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“Ew.”
“Be serious.”
Delphi took a breath and thought it over. “It’s possible, I guess. She was always kind of coy about when she and my dad got together.”
Edgar returned from his break, the back door swinging noisily behind him. “You two look like you could use something to eat.”
While Jupiter nodded enthusiastically, Delphi slumped in her chair. Her mind whirled with the possibility that her parents weren’t together when she was conceived. It’d make her feel better about the entire situation, but only for a moment. If Shovelhead refused to acknowledge siring her, the message that went out to him may come back unanswered.
Setting a small plate of pastries on the table, Edgar cooed about Jupiter’s round belly. Delphi didn’t hear them beyond muffled syllables. She stuffed a purple macaroon into her mouth, the sweet fluffiness calming her.
“My dad knew. He had to know.” Her eyes bugged at the realization.
Edgar stepped back and left them to their conversation.
“Knew what?”
“That my mom was knocked up by a biker.” She wracked her memories, trying to decipher something that would help her make sense of it all. “My parents were high school sweethearts.”
Jupiter nibbled on a madeleine. “You think he married your mom because she was pregnant and because he loved her?”
She popped another macaroon in her cheek and nodded. “That’s exactly what I think.”
“Whoa.”
“Yeah.”
They were both silent for a minute. The sounds of the kitchen and bistro flooded Delphi’s ears. It was oddly comforting to have something else overwhelm her thoughts. Suddenly, Delphi wished she had more time with her mom. Her death was so abrupt. They never even had the chance to talk about the truth of her conception.
“Do you think Shovelhead…?” Jupiter stopped, but Delphi knew exactly what she was going to ask. She was thinking the same.
“I don’t know. I hope not.”
“Damn, I came to raise your spirits, but I’m afraid my visit is having the opposite effect.” Jupiter finished off another madeleine. “Do you want to hear about the spring picnic?”
Delphi managed a smile. “Yes, please. That will help keep my mind off things.”
For the next twenty minutes, Jupiter gave Delphi the lowdown from the recent town hall meeting about the upcoming picnic. Snowshoe would host the event with Waverley joining in and bringing businesses along with its residents.
“If the bakery and bistro team up, we’ll kick major ass.” Jupiter tugged a small notebook out of her oversized purse and opened it. “Yasmina and I made a list of our most popular pastries, and I jotted down a few foods I thought would go well with them.” She placed the book on the table and turned it toward Delphi. “If you think of any others or ones that’d go better, say the word. I’d rather combine forces than flop.”
“I agree.” Delphi quickly skimmed the pastries and entrees. “Is this buffet style or booths?”
“Buffet.”
“Okay, then we can plan on a fondue station, and french onion soup is always a big hit.” She snagged a pen and jotted notes. “Edgar and I will brainstorm some other options, and I’ll text them to you.”
Jupiter grinned. “Perfect.”
“How’s Isa by the way? Shouldn’t she be having that kid any day now?”
Leaning over the table, Jupiter’s eyes widened. “Right? It’s like she’s trying to set a new world record. She’s so cute and little. I’m jealous.”
Delphi laughed, glad to finally be back to normalcy. Just hanging out with Jupiter made her feel better about everything going on in her life.
“She’s what, nine months?”
“This week.”
