Vanna nodded towards Myrt’s middle, where she had a hand placed protectively over her belly. “Keeping the baby?”
“Maybe?” She hated how uncertain her voice was and cleared her throat roughly. “There’s a lot to think about.”
“There is.” Vanna set a sweating glass of iced tea on the table near Myrt’s elbow. “And a little more time before the decision’s taken out of your hands. What’s keeping you from settling on one side of the line or the other?”
“I don’t know. I waver back and forth almost as fast as a thought. It’s not like me.” Myrt lifted the glass and sipped, sighing happily when she found it the perfect amount of sweet. “If I get a couple of days where I can just be, I’m sure I’ll get back on an even keel.” Looking around, she noted again the number of women crowded into the kitchen and dining room. “How are you doing with a houseful like this?”
“Oh this?” Vanna made a pfffft sound and flipped one hand dismissively. “Most of them are staying with friends nearby, or camping out in the field out back of the house. It’s only mealtimes we all pile in a group. Supper should have been grilled outside, but someone got a bee in their bonnet for some chicken and dumplings, so we’re all wedged in here for now.” Vanna lifted her chin and gave Myrt a tiny grin. “I do have a sidestep for tonight, though. I’m putting you and Bane in Truck’s house down the road.”
“Truck’s house?” That didn’t make any sense; he lived here with Vanna.
“Man bought a house sight-unseen a few years ago. Granted, it’s why he and I met, and I wouldn’t change our meeting for anything, but he can’t be trusted when it comes to real estate deals. Him and his brothers conduct beer-time negotiations, which never end well.” Tittering laughter throughout the room told Myrt that as quiet as they were being, their audience had sharp ears. “He’s been fixing it up a little at a time, and it’s not bad now, but Lord girl, you shoulda seen it when he first bought it. I ran down earlier today and opened the windows, freshened up the big bedroom. Put clean sheets on the bed and such. Water pressure is good, and it’s got an enormous tub, perfect for soaking.”
“It’s like you read my mind.” Myrt glanced at the door, her emotions a mix of longing and anxiety. Bane had explained how important today’s decision was, and Myrt had been blown away by how much thought and consideration he’d given to how she’d feel about whichever path he chose. “How long you think they’ll be out there?”
“Long as they need to.” A woman who’d been introduced as Peaches settled into a chair opposite Myrt, leaning forwards with her elbows on the table. Myrt wiggled around in the chair, trying unsuccessfully to straighten herself. “Girl, leave it, you need to be comfortable. Get those feet back on the chair Bane piled up for you. We’ve all been there.” She gestured towards the roomful of women. “Those long hauls aren’t always the easiest riding bitch, but it’s what we do for our men. We know you’re sore, so you stay where you are. We’ll take care of everything.” She held out a hand for Vanna, who walked around the table to stand at Peaches’ back. “I’ve known the man a while now, and like him. With what Vanna Mom’s said about you, I kinda like you for him. You gonna be good to him?”
“Uh, yes?” Myrt was taken aback at the direct questioning from this stranger. She looked at Vanna, who was staring at her somberly, as if wondering the same things. “I mean, yes, I’m going to be good to him. If you knew the things he’s done for me and my family, you’d understand. He’s the best man I’ve ever met, and I’m blessed he’s in my life.”
“Oh, that’s a good answer.” Peaches grinned, reaching up to pat Vanna’s hand on her shoulder. “She gave me a real good answer. You were right, Vanna Mom. I like this one a lot.”
“Told ya. She’s a keeper.” Vanna turned to the front of the house, then called over her shoulder, “They’re headed in; whatever kind of church this was is over.”
“Church?” Myrt felt off-kilter, out of her depth suddenly as she remembered the masses of men who’d been in the front yard. There was no way Vanna’s house would hold them