by Alison Mello
“When are you due?” I’m so excited to have someone pregnant with me.
“In July. Not too long after you.” She hugs me, excited our children will be born about the same time.
Logan wasn’t kidding when he said he made enough to feed an army. We walk into the dining room to find food spread out everywhere. There are two huge platters of meat, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, stuffing, carrots, green bean casserole, corn, homemade cranberry sauce, and rolls. Once we’re all seated, Sky asks me, “Are you sure you’ll be all set to do dinner on Monday?”
“Yes, I’m excited. The dining room furniture is being delivered tomorrow. While we’re home relaxing and waiting for it, we’ll be writing up the invitations for the wedding. I want to get them mailed on Monday.”
“Oh good. Have you decided on the menu?” Logan asks.
Stone smiles at me. “No, we’ll finalize that for you guys tomorrow too.” He’s saying it to Logan, but staring into my eyes.
The room goes quiet as we all enjoy the delicious feast that Logan has provided. The food is delicious and I’m so stuffed. As with every Thanksgiving, I overdid it. Once we’re done eating, the guys go to the family room to watch football and watch the kids while we clean and pack up the leftovers. With all of us pitching in, we’re finished in no time. The guys come into the kitchen. “Is it time for pie?” Jonah asks, holding Laney on his hip.
“I guess it’s time for pie.” Sky turns to pull the pies off the counter and place them on the island. She has apple pie, blueberry pie, chocolate cream pie, and pumpkin pie.”
“You realize there are only ten of us counting the kids.” Katie’s eyes are wide, taking in the four huge pies.
“I bet Jonah and Stone can each eat half a pie.” Sky has the biggest grin on her face. The two guys look at each other, rubbing their bellies.
Jonah turns back to her. “If I hadn’t just eaten a huge dinner, you’re probably right, for now I’ll stick with a hearty slice.” We all burst into laughter.
“I’m with him, besides I have a wedding to look good for. If I keep this up, I’ll have to spend all my extra time burning calories in the gym.” Stone grabs a plate.
“Don’t worry, babe, I’ll help you burn some calories later.” I wiggle my brows and he gives me a dirty grin that tells me he can’t wait. As we’re eating our pie, Sky walks around snapping pictures of everyone. She even has us pose in couples. She tells us she’s going to start scrapbooking and she wants this to be the first album she does.
When we’re done cleaning up from dessert, I grab Stone’s hand. “Are the guys back?” He nods at me and tells Sky we’re going to call it a night. We make our rounds to say goodbye and head out. I’m tired and I haven’t stopped thinking about how I’m going to help Stone burn those calories.
Chapter 25
Miranda
I’m back to work from the wonderful long weekend. I managed to convince Stone it’s a good idea for the guys to drive me to work and pick me up, since they couldn’t catch Benny over the weekend. I told him I was afraid he’d be waiting for me when I got there or when I left to come home, which isn’t far from the truth, but I said it knowing that would get him off my back about driving my new car.
We pull up to work, and per Stone’s instructions, Slade gets out to walk me all the way up to my office. When we get upstairs, Slade opens the door for me. “Have a good day, Miranda. I’ll be here by four-thirty unless you call me to come sooner.”
“I’ll be fine, thank you.” He pulls the door closed behind me and leaves.
“What was that all about?” Katie comes out of the kitchen with her coffee all made.
“I told Stone that I was afraid to drive with Benny on the loose. He had Slade and Cole bring me in. He demanded that Slade walk me up to the office.”
“Are you afraid to drive because of the accident, or because he’s on the loose?” She looks at me with one eyebrow raised while I contemplate how to answer her.
“A little of both.” I walk past her to the kitchen. I need coffee. I go straight to the cabinet housing my personal coffee mug.
“You know you have to start driving again eventually.” I jump, realizing that Katie had followed me.
“Jesus, are you trying to give me a heart attack?” I put my mug under the brewer and select the pod containing my favorite decaf pumpkin spice coffee.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, but Miranda, I’m worried about you.” She steps up next to me.
I shake my head. “No need to worry. I have security and they are doing a great job taking care of me.”
She slams her cup down. “You know that’s not what I’m referring to. You’ve driven your new car all of three times. You need to get back to driving.”
“I will, as soon as Benny’s been caught.” I step around her to get the cream from the fridge.
She sighs. “And if they don’t catch them?” She’s looking at me wide eyed, and I know she wants an answer, but I don’t have one.
“I don’t know.” I shake my head. “Right now, I need to focus on the wedding and this baby.” I rub my little baby bump that seems to be getting bigger and bigger every day. I turn away from her, my eyes welling with tears. I need to try and control my emotions.
She steps around me. “Listen, I didn’t mean to upset you, but you’re my best friend, and it sounds more like you’re not facing your fear of driving. You’re using Benny as an excuse, and that scares me because that means you’re letting him win.”
I wrap my arms around her and sob as she hugs me. “I know, but what if he gets to me again?”
“We are not going to allow that. I made a mistake that one afternoon. I should have never had you follow me to lunch. We should have canceled. I’m sorry.” She begins to cry as she rubs my back.
“I’m only afraid to drive alone. What if I’m out and they come after me again? I was so scared that day. I had no idea what to do, and I thought for sure I was dead. I don’t want to ever be in that situation again.” I wipe the tears from my face.
“Then drive while you’re with Stone. That way you’re at least behind the wheel. I don’t want you losing your independence over this.” She’s looking into my eyes and I can see the fear she has for me in hers.
“I will. I promise.” I give her a small smile.
“Good. Let’s get to work. Tanya’s already here and we have our Monday morning meeting soon.”
I sigh, grab my coffee, and head straight to my office. When I have my laptop booting up, I pull the mirror I have stashed away to fix up my makeup while I get settled. I have bags under my eyes. This is going to be a long day.
***
What a day. We had our normal meeting that ran longer than usual. I picked up a new client, who I will be meeting with next week. I’m happy to say that we’ve managed to set everything up that Higgins needs, so we can be done with him. Tanya even sent him the final bill with a note saying that we are done with our part, please pay the remaining balance on your bill. She cc’d me on the email and I was happy to see she charged him a bit more than we typically bill for our work, and it’s probably because she thinks he’s not going to pay. At least she got half and it won’t be such a loss for us.
My desk phone buzzes, it’s Lila calling me. “Hey, Lila.”
“Slade is here to take you home when you’re ready.” Her voice rings out over my speaker phone.
I look up at the clock. He’s right on time. “Okay, tell him I’ll be out in a minute.” I cut the call, answer my final email of the day confirming my appointment with my new client, and shut down my laptop.
When I get to the front where Lila sits, I find Slade sitting in a chair by the door with his legs crossed at his ankle. As soon as he sees me he stands. “Ready to go?”
“Yes, sir. Where’s Cole?”
“At the house with Stone.” I smile because this is the perfect opportunity for me to ask him what happened with him and Kara the other night. I can’t stop smiling, and he
’s giving me looks in the elevator. I only know because I can see it in the reflection of the elevator walls.
When we get to the waiting SUV, he opens the front passenger’s side door for me, closing it once I’m settled. He runs around to his side, climbing in and starting the car. He pulls away, not saying a word, pretending to be fully focused on the road, but I can see his brain is going a million miles an hour.
“So…” I trail off.
“Ask,” he says flatly.
“What’s up with you and Kara?”
He gives me a look of utter shock. “Nothing. I walked her out the other day.”
“Yeah, and I saw you checking her out the other day.” He glances at me, but quickly brings his eyes back to the road, and if I’m not mistaken, he’s blushing a bit.
He says nothing for a minute or two. “What’s it matter? She’s dating that dick, Noah.”
“She won’t be for long. She’s going to see what an ass he is and she’ll break up with him.”
“It sounds like he treats her like shit.” He growls, clearly not liking what he heard.
“I’m not sure he treats her like shit as much as he just leaves her hanging and is constantly blaming work. Although I guess lying about why you can’t meet up constitutes treating her like shit.”
“I don’t know, but I won’t be the cause of their break up, so don’t go trying to play matchmaker.” He shakes his head.
“I wouldn’t do that to you, Slade.” I pout, slightly upset he thinks I would intervene. “I just think you guys would make a cute couple, but I would never get in the middle.”
He gives me a side grin. “Don’t worry, when he hurts her I’ll be there to pick up the pieces and show her how a real man should treat her.”
We pull in to my place. I open the door but quickly turn back to him. “Hopefully it happens before it’s too late.” I jump out and run straight into our building. Slade’s a great guy, and if Kara doesn’t wake up, she could miss out.
I hurry upstairs because right now I’m missing my fiancé. When I get up there, I find Cole by the door. “Good evening, Miranda.”
“Good evening, Cole.” I give him a smile before I head in. “Babe, I’m home,” I call out, surprised Stone’s not in the kitchen.
“I’m in the bedroom,” he calls out to me.
I find him pulling his hair back, fresh from the shower. I wrap my arms around him from behind, pressing my cheek to his muscular back. “Hey, hot stuff.”
He spins in my arms. He grabs my chin, lifting it and pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “How was your day?”
“Busy. I picked up a new client today.”
“Great!” I can see he’s genuinely excited for me. “Come tell me about it while I finish dinner.”
“It smells great in here.” I follow him out to the kitchen.
“Thanks, I made baked ziti with meat sauce and veggie lasagna. I figured with twelve of us that should be enough and people can choose what they want, but I need to toss the salad and put the garlic bread in the oven.”
“I’ll help get the salad ready.” I grab what I need from the fridge and pull out a large bowl. “Did you make enough for Slade and Cole?”
“Yes, and I already told them I expected them to join us, and that they were off duty come dinner time. Slade told me they’ll be in when the last of the guests have arrived.”
“Nice. I spoke to Slade about Kara today.” I look over my shoulder to see Stone’s reaction but it doesn’t seem to faze him.
“What did he say?” He continues to set up the garlic bread.
“Just that he won’t get in the middle of her and Noah, but he thinks Noah treats her like shit and when they break up, he’ll be there for her.”
He turns to me with a huge grin on his face. “How did you know he liked her?”
“I saw him checking her out.”
Stone shakes his head and he’s about to say something more but our guests have started to arrive. The door opens and Slade lets Shane, Katie, Sky, and Logan in. I take Katie and Sky to check out our new dining room set when Sadie walks in. “Nice set.” She joins our conversation. We all hug her and say hello to her and little Laney, who’s on her hip.
Chapter 26
Miranda
Slade and I pull up to the Bridal Boutique to find Sky, Katie, and Lila already here. Today I’m picking my wedding dress, and then we’re shopping for my bridesmaids. I haven’t told them yet, but I also have to find a dress to wear to the art gallery tonight for Sadie’s big show.
I climb down from the SUV to greet my waiting friends, who are all really excited to shop. Slade ushers us all inside. “I’ll be in the corner keeping an eye out.”
“Thanks, Slade.” He walks away, glancing around the shop.
“Welcome to The Bridal Boutique. How can we help you?” An older lady with long dark black hair approaches.
“I have an appointment. Miranda Stevens.”
“Oh yes, Cindy will be helping you this morning. Right this way.” We follow the older woman to another room, and when I turn to let Slade know, he’s already following. I give him a smile and he simply nods, letting me know he’s got my back.
“Hello, Miranda. How are you?” A slim woman with short red hair and green eyes holds her hand out to me.
“I’m well, thank you. These are my friends, Sky, Katie, and Lila. Katie is my Matron of Honor and Lila is a bridesmaid. We’ll be searching for their dresses as well.”
She gives me a big smile. “Excellent. Do you have an idea what you’re looking for?”
I rub my belly. “Seeing I’m pregnant, something that won’t be too fitted. I want pure white, and I would like something that either has some red or I can incorporate red into, because the girls are wearing red.”
“All right. I have some ideas. Let me go grab some dresses for you. Any other stipulations?” she clasps her hands together.
“No, but I also need something nice for an art gallery showing tonight. A good friend of mine is displaying her work, and thanks to this belly, I have nothing to wear. Can you help?”
“I’m pretty sure I can, but let’s start with the wedding dress, and while you’re trying things on, I’ll see what we can find.”
I clap my hands, excited. “Thank you so much.”
“If we can’t find you a dress here for tonight, there’s a great maternity boutique not far from here. I’m sure we’ll find something there.” Sky leads me to a chair to relax while we wait for Cindy to come back with some dresses.
Cindy walks in with another woman and they are each carrying three dresses. I follow them to a large fitting room where I evaluate the dresses and choose the ones I want to try on. There’s a beautiful dress…the front is all white, but the train has a beautiful red in it. There’s another one, the sweetheart neckline is red and the rest is white. I chose to try on the one with the red train first. It’s beautiful and the girls all love it, but not wanting to pick the first one I try, I go through the others. I end up torn between the first one and an all-white dress that has a red sash and some red around the bottom of the skirt.
I put on the first one again and look in the mirror. “This one makes me feel really pretty and more like a bride.” I’m staring into the mirror with a huge grin on my face.
Katie stands to the side of me. She looks into my eyes through the mirror. “Is this the dress?”
I nod my head. “Yes.”
The girls all begin to clap and jump up and down. Cindy rings a bell and shouts, “She said yes to the dress.” Everyone in the shop begins to clap, and suddenly I’m overwhelmed by emotion. My eyes well and I can’t control it.
“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Sky comes running over.
“For the first time in a while I realize how much I miss my mom and all the things she’s missing out on.” Cindy hands me a tissue while Sky, Katie, and Lila wrap me in a huge group hug. A second later Sky starts to sing “That’s What Friends Are For” again and we all erupt into l
aughter. “Go get some dresses on, I want to see yours next to mine,” I say through laughter and tears.
Thirty minutes later my girls have dresses on and are standing next to me, showing off what they will be wearing the day of my wedding. The red is a perfect match for the red in my dress, and they both look stunning. They are wearing two different styles in the same color and material. I couldn’t be happier.
Once Cindy gets all our info for our dresses, we quickly change, because Cindy didn’t have anything I was happy with for tonight’s event, so we’re hitting the maternity boutique up the street. Sky jumps into her car, and Katie and Lila follow with Slade and I behind them.
The shop isn’t far, and we’re lucky when we get there it isn’t super busy. It’s almost lunch time and I’m starving. Plus we all still need to get home to shower and get ready to be at the show by six. The four of us hurry inside and are instantly greeted. I tell her what I need, and she begins to pull together some dresses for me. I end up finding a gorgeous black dress with some rhinestones in the bust line to make it a bit more elegant. She shows me some matching shoes that I fall in love with. She hurries off to grab them in my size, and in no more than forty-five minutes’ time we’re out of there. Slade takes my dress and my shoes and loads them into the back of the SUV. We all say a quick goodbye and take off to get ready. As soon as Slade pulls away, I send Stone a text to let him know I’m on my way.
