He blinked. “Known what?”
I gestured wildly toward Lydia and Callum. “About Lydia!”
His brow furrowed. “What about her?”
I stared at him. “You seriously don’t know?”
He gave me that cautious,what-have-I-done-nowlook. “Mel, if you’re about to tell me she’s secretly a ninja or joined a knitting cult, you’re gonna have to be more specific.”
“Oh my god,” I muttered, staring back at my friend. “You really don’t know.”
He followed my gaze, eyes narrowing as he took in the same scene. Lydia laughing. Callum fussing with her coat. The way his hand hovered protectively near her middle.
It clicked.
And his expression shifted from confusion to slow, dawning realization. “Well, I’ll be damned.”
“She’spregnant,” I whispered, the word tasting strange and wonderful all at once.
“Looks that way,” he said quietly. “Guess we’re getting a niece or nephew.”
A swirl of emotion hit me—shock, warmth, joy, and maybe a little bit of betrayal that my best friend hadn’t told me.
“We?” I shook my head. “There’s no we. You’re getting a niece or nephew. And I’m just the mom’s best friend.”
Before I could process it, the wind picked up, sending a flurry of snow across the tables. Lydia and Callum started hurriedly covering the chili pots, and Callum was insisting she go inside.
“No, I’ve got it,” Lydia was saying, brushing him off.
“Lyd,” Callum said, “you’re freezing.”
“So are you!” she shot back.
I didn’t even think. I marched straight over, planted my hands on my hips, and said, “He’s right. You need to get inside and stay warm.”
Lydia blinked at me, startled. “Mel—”
“No arguments,” I said, pointing toward the bar. “Inside. Now. Go make yourself some cocoa and boss people from the door.”
Callum gave me a suspicious look. “You agree with me?”
“Don’t make it weird,” I said. “Just take her before she starts sorting the chili pots.”
He raised a brow but grinned. “You sure you don’t want to help?”
“Positive,” I said, jerking my thumb toward Drew. “I’ve got backup.”
As they headed toward The Rusty Stag, Lydia gave me a puzzled little smile, mouthingthank you.
I waved her off, watching them disappear through the falling snow.
Beside me, Drew crossed his arms, his breath fogging in the cold. “So that’s how it is, huh?”
“Huh?”
He laughed, shaking his head. “You just wanted an excuse to stay out here alone with me.”
I shot him a look. “You’re delusional.”
