“I know. I’m still in shock. Of course, Angela has her fees, taxes, you know how it is, but it’s more than enough to cover Lee’s medical costs. James told me there’s a thing called an indigent fund at the hospital. Says most hospitals have them, but they don’t advertise it. He was pretty sure that Lee’s treatment would qualify her.”

Madison shook her head, her raven-colored hair swinging from side to side, her blue eyes sparkling. “Amazing. Doesn’t she have insurance from her job at the post office?”

“Apparently, it’s catastrophic. Although I don’t know how much more catastrophic one can get. So, long story short, I’m going to try to help out, set up an account for them. It’ll be my good deed for the month.”

“Month? You mean the year, the century.”

“Now you’re all caught up on my life. Your turn,” Lauren said.

The bell on the customer entrance jingled.

“You are literally saved by that bell I hung up earlier. Don’t move.”

A young couple, probably in their mid-twenties, said hello and walked up and down the aisles, then thanked her and left. “Sure,” Lauren said to the door, then hurried back to the office to resume her conversation.

“Okay, it’s still your turn.”

“Don’t you have customers?”

“No, they were browsers.”

“I do kind of have something to tell you, but you have to keep it a secret.”

“Always.”

“This is a really big secret, Lauren. As in humongous. Probably the biggest secret I’ll ever tell you.”

“Stop it! Just spit it out and tell me.”

“I’m pregnant!”

“Holy moly! Are you serious?”

“Would I joke about something we’ve been trying for since forever? Yes, Scott and I are going to be parents! Isn’t that the most exciting news you’ve ever heard?”

Lauren reached across the old shabby sofa, hugged her best friend, and immediately looked at her stomach.

“I’m not showing yet, if that’s what you’re looking for. It’s too soon. I’m only eight weeks, and I can’t tell you how much I wanted to tell you yesterday, but I had to wait until we had some girl time.”

Tears filled Lauren’s eyes because she knew how much Madison and Scott wanted a family. “That’s the best news I’ve heard in a very long time. That explains all that junk food in Scott’s shopping cart when I ran into him at the grocery last night. You little sneak, you!” Lauren hugged her again. “Wow, this is big.”

“Here’s the not-so-fun part. Other than Scott, I haven’t told anyone else. I wanted to wait until I was through my first trimester. You okay keeping this to yourself for a few more weeks?”