Bryce frowned. “Well, dang, Vash, do you have to sound so brutal?”

Vashti grinned. “I was just repeating what you told me.”

Bryce knew Vashti was right. That was what she’d told her. “His ex-wife still had her hooks in him, but I didn’t know it at the time. Now they’ve remarried and have two kids. In fact, he said she’s expecting their third.”

“You talked to him?”

“Yes. I have no problem doing so. I am so over him. I honestly doubt I was ever into him.” She glanced over at Vashti. “You don’t know how lucky you are. You go to bed with a husband at night and get the real thing, Vash. I depend on my dreams to keep me sane. My very hot dreams. I haven’t had sex in almost four years. Do you know how hard that is for me?”

Vashti nodded. “I can imagine.”

“That’s why when I see Kaegan sometimes I get hot, remembering how things used to be between us. Isn’t that awful considering what he thought about me?”

“All of us have wants and desires that are often hard for us to control, Bryce. With that said, I invited you here today for a reason. I have something to tell you.”

Bryce looked at her expectantly. “What?”

“I’m pregnant.”

“OMG!” Bryce excitedly got up, went around the table and gave Vashti a huge hug. “I am so happy for you. When did you find out?”

“This morning. I took an at-home pregnancy test, but Sawyer claims it was a waste of time and money because he already knew.”

“Have you told the girls yet?”

“Not yet. They’re flying in this weekend for the charity ball. Reid requested their presence since he’s being honored there for all his charitable contributions.”

“Well, this calls for a celebration. No wonder you suggested apple cider instead of wine today. You are living your dream, kiddo. You always wanted four kids. I am so happy for you.”

“Thanks, and more than anything, Bryce, I want you to start living your dream, as well.” And with a mischievous gleam in her eye, Vashti added, “Even those hot ones you say you’re having.”

CHAPTER TEN

BRYCE GLANCED AROUND the ballroom. The decorating committee had done a fantastic job in making the entire room look festive. Suddenly, she felt a tingling sensation in the pit of her stomach. She looked beyond where Vashti and Ashley were sitting and saw Kaegan. He had entered the ballroom flanked by Sawyer and Ray.

Curious as to what she was staring at, Vashti turned and smiled. “I don’t believe it.”

Bryce bit down on her bottom lip. Neither did she. Kaegan was the last person she’d expected to see here tonight. In all the years he’d lived in the cove, she’d never known him to attend one of these types of functions. It wasn’t that he was antisocial, per se; it was that he just didn’t feel comfortable with certain crowds of people.