Page 110 of The Good Luck Cafe
Gil followed Moira’s gaze. “Say hello for me. You don’t have blood-related sisters, but your friends definitely fill that gap.”
Moira grinned. “In that case, they’ll be your adoptive sister-in-laws one day.”
“I like the sound of that.”
Moira did too. “Back in a few minutes.” She turned away from Gil and headed in her friends’ direction.
“Big day,” Tess said, stepping forward and hugging Moira first.
“Yes, it is.” Moira hugged the other women one by one. “Where are the guys?” she finally asked.
Lucy tipped her head toward the back of the crowd. “Miles is working.”
“Same,” Trisha said. “Plus Jake told me he knew I’d rather be with you-all anyway.” She reached for Moira’s hand and squeezed it. “And he wasn’t wrong about that.”
Moira glanced back toward Gil. “I’m afraid I can’t stay. I’m actually going to be the one cutting the ribbon.”
Lucy bounced on her heels for a beat. “Wow. That’s so cool.” She glanced over at Trisha. “I might not be able to stay either though. My patient here could go into labor at any moment.” She was referring to Trisha, whose belly was swollen and carrying low.
“I know a few months ago we had said we’d do anything to stop this parking lot from happening, but that plan has changed,” Moira teased. “No need to go into labor right here in the crowd to put a stop to things.”
Trisha’s cheeks appeared to flush. “I think we’ll be okay. Although I’m predicting book club might have to take place at my home with the baby next week.”
The women squealed in unison.
“I’m so excited!” Tess said. “Our first book club baby. I mean, I know you have an older child, Trisha, and Della has two boys, but those boys are half-grown. This will be a tiny human.”
“And the first girl,” Moira pointed out.
Trisha’s smile dropped and then she groaned, pulling a hand to her belly.
“What’s wrong?” Moira asked, suddenly concerned.
Trisha looked up and smiled again. “Just a kick. Let me tell you, this girl is tough.”
Tess placed her hand on Trisha’s belly. The other women all did the same, stacking their hands to cover the baby bump. “Tough just like her mama,” Tess said.
“And all her mama’s friends,” Trisha shot back.
***
The ceremony went off without a hitch, and then Gil announced the plans for a skate park. Everyone in the audience seemed to love the idea. There was laughter and cheers and lots of excited chatter once Moira cut the ribbon. Afterward, she stopped to talk to several friends and would-be voters while Gil worked the crowd as well. Then they made their way back to one another.
“We have one more place to go,” Gil said as he walked her to her car. “My truck is just up ahead. How about I drive, since the next place is a surprise?”
“A surprise?” Moira asked, holding his hand. “I used to think I hated surprises.”
“And now?” Gil asked.
“Now I love a lot of things I never thought I liked before.”
“Including me?” he asked, one side of his mouth quirking.
“Especially you,” she said, wrapping her arm around his.
When they arrived at his truck, he opened the passenger door for her. Moira climbed in and buckled up while he jogged around and got in on the driver’s side.
“It’s a good surprise, right?” she asked, suddenly feeling a little anxious.
