Page 115 of Lavender Lake
“She comes home and cries every day,” Wyn said.
Poet frowned. “You weren’t supposed to tell them that.”
The phone shook and Wyn quickly righted it. “How long are you going to stick out the misery for?”
“I don’t know,” Poet said. “It’s gotta give, right? I’m working toward something. It would be a shame to throw it all away because it sucks in the interim. A vacation in Huckleberry Hill will give me the break I need to go back there and kick ass.”
“Or at least kick Alma’s ass,” Wyn quipped.
Tempest jumped up onto my lap, and then flopped down onto it.
“It’s only a matter of time before Salem gets a matching goat,” Poet said.
“Nah, I’m not into farm animals,” I said, even as I stroked Tempest’s head.
“Could’ve fooled me,” Wyn said.
“I’m ranch fluff,” I explained. “I’m here for the vibes, not the poop.”
“So how did the final dress fitting go?” Poet asked.
“Good,” Hadley said. “You can’t even tell I’m pregnant when I put it on.”
“Why are you frowning, Salem?” Poet wondered.
“Oh, because even though Hadley looks gorgeous, my dress doesn’t fit,” I said. “That was a fun little surprise.”
“What do you mean it doesn’t fit?” Wyn demanded. “Did they get your measurements wrong?”
“Maybe? I dunno, I’m bloated,” I said. “It might be the poutine every morning and the butter Hadley puts in everything.”
“Hmm, butter,” Wyn said in understanding.
“What’s with the face,” Hadley said to Poet.
“Hmm? Oh, just—well, yeah. I don’t want to say it.”
“Say it,” I said.
The door to the cabin opened, effectively ending whatever Poet was going to say. Tempest jumped off my lap in order to greet Declan.
“Oh, damn,” he said. “I came back too early, didn’t I?”
“I thought you were going to stay out with Harlan all night. And by all night, I mean at least until ten,” Hadley said with a grin.
“I left him to it. He and Wade are fast buds,” Declan explained.
“Hey Declan!” Wyn called out.
Hadley turned the phone toward Declan who grinned. “Ladies.” He came over to Hadley and kissed her forehead. “Missed you.”
“Awwww.” Poet giggled. “We’re still here, you know.”
“On that note,” Hadley said. “Talk to you guys later.”
“Good night!” Wyn called out.
Hadley hung up with them and I rose. “That’s my cue.”
