Page 28 of Wild Hope
“Fine,” I say. “One of you wait the tables. I’m going to fold napkins.”
I undo the apron and hold it out to my two protectors. Travis and Quentin look at each other.
Travis takes the apron and throws it on the bar. “I’ll cover the shift, but I’m not wearing an apron.”
The phone behind the bar rings, and I’m closest so I grab it.
“Wild Taste Bar and Restaurant, Kendra speaking.”
It’s Joseph on the other end. He’s known as Lone Star to the MC club because of his hermit nature. Of all the guys at the MC, he’s the one I know the least. He only comes in for the weekly meetings and prefers his own company up in the woods.
“Are Kobe and Hailey up there?” he asks.
I’ve gotten to know the loved up couple from the other side of the mountain. They stop by often, although not as much since they had the baby.
“I haven’t seen them. Hang on and I’ll double check.”
I glance around the restaurant, peering into the corners and the eating area across the road. Travis gives me a questioningly look.
“Have Hailey and Kobe been in today?”
He shakes his head. “Who wants to know?”
“Lone Star.”
He takes the phone off me and holds it so we can both hear.
“They’re away for the weekend. Went to the coast.”
I share a look with Travis. It’s unusual for Lone Star to call.
“I went up there to give Kobe some deer meat and found a girl on their doorstep. Says she’s Hailey’s sister.”
I’ve heard Hailey talk about her older sister and how much she misses her.
“Is she okay?” I ask.
There’s silence from Lone Star. Then I hear a baby crying.
“Is that a baby?” asks Travis.
“Yup. She’s got a baby with her.”
Me and Travis share a look, and I know without asking to offer to help.
“Are they okay? Does she need somewhere to stay?”
“She’s fine,” he says. “I’ll take care of it.”
He hangs up the phone, and Travis and I shrug at each other.
“I guess she’ll get back in her car and head home.”
“I hope he’s not offering his place.”
Travis says it as a joke, and we both laugh at the thought of the reclusive, monosyllabic Lone Star who likes peace and quiet with a baby in his house.
We’re distracted by my own baby moving in my belly. A smile lights up my face, and I take Travis’s hand and place it over my belly. A moment later he feels the kick, and a broad grin spreads across his face.
“I can’t wait to meet this little guy.”
“Me too.”
He leans forward and kisses my lips, and a warm feeling encases my heart. I’ve got my man and a baby on the way. It’s everything my teenage self ever wanted.
* * *
