Happily This Christmas (Happily Inc #6) - Susan Mallery Page 0,90

feel of his mouth against hers, then stepped back and smiled at him.

“I have pulled on my big girl panties and I’m fine,” she said. “Let’s head out to the patio. We can get the first couple of games going, then we’ll bring out the food. After lunch, another game, then we open presents. Then anyone who wants to leave can, and the rest can stay and visit.”

He touched her face. “See? Perfect, just like I said.”

Before Wynn could answer, Yolanda strolled into the kitchen. When she spotted them, she waved her half-empty glass.

“So I tried the punch and it’s, ah, kind of boring. I was hoping I could get a little something in my drink.”

Wynn had to fight to keep from rolling her eyes. “You mean like alcohol?”

Yolanda brightened. “That would be great.”

“No.”

Yolanda stared at her. “Excuse me?”

“No. This is a baby shower, not a nightclub. I’m confident you can go a couple of hours without alcohol in order to support your friend at her baby shower.”

Yolanda’s expression turned annoyed. “Whatever.” She spun on her heel and walked back the way she’d come.

“See,” Wynn said, linking arms with him. “It could be worse. She could be your daughter.”

“No, thanks. I’ll stick to the one I have.”

* * *

JOYLYN SAT IN the shade on the patio, letting the conversation flow around her. She was tired, but happy. The shower had been great. She’d enjoyed the games and the laughter. The lunch of high tea had been so special. She still couldn’t believe her friends from base had driven all the way out to Happily Inc to spend time with her. The day had been perfect. The only thing missing was Chandler.

They were down to eight days, she reminded herself. He had his flight information, and if all went well, he would be with her a week from tomorrow.

She touched her belly and whispered, “You’re going to see your daddy soon, little guy.”

Holly was studying the notes she’d made, listing who had given what present. After church tomorrow, Joylyn was going to write the thank-you notes and get them in the mail. Real thank-you notes, she thought with a smile. Not emailed ones. Wynn was going to be so proud.

“Here you go,” Holly said, handing over the pad of paper. “I double-checked and I got everything.”

“Thank you for helping.”

Her friend smiled at her. “What else would I do? You’re giving me a wonderful wedding. I’ll be grateful forever.”

“Not me,” Joylyn corrected. “The town.”

“I know, but you’re the one who made it happen. Rex and I are still in shock.”

“It’s in a week,” Joylyn told her.

Holly grinned. “We’re so excited. I can’t wait to see how everything turns out. Renee is extraordinary. I loved meeting her and seeing the space in person.”

Holly had driven out to Happily Inc early that morning to spend an hour with Renee, going over final details. Joylyn couldn’t wait for the wedding itself. Not only because Chandler would be home the next day, but because she wanted to see her friend married to the man of her dreams.

“We’re going to head back,” Cheryl said, coming to her feet. The other Marine wives nodded and stood as well.

Joylyn hugged them all and thanked them for coming so far. As she walked them to the door, they all promised to figure out a way to get together when Chandler was back.

She stood at the front door and waved until they were out of sight. Her college friends had left right after the presents had been opened. She’d overheard them complaining there wasn’t any liquor at the shower. Joylyn had silently shaken her head at the complaint. Hard to believe she was their same age—her life was so different from theirs.

Better, she thought as she returned to the patio, her gait more waddle than walk. She was so lucky. She had family and friends and a wonderful husband and a baby due in the next few weeks.

She sat back in her chair. Her mom was talking to Wynn and Holly. Her dad was picking up the dirty plates and taking them to the kitchen.

He’d really come through for her, she thought. First taking her in when her mom had kicked her out and then totally being there for her through birthing class and her horrible moods. She winced as she remembered how bitchy she’d been when she’d arrived. Part of that had been missing Chandler and part of that had been how hurt she’d been at what her mom had