Page 134 of Finding Hayes
“Hi, Midge,” I said, as she walked me to the back where Demi, Ruby, Saylor, Emerson, and Peyton were sitting.
“Why didn’t you bring that sexy husband of yours in with you?” she grumped.
“He’ll be back to pick me up. I’m sure he’d be happy to come in and say hello,” I said with a laugh as I slid into the booth.
“Hey,” Peyton said. “Did you come straight from the airport?”
“Yep. Hayes dropped me off.”
“Well, he loves doing that and keeping his eyes on you. He’s been hilarious since you found out you were pregnant.” Saylor chuckled, and we paused to place our orders with Letty.
“Please. I notice King is constantly at the bookstore ever since you found out you were pregnant,” Demi said, and the table erupted in laughter.
“I’ve got to tell you, I’m scared to drink the water in Magnolia Falls lately. Two of you are pregnant, and I feel like Emerson is next. Peyt, you and me are the last ones holding out.” Ruby reached for her Coke and took a sip before setting the glass back down.
“I think Nash and I are going to start trying after the wedding, but there’s something that’s more important right now.” Emerson put her hands together, and we all leaned in because it sounded like she had some big news.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“Yes. We’re great. But my brother, Easton, is helping us start the discussion with Tara.” Tara was Cutler’s biological mother, and I’d heard the horrible stories about her from Hayes and the girls.
“What discussion?” Ruby asked.
“I want to adopt Cutler. He heard about adoption and what it was, and he came home and asked Nash and me about it. I’ve been looking into it ever since, and it just feels right, you know? Easton has reached out to Tara, and we’ll see if she’s even willing to consider it.”
“Wow. That would be amazing,” Demi said, her eyes wet with emotion.
“Yeah. So that’s first and foremost, and then the wedding, and then we’ll start trying for another baby.”
“Damn. You’ve all got baby fever,” Peyton said. “I’ve actually got news, but it sure as hell doesn’t involve a screaming child, because, ewwww. No offense. I’m sure you’ll all have great kids and your vaginas will bounce back just fine.” More laughter erupted around the table as Letty set down our plates.
“What’s your news?” Saylor asked, as she bit off the top of a french fry.
“Slade and I are moving in together.” She shrugged. “I’m going to shack up with Demi’s brother!”
I laughed, and Demi’s entire face lit up. “He told me he was going to ask you.”
“So I guess we really are sisters, huh?” Peyton said.
“Of course, we are. You didn’t need to shack up with my brother to make that happen. But I’m glad you are. I love seeing you both so happy together.”
“Look at us,” Saylor said. “We’re just a bunch of ridiculously happy women.”
“Who’d have thought it?” Demi said, her voice laced with humor.
“Not me.” Ruby shrugged. “I always thought being happy was overrated. But look at me. I am nauseatingly happy, aren’t I?”
“You are. I’m embarrassed for you,” Peyton said, bumpingRuby with her shoulder. “You smile all the time. What would your vampire family think of you?”
“Well, look at Hayes. He gave me a run for my money when it came to being a big grump, and then little Miss Sunshine came back to town, and he’s a new man.”
“He really is putty in your hands.” Saylor beamed at me. “King said the renovations are coming along at the barn, and your office space will be ready in a few weeks.”
“Yeah. We’re still unpacking boxes from the move into the house, but we’re pretty settled. And for now, I just work out of the house. It’ll take some time to build the business up.”
“Yeah, but you’re already taking on a few projects with the guys, right?” Emerson asked.
“Yes. And I love it. It’s so fun to help create people’s dream homes or dream businesses, you know?”
