Page 40 of Fighting for Family

“Joe and Jake finished moving all the cars to the back of the barn,” Edie announced. “She’ll never know.”

“All right, everyone, she’ll be here in thirty minutes,” Kassie told the women.

“I’ll keep an eye out for her,” Tess said. “Do you like the tea sandwiches?”

“They’re perfect,” Kassie assured her. “Did you make the bread, too?”

“Yes. I found this great recipe online. It smelled like heaven baking.” Tess beamed.

“You need to go into business with Ty and Bryanna,” Kassie suggested. “Between the three of you, this town will never go hungry.”

“It sounds great. But I’m considering another route. My food truck has brought in some money, and business keeps growing. It’s hard to keep up with the demand when only a couple of people can fit into my truck. When Taco returns, I’m speaking to him about purchasing the abandoned restaurant on the corner down from Ty’s and Bryanna’s.

“Tess, what a great idea. With all the families coming to visit and Ty’s waiting time for tables these days, it’ll be nice to have a new restaurant,” Catherine exclaimed.

“Even with what I’ve saved, I don’t think it’s enough to pay for the renovations. I toured the place with the realtor. It has…possibilities,” Tess said, biting her lip.

“What’s stopping you?” Kassie asked.

Shrugging, Tess smiled at her friends. “Sheer fear and getting a loan. They want a business plan. I only know how to operate the food truck. I know nothing about owning a restaurant. The realtor has another interested party. Maybe I’ll put it on the back burner until Taco gets settled and we save a bit more.”

“Did you know this town has a building improvement grant?” Bryanna said, winking at Kassie. “When I didn’t have the funds after my bakery got trashed, the town gave me a grant to finish my remodeling.”

“Really?” Tess asked, her eyes lighting up. “How much? I don’t know how much it’ll cost. I’m worried they’ll sell it before I can put in an offer.”

“It depends on what you’re doing,” Bryanna said. “I only fixed up a small space. The community came together for us to merge the community center, the bakery, and Ty’s place. They’ll love having something new to try. Gabby can help you with the business plan.”

“Who do I contact?” Tess asked.

“We’ll have to ask Kassie,” Catherine said, sending Bryanna a secretive glance. “She’ll know who to talk to.”

“She’s here,” Tess said, peering out the window.

“All right, everyone, get into your places,” Maddie said, clapping her hands.

The women scattered around the table and waited excitedly.

Kassie opened the door as Claire stepped inside, and everyone yelled, “Surprise.”

Claire held her stomach, and her mouth dropped open in surprise.

“Oh, my. When did you have time to organize this?” Her eyes searched for someone, and her gaze landed on Catherine.

“We always find a reason for a party,” Catherine assured her. “A new life is something to celebrate.”

Claire went about the room hugging everyone. “You timed it perfectly. I’ve spent the last hour at home perusing the fridge. I’m starved,” she said, laughing.

“Congratulations,” Kassie said. “We can’t wait to meet him or her.”

“Neither can I,” Claire said, gushing.

Maddie put her arm about Claire’s waist and led her toward the table. “Let’s get you and all the expectant mothers fed first,” she said, gently. “Then we’ll open presents and play some games.”

Kassie helped Catherine from the couch to fix her plate. Maddie ushered Avie toward the table. Gabby smiled as she picked up a cucumber sandwich. “They always throw the best showers. Bryanna threw mine for me, and I barely knew these women. They’ve become my best friends, and I got a sister to boot.”

Bryanna gave her a little squeeze. “We’ll always be your family.”

The women ate to their hearts’ content and told stories of their pregnancies. When they finished, Kassie beckoned Claire to cut a piece of cake. Annabelle took pictures while Addyson cleaned up the plates and took out the trash.