“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.”

“Is that right?” Big Mac said, eyebrow raised in inquiry as he studied his son.

Chelsea came over to take Abby’s order.

“Saved by the bartender,” Adam said. “I’ve never been so happy to see you, Chelsea.”

“Well, that’s nice to hear. What can I get you, Abby?”

“White wine, please.” She’d learned her lesson with tequila. While it supposedly made some women take their clothes off, apparently it made her confess her deepest darkest secrets. She still couldn’t think about the things she’d told Adam last night without wanting to die, so she didn’t allow her brain to go there.

“What’s your pleasure? Pinot? Chardonnay?”

“I’ll try Pinot, please.” Truth be told, she had no idea what the difference was between the various types of wine, so she’d have to experiment and find one she liked. She used to drink Chardonnay once in a while, mostly to be sociable when she was with Grant, but she’d never really tried anything else. Well, until she started swilling tequila.

“Coming right up.”

“Another round for us, too, please, sweetheart,” Big Mac said.

Chelsea seemed to melt a little when Big Mac called her sweetheart, but then again, she was only human.