Page 80 of Cabin Fever Baby
Ivy rolled down her window. “Call me when you want to get picked up. Your dad sucks at checking his texts.”
Rhiannon stopped beside the car. “It’s okay. Katie’s mom said she’d drive me home. We’re gonna watch movies and play a new game.”
“Okay. I love you.”
“Love you!” She waved as she took off up the driveway to the house. A blond girl met her on the porch and little girl squeals split the night.
“Not mad about having a few hours away from that.” Ivy sagged against her seat. “She’s always screaming about something lately.”
I glanced down at Ivy’s hand placement on her middle, then at her shining eyes.
“Christmas bundle?”
Ivy swiveled to look at me. “Oh, God, can you tell?” She patted her middle. “It’s mostly ice cream and sweets, I swear.”
I laughed. “You’re beautiful as ever. Just inferred from what you said earlier and then…” I gestured to where her hand was laying over her belly protectively.
She sighed. “It’s been tough to keep it from Rory. I want it to be a surprise. We talked about another one, but things are always so crazy with his job and the travel. But since we’ve been sticking closer to the Cove…” She trailed off.
“Are you happy?”
“Oh, definitely. Rory loves being a dad. Just so funny that the water struck again. It’s kinda how we got together the first time.”
“The water?”
“It’s sort of part of town lore. Mostly because the baby boom is fast and furious in Crescent Cove. Surprise babies are a staple here.” She exhaled. “Rory and I met because of a snowstorm. Not as bad as this one, but he ended up stranded at the diner I used to work in. One thing led to another and welp! Baby makes three. Well, at first, I thought it was just baby makes two. Rory was only in the area for work, and we had a bit of a fling.”
“Wow.”
“I know. Kismet, I guess. Not as easy as all that, of course, but snowstorms always make me a little nostalgic.” She grinned over at me in the dim lights shining into the SUV from the holiday decorations on Katie’s house. “Rory too. Last night was a little wild. Kinda like when we first got together.” She fanned her face.
Laughing, I put the car in reverse to back down the driveway. “Where are we headed?”
“Into town. To Dye For is right on Main Street.”
I nodded. “Got it.”
I was stunned that Rory and Ivy’s story was so much like mine and Hudson’s.
“So, what did you want to talk to me about?”
“It’s kind of a shot in the dark. After you telling me your story, you’re not even going to believe mine.”
“Try me.”
I told her about the storm and Hudson’s car spinning out into the yard of my rental.
Ivy’s slapped her hand over her mouth, then she gave a bawdy laugh. “You didnothave a mystery fling with a stranger too!”
“I did. I can’t even believe I’m saying it, but I did.”
I turned onto Main Street and scanned the street for a parking spot when Ivy warned me the salon was close by.
“I mean, I love a good romantic story, but I’m not sure how I can help.”
“Well, you’re from this town. The way Rory tells it, you kinda know everyone.”
“Your guy is a local?”