Page 84 of A Montana Fake Marriage

She gave him a flat look, then gestured to their family and friends who had turned out for the party. “I’m not leaving just because I have some Braxton Hicks. Let’s enjoy ourselves. Heaven knows we’re going to be a little too busy after she arrives.”

Caleb slipped a hand around her back, pulling her close before brushing a kiss to her temple. “I don’t like that you’re on your feet. You should relax.”

Sammie reached up and patted his cheek. “I’m fine.” She took another step then grimaced. “On second thought, my feet are so swollen, it might be a good idea for me to put them up.”

He guided her toward their new patio furniture set that they’d put out in the yard among a few tables and plenty of chairs.

This was what family truly felt like. Here, surrounded by so many happy, smiling faces, Sammie knew she was loved. It was such a stark contrast to the gatherings she recalled as a child. Where she’d been the only child and her parents had been too busy to host anything close to this, she couldn’t help but compare the life she’d led with the one her little girl would lead.

Lacey heaved a sigh and slumped down into the seat at her side.

Sammie glanced over to her, hand resting atop her bump. “Thanks for coming. I know you’re not really into this sort of thing.”

She snorted. “Who said I’m not?” Lacey gestured around them at the large group of people. Not just people—most of them were family. If anything, her expression was jaded. Her eyes landed on Tana and Will, and her frown deepened.

Sammie shifted to face her friend. “I know I didn’t stay very long with you, but I… now that I think about it, I didn’t see much evidence of your family. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Do your parents live in Rocky Ridge?”

The pain in Lacey’s eyes deepened. She dragged her focus from Caleb’s parents to Sammie, then forced a smile as she patted her knee. “I have a sister. She’s alright—comes to visit more often than she probably likes, but there’s no way I’m heading up to Billings to see her.”

“Why not? It’s not that bad of a drive,” Sammie questioned, more to herself.

Lacey didn’t answer right away, and Sammie caught her looking at Caleb’s parents again. “You’re really lucky, you know? To have such a strong support system.”

Sammie scoffed. “I’d hardly say my father?—”

“I mean here. Just look at everyone around you. None of them would do anything to hurt you on purpose.”

Sammie stiffened and took another hard look at Lacey. “You okay?”

She waved her hand with a dismissive flair. “I’m fine. Just tired. Worked a double yesterday.”

“Lacey!”

Her friend shrugged. “It’s fine. I needed the money, and they called to see if I could take on the extra shift.”

“You shouldn’t be working yourself so hard,” Sammie muttered. “Bridger needs you.”

“He slept for most of my second shift.” She released a dry chuckle and rested her head against the back of the chair. Slinking down, she closed her eyes and let out another sigh that morphed into a yawn. “I’m just a little sleepy.”

“Then you probably shouldn’t be here. You should be home, asleep.”

Lacey smiled, her eyes still shut. “You don’t need to mother me. You’re going to have a lot of that ahead of you after your baby comes.”

“Hello, ladies. Care for a drink?”

Lacey opened her eyes, and Sammie glanced up to find Mack holding two pink lemonades. That flirtatious smile Lacey always wore at the restaurant stole across her face. “Well, aren’t you sweeter than sugar?” She glanced sideways at Sammie, her eyes saying more than words ever could. Please save her from him if he tries to ask her out.

Sammie rolled her eyes and accepted the pink lemonade. “Mack, this is Lacey. Lacey, this is Sammie’s brother, Mack.”

Mack winked at her. “I know who she is. Who could forget the best waitress at The Steer House?”

Lacey snickered. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

For someone who didn’t have a sliver of interest in dating, Lacey sure knew how to lay it on thick. Maybe her behavior was for more than just good tips. Did she think that the guys would scare off if she showed too much interest? Or was she trying to keep up appearances at the restaurant?

Sammie couldn’t be certain on either front. She watched the two interact with veiled interest. After getting to know Mack, Sammie could say one thing was for certain. He wasn’t the type to want to settle down. He hadn’t gone to college, he didn’t have any plans for moving out of his parents’ home—for the most part, he was stuck in that phase of life where he just wanted to have fun.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad for Lacey to give in and live a little. She’d make sure to point this out when Mack wasn’t within hearing range.

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