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I couldn’t help but smile back.
“Do you want something to drink?” Freddy asked me.
“No, I’m good,” I said.
“You sure?” Freddy raised her brows like she didn’t believe me.
“Yep,” I promised. I didn’t want the addition of booze in my blood adding to my already emotional state.
Freddy moved to the counter of alcohol and mixers.
“Allison came inside to feed the tiny tot,” Rachel explained. “I came inside because the woodsmoke from the bonfire is making me nauseous.”
I frowned, and then understanding dawned. “Oh, are you pregnant?”
“Yeah.” She smiled. “That’s right, you’re adoctor.” She pulled her loose tank tighter across her belly showing a slight bump. “I miss the days of wearing tight as fuck pants. Now everything feels squashed down there.” She scanned my legs. “You’re rocking the Bad Sandy look. I approve.”
“Thanks,” I said in genuine appreciation. “I was nervous about it.”
“Don’t be. You look great,” Allison added.
“This bunch doesn’t lie,” Freddy said. “You can trust their word.”
“I’m glad to finally meet you for myself,” Rachel said. “Boxer told us about what happened during his surgery—about his pressure dropping. Thank you for everything you did for him and for saving his life.”
“I’m glad it turned out the way it did,” I said truthfully.
“How’d you enjoy the steak and mashed potatoes?” Rachel asked with a wink.
“He’s never brought a girl food,” Allison added.
I looked at Freddy who was grinning. She shrugged. “Told ya. Different.”
“So different,” Rachel said. “Like, he became an adult overnight or something. Freakin’ weird if you ask me.”
“Are there any secrets among you guys?” I demanded, smiling in exasperation.
“No,” Allison piped up. “We’re family. We’re in each other’s business all the time.”
“Hmm. You remind me of the nurses I work with,” I said, my tone dry. “They’ve made it their mission to meddle.”
“We don’t meddle. We don’t,” Rachel insisted when Allison looked at her and raised her brows. “Boxer didn’t tell us you were coming.”
“He doesn’t know,” I said. “I wanted to surprise him.”
“He’s out back,” Allison volunteered.
“Let’s go,” Freddy said, gesturing with her chin to the hallway.
I waved at them. “It was nice to meet you both.”
“You too,” Allison said, looking from me to the infant at her breast.
“Yeah, you’re cool,” Rachel said.
As I followed Freddy down the hallway past closed doors, I heard the unmistakable sounds of couples in rapture. None of them seemed to care that they only had the illusion of privacy, then again, judging by the noises, they were clearly enjoying themselves and I doubted they were thinking about what others thought of them.
The music grew louder the closer we got to the backyard. Freddy pushed open the screen door and stepped out into the night. A large bonfire had been lit and flames danced toward the sky. Men and women stood in clusters holding drinks, laughing, and talking. Some were perched on logs and camp chairs in front of the fire.
