Okay, what can I pour anybody? she asked, standing at the edge of the living room.
The white merlot for me, Quinn said.
Chardonnay, please. Lilah affected a reprimanding scowl. But when the tiny green bows end up crooked on these bubbles, youre going to have to explain to my wedding guests its because you plied us with alcohol.
Fair enough, Arianne said. What about you, Rach?
Rachel kept her gaze on the piece of lace in her hand. Im good, but thanks.
You sure? Arianne persisted. Its from that family winery in Dahlonega you love.
Yeah, but Ive almost hot-glued my fingers together twice. Friends dont let friends drink and glue. Maybe later. Like in six and a half months.
An hour or so later, as Arianne popped a rented copy of The Wedding Singer into the DVD player, Quinn stretched and regretfully announced that she didnt think she could stay much longer.
I have to be at school at seven tomorrow to administer some makeup tests before winter break and the end of the grading period. She shot an apologetic look at the bride. Since the two friends lived in adjoining houses, theyd driven over together. I hate to cut the evening short.
Are you kidding? Weve already decorated, like, two hundred and eighty bottles. Lilah looked tickled pink by the progress. You guys are amazing.
I can stick around and help for a little longer, Arianne volunteered.
Rachel managed not to wince-shed actually been hoping everyone would go and that she could shuffle off to bed. Thats sweet, but you dont have to. I can easily finish the few that are left tomorrow.
Okay. Ari agreed readily enough, but stared at her for a moment as if she had more to say. She bided her time, though, until after the other women had left.
Rachel was stacking all the movies by Ariannes purse when her sister-in-law asked from behind her, So when are you due?
Okay. Ari agreed readily enough, but stared at her for a moment as if she had more to say. She bided her time, though, until after the other women had left.
Rachel was stacking all the movies by Ariannes purse when her sister-in-law asked from behind her, So when are you due?
What? Rachel jumped. How-Why-Why would you?
Arianne rolled her eyes, but her grin was a mile wide. Oh, that was a convincing denial. She suddenly squealed, throwing her arms around Rachels shoulders. I am so excited for you!
Rachel blinked back tears. Even though it hadnt been the plan, it felt pretty amazing to share the news with someone close to her. Thank you.
Now go sit your pregnant butt down and tell me everything!
Um, other than what youve already surmised, Im not sure what else there is to know.
Well, for starters, when are you due? Arianne repeated. When did you find out? Did you set up an elaborate romantic scene to tell David, or did you just kind of blurt it out because you were so excited or did he already suspect or-
Whoa. One question at a time. We havent known for very long at all. David was with me when I took the home pregnancy test. We got the results confirmed by the doctor, but we were waiting to tell people. Obviously.
I dont think thats gonna work out. No offense, but you and David dont have poker faces. When I went to lunch with the two of you the other day, I knew something was up. For one thing, whenever one of you thought the other wasnt looking, you were staring at each other.
Rachel felt her face heat. We were?
Oh, yeah. He was in such a great mood, too. But hes also been tense lately. I get it now. He must be really happy but maybe worried about you and the baby all at the same time. Is everything all right?
So far. I mean, Ive had a few dizzy spells, some nausea. Dr. McDermott assured us all that was normal. And Ive been tired.
We noticed. You were practically falling asleep over your craft scissors, then you refused a glass of one of your favorite wines.
We noticed?
Arianne bobbed her head. I asked Lilah and Quinn if they thought youd been feeling all right lately, and Lilah mentioned that youd seemed less than a hundred percent shopping the other day. She also said that you asked them to stop the car because you had to go to the bathroom every five minutes. The way David was hovering at the shower and all that food he brought you? I think everyone suspects, but we didnt want to
Get your hopes up? Rachel asked, knowing that Arianne was treading lightly because of what had happened last time.
So when are you going to tell the family? You cant wait until the second trimester-everyone will have figured it out by then!
She made a valid point. Rachel sighed. I dont know. Ill have to talk it over with David.
Arianne was grinning from ear to ear again. I am going to be the coolest aunt ever. No offense to Lilah or your sister, but come on. This is me were talking about.
Rachel experienced a twinge of guilt. Even though it hadnt been intentional, she felt bad that one of Davids family knew about the baby and he hadnt been part of the announcement. He would have wanted to share in the moment.
I know youll be a fantastic aunt. Youve always been a fantastic sister-in-law, Rachel said with feeling. But right now, theres something I need you to do for me as a friend. Well, two things.
Yes?
First, keep it just between us?
You got it-itll be our little secret!
Yours, mine, Davids, Mindys, Mays, Dr. McDermott and her entire staff Chloe, Quinn and Lilah had probably all figured it out, too.
Second. Rachel rubbed her eyes. Any chance I could convince you to clear out of here so that I can drop into an eight-hour coma?
Arianne laughed. Deal. Ill call you tomorrow, okay?
Once Rachel had the house to herself, she brushed her teeth and changed into a silky, oversize sleep shirt that buttoned down the front. In the darkness, she climbed into bed, but her conscience nagged that there was something she should do before she let herself sink into slumber. After only a minute or two of deliberation, she reached for the cordless phone.
Would he be asleep? It was a few minutes past eleven, and David liked to be up with the sun.
He answered on only the second ring, sounding plenty alert. Rach? Is that you?
Hey. Sorry for calling at this hour.
You can call anytime. Is everything all right?
Absolutely. No problems today. Butsomething happened tonight that you should know about.
All right. From his end, there came rustling and a click. Rachel imagined him sitting up, turning on the light and bracing himself for whatever news she might have.
Its nothing bad, she reiterated. Your sister caught me off guard.
He snorted. Ari has a way of doing that.
We were all over here working on party favors for the wedding, and after Quinn and Lilah left, Arianne asked me point-blank about being pregnant. I didnt mean to tell her, but I didnt deny it convincingly.
Youre a very honest person, he said, his voice laced with affection. So my sister knows?
She said she wont tell anyone, but I figured now that the cats out of the bag, it would only be right to let the rest of your family know. Soon.
Christmas is right around the corner. Why not tell them Christmas morning?
She smiled at the idea. That sounds festive. With the big announcement as backup, I wont have to worry about whether your family will like their presents.
He chuckled. Oh, come on. Theyll love whatever you got them because it was from you.
She picked at the fringe on the edge of her bedspread. Their bedspread. Actually, I did all right shopping for most of your family, but
But? he prompted.
I was at a loss as to what I should get you. Everything seemed either hypocritical or too impersonal. When he didnt say anything, she couldnt help asking, Didnt you have trouble picking something out for me?
No.
Oh. Well, I-
Rachel, it doesnt matter. Its the thought that counts, and IReally, it doesnt matter. His voice lowered. Theres only one thing I want, anyway. You.
Her breath stuck in her throat, her skin tingling at the intensity in his voice. She was suddenly, miraculously, not the least bit tired. You, hed said-not the baby, not another chance at their marriage, simply you.
I Maybe it was a surge of hormones, maybe it was old-fashioned lust, but she couldnt turn away from what she was feeling. Not this time. Didnt she want to be that bold woman who went after what she wanted, a woman who wouldnt cower away from making love with the lights blazing?
Last night? she prompted. When you were leaving after dinner, I really wanted you to kiss me. And when we said goodbye after shopping with Tanner and Lilah. And when you picked me up for shopping with Tanner and Lilah. I should have just taken action.
Now she heard his breathing hitch as he fumbled for words. It was a delicious sensation.
Give me five minutes.
PLEASEdont let her change her mind, please dont let her change her mind. David shoved his arms through the sweatshirt hed discarded earlier and took the steps two at a time toward the front door. Part of him thought it would be quicker just to sprint toward the house-the way he felt now, he could make it in twenty seconds flat-than mess with the car, but then hed show up sweaty and panting. That was only romantic under certain very specific conditions.
What is it you think is going to happen? he asked himself as he turned the key in the ignition. So shed admitted to wanting to kiss him. That didnt necessarily translate to
But instead of listening to what was probably the voice of reason, he focused on thinking positively. He let himself dwell on the way shed responded when hed kissed her over a week ago. Such heat. It had to mean she missed him at least a little. And what about the way shed looked at him during their dinner with Lilah and Tanner, and her request yesterday that he hold her? He couldnt help believing that things between him and Rachel were shifting for the better.
Pulling into the driveway, he barely had the engine shut off before he flung open the door. Now what, Einstein? Did he approach this casually, asking if he could come inside so they could talk about what shed said? Or did he just plant one on her, not giving her the chance to take back her rash admission, and hope for the best?
The porch light was on, probably a holdover from the ladies visit earlier, but there was no visible illumination from inside the house. He stood in the pale orange glow and rapped against his own front door.