AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Winnie didn’t say anything else, which made it worse. Edwina’s thoughts churned and turned around and around. “It would have looked strange if Nigel said it was fine and then I refused. I don’t really have a good reason.”
“You don’t have to explain it to me or anyone else.”
She didn’t, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself from discussing it. Nothing was making sense. “I wanted Nigel to talk me out of letting Sullivan stay with me but why? Because I don’twantto say no? Because I’m afraid to be around him? Because I’m afraid Nigel is just being polite and he’s actually really upset?”
Even as she said that, she knew it wasn’t true. Nigel trusted her.
Winnie turned to her, suddenly concerned. “Eddie. Are you happy in New York? Seriously. Be honest.”
“What? Why do you ask?”
She was saved from further questioning by the appearance of Sloane, her baby, and a man that bore only the slightest hint of resemblance to Little Dickie from middle school. If Edwina hadn’t known Sloane was married to him, she never would have recognized him. He was tall, muscular, with cheekbones that had been hidden under the roundness of childhood cheeks.
“Hey, Eddie!” Little Dickie said, reaching out and enveloping her in a hug. “Good to see you again, I heard you were in town.”
“Hi, Dickie. I mean, Rick. Congrats on your marriage, the baby, your adult height. I’m so happy for you.”
He laughed. “Thank you. I was a late bloomer. But it was worth the wait. I landed the hottest chick from school.” He winked at Sloane.
Edwina would have thought Sloane would roll her eyes, but she looked pleased with his comment.
“Hey, Winnie.” He nodded to her.
“Hey. Can you tell River I need some help on Monday? I’m booked solid and I could use a hand.”
“Sure.” He looked at Edwina. “My sister. My auto body shop is next to Winnie’s place so River has just about grown up over there with the dogs.”
A cop approached them, taking Penelope from Sloane and cuddling with her. Sloane and Rick left the baby with him and walked over to the kettle corn table.
The man in uniform looked familiar to Edwina, but she couldn’t place him until Winnie told her it was Axl Moore, another guy on their hockey team back in the day. He smiled and greeted her when Winnie reintroduced them to each other.
“I heard you’re getting engaged,” he said. “My fiancée owns a bridal shop in town. She’s from California. We’re getting married in the fall. I know she would love to talk weddings with you.”
News traveled fast. “Oh, uh, I’d love to meet her.” She would, though she wasn’t sure she wanted to discuss wedding planning. That felt premature. Besides, it wasn’t like she was getting married in Minnesota. She was sure her mother and Nigel would want a traditional Manhattan ballroom reception.
“Leighton will be at the cookout. You’re going, right?” Axl asked.
“I don’t know anything about a cookout,” she said, truthfully.
“You’re officially being invited by me and Sullivan. Right, O’Toole?”
“Right, what?”
“Eddie needs to go to the cookout tonight at Rick and Sloane’s.” Axl ran his hand softly over Penelope’s fine dark hair. He looked like a natural with a baby.
Sullivan stopped kissing a puppy long enough to smile at her. “Absolutely she does.”
Edwina had forgotten what living in Beaver Bend was like. Everyone knew everyone, and you ran into friends constantly. There was a lot of overlapping with businesses and neighbors and friends and family.
It felt warm and familiar and fantastic.
“Are you going?” she asked Winnie.
Winnie nodded. “My husband never turns down a cookout.”
“Okay, then I’ll go.”
“What is that?” Sullivan demanded, sounding outraged. “You’ll only go if Winnie goes?”
