waterworks. I was just so worried.”

  Sadie gave her a second hug and wondered if Renee knew how good it felt to have someone worrying about her. She hadn’t even bothered to tell her own parents, figuring it didn’t make any sense to worry them when everything could turn out okay.

  The thought made her smile all over again: everything was okay.

  “Let me go get Lincoln. I know you have to get to work. Thanks so much again.” She followed Renee inside and giggled at what Lincoln had been up to all morning. He had built a fortress using Renee’s dozens and dozens of books. From chick lit favorites like Jemima J to literary classics like To Kill a Mockingbird, the castle was built on a foundation of wonderful literature.