The dress was way too much for drinks with the McCarthys. Abby had come to this conclusion about halfway down the stairs to the lobby. She’d known a moment of hesitation when she put it on, but after the time she’d spent with Tiffany today, she was determined to be a newer, better version of her old self. Even though the dress was too much, Adam’s reaction to it had been absolutely perfect and worth every cent she’d spent at Naughty & Nice.

“Self-confidence is the key,” Tiffany had said. “If you feel confident, you’ll project that to others.”

The red dress made Abby feel confident about walking into that bar to meet Adam and his parents, who must be wondering what they were doing together. Would they disapprove? And if they did? Would she care? Would he?

Stop it. That’s not helping your confidence.

What did wonders for her self-confidence was the greeting she received from Les—or was it Len?—one of the guys she’d met the night before who made a big deal out of her when she walked into the bar. He greeted her with a hug and a suggestive smile.

“You look amazing, baby. Are you sure you’re married?”

“Afraid so,” Abby said, relieved to rely on the cover story Adam had concocted for her. “My husband is right over there with his parents, and he’s the jealous sort.”

“If I had a wife who looked like you, I’d be the jealous sort, too.”

“That’s kind of you to say. It was nice to see you again, but I’d better go join my family.” Thinking of the McCarthys as her family reminded Abby that she’d once expected to be a McCarthy, but that hadn’t happened.

As she walked away, Les—or Len—called after her. “Still can’t believe you’ve got six kids. You’re one smoking-hot mama!”

When she realized the McCarthys had heard what he said, her face got very warm as Adam stood and held a chair for her. Big Mac also stood in a show of respect that Abby found charming. She’d always had a great big crush on him.

“You look gorgeous,” Adam said when he returned to his own chair.

“Thank you. I went shopping today. Time for something new.”

“I saw something just like that dress in Tiffany’s store,” Linda said.

“That’s where I got it. She’s done a wonderful job with the store, and she’s exceptionally good at getting her customers to part with their money.”

“That she is,” Linda agreed.

“What the heck have you bought there, Mom?”

“None of your business, honey.”

“Oh my God,” Adam muttered.

“Just because there’s snow on the roof doesn’t mean the fire’s out, son,” Big Mac said with a wide grin, making Adam groan.

Abby couldn’t help but laugh at his distress.

“So you’ve got six kids now?” Linda asked, winking at Abby. “You work fast.”

Abby glanced at Adam, uncertain how she should respond.

“That guy was hassling her last night,” he said, “so we made up a little story.”