Page 193 of Huckleberry Hill
“Yeah, actually, I was.” Wade looked sheepish. “Congratulations, you guys.”
“Thanks,” I muttered. “Jane? When did you hear about my news?”
“Yesterday,” she admitted. “I was at the diner when Lucy was gabbing with Eloise.”
“Who’s Eloise?” Declan asked. “I haven’t met an Eloise.”
“Eloise owns Poofant—the only hair salon in town,” I said with a pained expression. “Eloise also can’t keep her mouth shut.”
“Which means . . .” Wade trailed off.
“Which means?” Chelsea repeated.
“Half the town already knows I’m knocked up with your baby,” I said, looking up at Declan.
Dad made a noise of distress. Jane put a hand to his chest. “Easy there.”
“I should’ve killed Gianni when I had the chance,” Dad said, his overprotective streak coming out.
“Yeah, you should’ve,” Declan agreed.
“Hey.” Dad glared at him. “My daughter wouldn’t be in this position if you’d kept the stallion in the barn.”
Muddy strode up to us, enjoying an ice cream cone. “It’s a party. What did I miss?”
“Hadley’s ex-fiancé told Lucy about Hadley being pregnant with Declan’s baby. And Lucy told Eloise,” Chelsea said. “Right? I got all that right?”
“You got all that right,” Jane said. “And Connor and Declan are getting into it because Connor blames Declan for Hadley’s situation.”
“It’s not a situation,” I muttered. “It’s a baby. And we’re all happy about it.”
“Hey, Hadley!” Mr. Jenkins called out as he was walking by. “Congratulations on the baby!”
“Fuck,” Declan muttered.
“Thank you!” I called back. To Declan, I said, “Have you met Mr. Jenkins?”
“No.”
“He owns Dusty’s,” I explained. “And likes to gossip with his customers behind the meat counter.”
“Why is it called Dusty’s if his name is Jenkins?” Declan asked.
Everyone was quiet as they looked to each other for an explanation.
“No idea,” Muddy finally said. “Well, the cat’s out of the bag now. There’s no keeping this under wraps anymore.”
Tempest bleated at Muddy. Muddy looked down at her. “No, you’re not getting any of my ice cream.”
“Will you hold the leash?” I asked, handing it to Muddy. “The line into the bakery is about to move.”
“Got her,” Muddy said.
“Can I get anybody anything?” I asked.
They shook their heads.
“We’re going to keep exploring,” Wade said. “See you guys later.”
