baby and the shower we were having at the bar over the weekend. Putting together a surprise around my sister was almost impossible, so we just let her do the planning.
I scraped a fry through the last of the gravy in my bowl. “Is Frankie coming up?”
“If she knows what’s good for her.”
I pressed my lips together against a smile. Francesca, one of the four girls in my family, lived in the city. But not the Manhattan side like Erica used to—no, she was in the artsy Hell’s Kitchen part of it where she was into brand design and photography. Deadlines were her life, so we rarely saw her.
“Well, let her know I can pick her up from the train station if she needs me to.”
“Thank you, nena. What would we do without you?”
I waved off my mom. “Not a problem. I’ve been talking to Kayla about supplies for the shower so we should be pretty well finished up before Saturday.”
“She won’t let me see anything.” Erica toyed with one of her last fries. “I don’t like surprises.”
“And that’s why you planned most of it.” I pushed my plate away.
“I know, but she took over, and I hate it.”
“She’s excited.” Jake’s sister wasn’t quite used to our crazy family, but she was definitely jumping in without fear.
“Oof.” Erica winced and rubbed her side.
“See that’s what you get for putting junk in your baby house,” our mother announced.
The sudden pang hit me low. In a town full of pregnant women, it was hard not to have those what if feelings. Even if mine were even more wistful. “Can I feel?”
Erica swung her legs down a little. “Of course.”
I came around to sit by her, and then swallowed and let her put my hand along her side. The flutter of something below my palm made the pang grow into a lump in my throat. My eyes filled. “Wow, Ric.”
“Oh, don’t start that up.”
I dabbed my eyes. “Sorry.”
“I meant the Ric stuff,” she wrinkled her nose at the old nickname, “but definitely the waterworks too.” She pulled me in for a fierce hug. “Someday, you’ll have one too. Just don’t rush it.”
My sister’s plum and jasmine scent rolled over me. She’d been out of the loop of the Cove for the last few years—only returning this year—and really didn’t know just how inaccurate that probably was. I glanced at my mother, but she’d averted her eyes to her plate.
I pulled away and dabbed at the corners of my eyes. “I don’t have time to fix my mascara, so no more tears. I’m just really happy for you.”
“Well, don’t worry. I’ll be using Aunt Gina’s services.”
I laughed. “This town keeps my babysitting muscles in tiptop shape.”
“Ain’t that the truth.” Erica popped the last fry on her plate in her mouth. “I’m sufficiently ready for more shopping.” She pushed me out of the booth. “After I pee. You know, it’s been a whole twenty minutes.”
I stood and let her go by.
“She doesn’t know, mija.”
I waved off my mother. I definitely didn’t want to discuss that with her right now. “It’s not a big deal.”
She reached for my hand. “There are miracles every day, especially in Crescent Cove.”
I squeezed her fingers and quickly let go. “I’ve got plenty of time for that, mami.”
“That’s right.”
The early lunch crowd started filtering in. Polly was a really good waitress, but she only had two hands.
I leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to my mom’s cheek. “Gotta work.”
“Go. I can amuse myself.” She pulled her huge purse onto the table.
“Put your money away. I got it.”
“Mitchell doesn’t allow free food.”
“Yes, but I do get a discount.” I winked at my mom. She always enjoyed a good deal. “If you want to pick up some streamers for me, that would be a big help.”
“That I can do.”
Kayla and I already had enough decorations for baby showers for the entire town, but the suggestion distracted my mother enough to put away her wallet.
I waved at my sister where she was waiting by the front door.
“That’s my cue.” My mom slid out of the booth and slipped on her jacket. “I’ll check in later about the shower.”
“Sounds good.” My mother didn’t know how to not check in and hover over plans. “Don’t you have to work at the station?”
“No, the sheriff is training Christian to cover dispatch for when the baby comes. Just in case your sister needs me.”