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Mia joined them in the hallway. “Leaving so soon.”
“Yes, goodnight.”
“I don’t understand why you can’t stay,” Mia said.
“I don't either,” Kenya chimed in.
“I love you both, but I need to go,” Bailey said. She then hugged Mia. Though cousins, the trio acted like sisters. She treasured their bond more than anything.
“You told her about Roger?” Mia asked.
Kenya shrugged. “She doesn't want to meet him.”
Mia eyeballed Bailey. “Is it because he's a podiatrist?”
Bailey rolled her eyes. “No.”
“Then what?” Kenya said.
“Nothing. I'll see you later.” Bailey hurried out the door.
****
“It's good, right?” Kenya asked.
Bailey bit into a fresh sugar-topped doughnut from the bakery as she stood on the sidelines. Bridge Point's Christmas Parade never failed to please the townspeople. The tree lighting would follow afterwards. Glittery floats passed while signs and banners decorated other vehicles. She even heard the clip-clop of hooves as people rode on horseback.
“Delicious,” Bailey said. She then used her napkin to wipe the corners of her mouth.
Applause and whistling filled the air as the marching band played “Deck the Halls.” Mia and Kenya joined in with the few voices that sung along. Bailey laughed. She would have sung, but the prickling on her scalp resurfaced. No singing in public. She swallowed the rest of her doughnut—her last treat for the week.
Mia couldn’t hide her grin. “I can't believe this is my first Christmas as a married woman!”
Bailey giggled. “Any plans for your six-month anniversary?”
“Carter won't tell me,” Mia said.
Kenya stuffed her phone back inside her crossbody purse. Her expression looked pained.
“Everything okay?” Bailey asked.
Kenya nodded.
Mia touched her sister's shoulder. “You're not stressing are you?”
Bailey's heart went out to her cousin. Kenya wanted to be a mother, but she and her husband hadn't had success yet.
“I'm trying not to, but I thought Shawn and I would have a family by now,” Kenya said.
Mia’s expression softened. “I wish I knew what to say.”
Bailey placed a hand on her cousin’s back to provide comfort. “You and Shawn are already family.”
“Give it time, sis,” Mia said.
Kenya nodded. “I'm trying to remember that.”
“How about we browse after the parade? It's not too late,” Bailey said. As recorded music came through the floats, she hummed along to the Christmas music. Her favorite was “Joy to the World.”
