Jody took five sausage biscuits from the freezer and popped them into the microwave. “Wedding cakes make me think of the bridal fair. I wonder if Graham is going to let Tabby model for us, and are we buying, renting, or talking Harry into building an arch for us?” Her thoughts went back to the idea of a wedding and children. When she found closure, would she ever trust a man again?

“I hope so. That dress should fit her perfectly. She’s even the same height as Selena, so we won’t have to shorten it.” The oven dinged and Mitzi removed the food. “Now that we’re moved in and settling down, how are you, Jody? We’ve been so busy that it seems like months instead of days since Lyle left.”

“I got up real early this morning and drove out to the place. That sumbitch dragged the trailer out right over my garden, so there’ll be no fresh vegetables. All that’s left out there is a couple of beat-up old lawn chairs. I sat down in one and cried like a baby.” Jody choked up but refused to shed another tear. “Lyle was my life. I gave him my heart, my soul, and my virginity when I was fifteen. Not even steaks and sausage can heal the pain.”

Paula hugged her tightly. “You should’ve woken us. We would have gone with you.”

“I needed to do it all alone,” Jody said and then jumped back a few inches at a sharp nudge from Paula’s stomach. “The baby just kicked me.”

Paula laid a hand on the spot. “It’s been really active lately. I just hope it’s willing to let me know today if it’s a boy or girl so our little party can be a gender reveal. In some ways I envy those girls who have a baby bump. I just feel fatter than usual.”

“How much weight have you gained?” Mitzi asked.

“Fifteen pounds. The doctor says that twenty should be my limit,” Paula answered.

“Getting to feel the baby kick like that made it real,” Jody said. “Are you sure you’re not going to tell the father? He’s missing so much.”

How quick would you tell Lyle if you find out you’re pregnant? the pesky voice in her head asked.

Jody shook her head to push the voice away. I might even tell him that it didn’t belong to him.