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“It’s shameful.” Darcy shook her head.
“Speaking of shameful, I heard the tragic news about Raoul’s restaurant.” Marie tsk-tsked, unable to hide her pleasure. “Such a sad tale.”
“I know.” Candy put on a hushed voice suitable for a funeral—for someone she’d wanted dead all along. “Imagine, all that excitement, and just before opening, his investor is arrested for embezzlement and turns out to be bankrupt.”
“It just breaks my heart,” Kim added with unmitigated delight. “Though I don’t think Raoul’s Place was long for this world anyway. I read reviews and it seems none of the specials were any good. Seems none of the flavor combinations or seasonings worked for the reviewer. Wasn’t that odd?”
“You know—” Darcy held out her hands “—some people have it. Some don’t. I guess he just didn’t.”
The women dissolved into giggles, helped no doubt by the champagne and happiness flowing freely in the room.
“When are you moving Gladiolas, Darcy?” Candy asked.
“Next month. I did poor Raoul a big favor, out of the infinite goodness of my heart.” She put on a noble martyr face. “Gladiolas is taking over the space he had to forfeit when he went under. Quinn handled it all. We got it for practically nothing. If things go well, we might open a second location next year.”
“Oh, you are a saint, too, helping the poor man sell his property vastly undervalued.” Candy couldn’t control her giggles. “It’s amazing how everything has worked out for us over the past six months. All our lives are so different now. So much happier.”
Marie didn’t hide her satisfaction. “Getting the three of you matched up was my New Year’s resolution. Probably the first one I ever stuck to.”
“No way. Well, here’s to you, Marie, for being a wonderful meddling pain in the ass.” Darcy toasted her with champagne. “Thank you for making such happiness possible for all of us.”
“Amen,” Kim said. “And how great that you found some for yourself, as well.”
“Hear, hear.” Candy raised her glass. “Here’s to many years of bliss and lots of babies.”
Kim giggled. Marie nearly spit out her champagne. “Watch what you say, honey.”
“Marie, you’re forty, not ninety,” Darcy said.
“You think it’s such a great idea, you have the babies.”
She waited for Darcy to start shrieking her usual objections and was stunned when she shrugged mildly and blushed. “Maybe I will someday.”
Okay. Pigs had to be flying around here somewhere.
“You’d be a great mom,” Candy said. “Have a daughter and cook with her in the kitchen.”
Darcy’s eyes took on a faraway look. Marie was flabbergasted. This was more of a miracle for Darcy even than she’d thought possible. She’d have to tell Quinn. Now she could tell him everything, all day long. Could and wanted to and did. Poor man.
The party wound down, prizes were won by elated couples, Darcy’s excellent hors d’oeuvres polished off, the last glass of champagne drunk.
Candy and Justin left, arms linked. Kim and Nathan left, holding hands. Darcy and Troy went back into the kitchen, arms around each other, Troy’s hand making its way down to Darcy’s rear, then back up, then back down.
Marie smiled and leaned into Quinn’s strong arms. “Ready to go?”
“I’m ready.” He kissed her. “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”
“Only about five times.”
“Oops.” He cringed comically. “I’m slipping.”
“The romance is clearly over.”
“Never.” He grinned and offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
“Let’s.” She took his arm, thrilled as usual by the strength of the muscle underneath his sleeve. When they got to his house, she had plans for this man that would last all night long, as she was sure Candy had for Justin. And Kim for Nathan. And Darcy for Troy.
All night long tonight, tomorrow and for the rest of their lives.
