Hold Me (Fool's Gold #16)(84)

“You’re not,” Cassidy said cheerfully. “You’re going to be breastfeeding.”

Taryn glared at her. “Don’t start with me. You think you’re all skinny and tough, but I could take you.”

Cassidy’s amusement grew. “Like I’d take on a pregnant woman.”

Taryn sighed. “Fine. Four months after this kid is born, I’m getting really, really drunk. Until then, make me that stupid herbal iced tea drink. It’s not completely gross.”

Jo glanced at her. “Love the endorsement. I’ve been thinking of doing some TV advertising. I should have you as my spokesperson.”

“Very funny,” Taryn grumbled. “And I’m sorry. I’m huge. I can’t sleep. My feet are swollen, and none of my good shoes fit. Kill me now.”

Everyone laughed, then continued with their drink orders. Destiny glanced at Taryn then back at Jo. “She made the herbal iced tea sound so good, I’ll try one.”

“You’ll love it,” Jo assured her then turned back to Taryn. “I have a new salad. Fresh, organic and locally sourced. High protein with some quinoa.”

Taryn made a gagging sound. Jo chuckled and walked away.

“It’s her way of expressing love,” Madeline said. “Jo takes care of people, and we love her for it.”

“I know,” Taryn said with a sigh.

“The salad sounds delicious,” Larissa admitted. “I think I’ll get it.”

“You would,” Taryn grumbled.

“I agree with her,” Cassidy added.

Destiny had a feeling she was saying that to bug Taryn. The two women seemed to have made good friends fairly quickly. Not a likely friendship, but one that seemed solid.

Conversation swirled around her. Talk about upcoming festivals, the great weather, the crazy things tourists had done. The usual stuff. Jo returned with the drinks, took their lunch orders then left. Destiny knew she was running out of time.

Not sure what to say, exactly, she put her left hand on the table. Light glinted from her gold wedding band. She stared at the ring, searching for the right words. In the end she figured she would just blurt it out. Simply say—

“OMG, is that real?” Madeline asked. “Destiny Mills, are you wearing a wedding ring?”

The table went silent as everyone turned to look at her. Or, more precisely, her hand.

She felt herself flush. “I, ah...”

Taryn poked at the ring. “It feels real to me.”

Destiny cleared her throat. “Kipling and I got married a couple of days ago. I know it’s quick, but there are reasons. One reason. I’m pregnant.”

Everyone stared at her. Eyes widened, a couple of mouths dropped open.

“That was fast,” Taryn said, then winced. “Sorry. I meant that to sound less judgmental.”

“Good for you,” Cassidy said. “Kipling’s a great guy. When did this happen? And where?”

“Yes, we need details,” Larissa added.

“Congratulations.” Madeline gave her a hug. “He’s dreamy, and you two are so cute together. And a baby! That’s wonderful. Does Starr know? Is she thrilled?”

“She says she is,” Destiny told them. “She keeps going on and on about being part of a real family. Plus, she’s super excited about having a baby niece or nephew.”

“I get that,” Larissa said. “If it were just me in my family, I would have run away. My parents are fantastic, but intense.” She smiled at Destiny. “You’re lucky to have found each other so quickly. I was in love with Jack for ages and never figured it out. My mother had to tell me. Talk about humiliating.”

“Jeff and I knew from day one,” Cassidy said with a wink. “He said hi and I said hi, then we were staring into each other’s eyes. By the end of the first week, I’d moved in with him, and when we hit the six-month mark, we were married.” She sighed. “I do love a good love story.”

Taryn sniffed. “Me, too. Damn hormones are turning me into a girl.”

Madeline leaned toward her. “Taryn, honey, you are a girl. You knew that, didn’t you? Because if you didn’t, someone needs to have a little talk with Angel.”

“Very funny.”

Jo arrived with their lunches. “Congratulations,” she said. “I heard the happy news. That man moves fast. Opens a bar in town after only being here a couple of months and takes half my business. A few weeks later, he’s married with a kid on the way. Talk about being born under a lucky star.” The other woman shook her head. “Sorry. That came out wrong. I really am happy for you. Lunch is on me.”

Destiny looked at her. “Thanks.”

Jo left. Madeline touched Destiny’s arm. “Don’t worry about Jo. She’s fine.”

Destiny nodded, thinking Jo seemed more upset about The Man Cave than enthused about the wedding. Taryn tasted the healthy salad and declared it edible. Cassidy pressed for details about the wedding, and conversation moved on to other topics. Destiny relaxed as she realized she’d had no reason to worry at all. Friends didn’t judge. They were accepting and supportive.

She might be pregnant and dealing with a lot of changes, but she wasn’t alone. She had Kipling, Starr and these women to help her. After all the years of mostly being on her own, she had to admit it felt good to be connected.