I sigh and reach for the phone that keeps ringing. She must have ended the call and immediately called again. Hopefully nothing is wrong.
“Magnolia? Is everything okay?” I answer the phone while I lean over the edge of the hot tub.
Zane’s fingers walk from the base of my neck down my spine. I narrow my eyes at him, knowing he’s trying to distract me—and it’s working.
“I just wanted to let you know that Dee has been planning a surprise birthday party for you. She’s been trying to get a hold of Zane all day and has been telling everyone to come to your place at seven thirty.”
“What?” I shriek, standing up abruptly.
“I know. I thought you’d like the warning. I’ve been trying to reach you all day.”
“They’re having a surprise party here? My birthday isn’t until next week!”
“It all sounded very spur of the moment, and she didn’t think you would mind,” she groans. “But as a newlywed, I knew I didn’t want to walk into your house and be scarred for life by something I see.”
“Um, yes. Wise choice. Yes, you might have been traumatized. I’m not even dressed right now!” I exclaim.
Magnolia gags. “There are some details even I don’t need to know.”
“I meant I’m wearing a swimsuit! I am NOT naked right now.”
“Speak for yourself,” Zane says loudly.
I glare at him. He’s wearing his swim shorts and just trying to tease me. He’s doing a good job of embarrassing me.
“Zane is wearing his favorite Speedo,” I tell Magnolia. “He could have traumatized everyone who showed up.”
“I amnotwearing a Speedo,” Zane says close to the phone. He reaches out a hand and tweaks my nose.
I place a hand on his forehead and attempt to push him under the water. He’s too strong and doesn’t even budge.
Zane laughs loudly.
Magnolia sighs. “I’m assuming that Zane is right there with you.”
“Yes. Okay. Well, thank you for saving me a lifetime of embarrassment and having to go on the run. I’ll get dressed before people get here. A surprise birthday party?”
“Dee was feeling good today when she was in town and really wanted to do something special for you.”
“Aw, that’s so sweet of her.” I sigh. I don’t know my mother-in-law well, but she has really put in the effort to make me feel welcome in the Madden family. And I know with her rheumatoid arthritis, there aren’t a lot of days where she feels like she can do much.
“I’m finishing at the bakery and picking up Nash from the lodge, then we’re heading your way. I’m bringing the birthday cake, by the way. And, if you tell Dee that I ruined the surprise, I’ll lie and say I didn’t tell you,” Magnolia threatens.
“Don’t worry, I’ll practice my surprised face in the mirror.”
I hang up the phone and leap out of the hot tub.
“Hey, where are you going?” Zane asks.
“To put some pants on!” I grab one of the towels off the deck chair.
“Just pants?” He stands up but doesn’t climb out yet.
I toss him the other towel when he turns around. “Your mom is bringing a surprise party TO us. We have to hurry!”
“Well, if Magnolia hadn’t called, we wouldn’t be the only ones getting a surprise.”
“Has anyone told you that you have a sick sense of humor?”
