“No, but since I don’t have a choice, yes, I will keep it to myself. Though Mom would be on cloud nine if she knew this. Dad too.”

“We haven’t even told our parents, so yours, they’ll just have to wait. I know it’s asking a lot to keep this quiet. I just couldn’t keep this to myself any longer. Scott said you commented on the junk food in his shopping cart. I thought you might figure it out, so I wanted to tell you face-to-face, hence the real reason I stopped by.”

“I’m beyond happy for you two. So, boy or girl?”

“I don’t know yet, and won’t for several more weeks.”

“I get that. I meant what are you and Scott hoping for?”

“I don’t care, either will be absolutely perfect. A baby! Oh, Lauren, I am so over the moon, I don’t know if I can wait seven more months to meet this little bean. That’s the size. Can you believe it? A bean or, the doctor said, a raspberry. Just so itty-bitty!”

Lauren chuckled. “You’ll be a great mom, Scott a great dad. This changes a lot. Right?”

“Yes and no. I’ll have a bump, which I can’t wait for, and no, I’ll continue life as usual. I’ll probably take some time off work once the baby is here, but I don’t foresee any huge changes. ”

They burst out laughing.

“That’s bull, and I know it. My entire life will change, but Lauren, it’ll be in such a good way. Listen, I need to get out of here, let you do your work.” She paused, a dazed look on her face. “Did I just blow the wind out of your book sails, pun intended?”

“Never! I don’t think my news compares.” She walked Madison to the front of the store. She saw her bright red Corvette parked outside. “You might have to consider another vehicle, though.”

“I don’t like that car anyway. I’ll be getting an SUV or a minivan. Something family-like. Oh, Lauren, let me hug you one more time, then I’ll get out of your hair.”

Lauren gave her a hug, promised to keep her updated on Lee’s health, and congratulated her once again.

Inside the store, she couldn’t help but smile, despite herself. Madison’s was the best news she’d heard all day.

Chapter 12

Chapter 12