Page 83 of Bound Hearts

“It’s a full moon this weekend, so nobody is having a good time. Hence why I’m here and not at the market.”

“Oh yeah? I guess not to take photos?” I wonder since she’s a photographer. Actually, she takes a lot of boudoir pregnancy shoots; I should arrange that.

She shakes her head. “Nah, I’m selling pies.”

Instantly, I grin. “Pies.”

“Yep. The hobby that supports carb lovers.”

“Why aren’t you at your stall now?”

She grumbles. “This is because Steven from the coffee truck has royally pissed me off. No oat milk today. The audacity. So, here I am. Foxy Rox never fails us. Well, I gotta hurry. Take care.” She dashes away when she sees the counter is clear and the barista can take her order.

In the meantime, my smile stills when I begin to think of Foster. “Hey, Esme,” I call out, and she turns to look at me. “By any chance, are you selling coconut cream pie today?”

She snaps her fingers and smiles brightly. “Actually, yeah. I can’t believe I forgot to mention. I remember a while back when you were checking on your parents’ old house and you mentioned coconut cream pie, and I’ve been trying to bake them since. Finally got the recipe right.”

My brows rise.

Of course she did.

“Wow,” I reply softly. “Lucky that I’m here then.”

“Totally.” The barista grabs her attention and hands her a to-go cup. “Need to run.”

Nodding in understanding, I quickly request, “Can I order a pie, maybe two, even three? I’ll pick them up later.”

“Sure, I’ll put them to the side.”

“Thanks.” When she’s gone, my hand plants on my belly. “What are the chances, kiddo. It’s only pie, but it’s the little things, right?”

Accidents happen. It’s pure chance.

Coincidences happen. There is meaning connected.

Luck is pure fortune.

But choices? Those are ours to make.

24

FOSTER

“She isn’t here,” Julian reminds me as I enter the living room of his weekend home in Everhope. “Sutton went with Savannah to get out of the house. Probably for breakfast or to visit the farmers’ market. I’ll go grab you a cup of coffee.”

Right away, I notice that Hayes is also here, and he’s sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee that he lifts in the air. “You look like shit, but good morning.”

I tip my head in Julian’s direction. “I know he always planned to be here this weekend. What’s your excuse?”

“Elodie’s mom called. She needed some extra help today since her dad is still recovering from a hernia operation,” Hayes explains.

“He didn’t have a hernia operation, did he?” I refute simply.

“Nope,” he admits. “Elodie did get a call, though.” He takes a sip of his coffee, then lets out an involuntary hum.

Taking my spot on the couch, I’m not spiraling as much as yesterday. I’ve collected my thoughts a little, enough for me to drive out of the city with not a wink of sleep.

“It’s not good,” I say somberly. “She thinks I got her pregnant on purpose.”