Very cute, Abby thought, not mentioning the possibility of an Adam and Abby.

“So I have some news,” Grace said with a big smile.

All eyes turned to her.

She placed her left hand on the table to show off an engagement ring. The table erupted into squeals and congratulations and calls for champagne as they demanded Grace tell them the whole story about the engagement. When everyone had been served a flute of bubbly, Janey raised her water glass in Grace’s direction. “Welcome to the McCarthy family, Grace. We’re so very happy to have you.”

“Thank you. We’re very excited, but I don’t think Evan has told your parents yet, so try to keep a lid on the news until he gets a chance to tell them.

“He’d better hurry up,” Janey said. “Voodoo Mama will be picking up a signal.”

Maddie let out a snort of laughter that set off the others.

Abby happened to glance at Laura as she pushed away her glass of champagne and closed her eyes. “Is Laura okay?” Abby whispered to Janey.

“Laura?” Janey said. “What’s wrong?”

Laura opened her eyes to meet her cousin’s gaze. “Just a little nauseated. Sorry.”

“Are you still feeling the effects of the stomach bug?” Grace asked. “It’s been more than a week. You should be feeling better by now.”

“Turns out,” Laura said with a sheepish grin, “it wasn’t the stomach bug after all, but rather a case of twins.”

“Oh my God!” Tiffany said. “You’re having twins?”

“Apparently.”

The news was greeted with more happy noise from the others.

“It’s a good thing we know the owner of this place,” Sydney said. “Otherwise, we’d be so kicked out of here.”

“No kidding,” Maddie said.

“Is it my turn to share a bit of news?” Janey asked.

“The floor is all yours,” Sydney said.

“Joe and I have made a decision…”

“Which is?” Maddie asked.

“We’re staying here this year after the baby is born.”

“Oh, wow,” Maddie asked. “That’s big news indeed! What about vet school?”

“I’m taking this year off to be a mom, and then we’ll see.”

“Was this your idea or his?” Tiffany asked.

“Mine. He took some convincing. He wants me to finish school.”

“I want that for you, too,” Maddie said, “but if I’m being entirely selfish, I’m thrilled you’ll be here this year.”

“So am I. The closer I come to delivering, the more anxious I was getting about balancing school and motherhood. When I finally told Joe how conflicted I was feeling, he said we’ll take a year off from Ohio if that’s what I want.”

“Aww,” Grace said. “He’s so sweet.”