the diner.”
Natalie nodded. “Yeah, it’s her that needs the extra help. But I don’t think I am brave enough to offer it. She can be scary.”
“I used to think so,” I added. “But it’s all just a front. Underneath her gruff exterior, Martha is a cupcake.”
“Oh, why did you have to go and mention confectionary goodness?” Candice complained. “Now, I want one.”
Laughing, I replied, “Then get one. This diet of yours is going to be the death of all of us.”
Candice snorted. “Well, we all can’t have twins and then fit into our jeans a few weeks later.”
I felt heat staining my cheeks as I shook my head. “To be fair, they are my fat jeans, and it’s been nearly two months.”
Everyone has that one pair in their closet that’s just a little bit larger than the others.
Natalie picked up her coffee. “Fat jeans are essential for happiness.”
We all clinked out sweet teas together in a toast to fat jeans everywhere.
“Seriously though,” Candice continued. “I have put on so much weight since coming to Otterville Falls.”
“It’s the down-home cooking,” Natalie added wisely. “There isn’t an organic or vegan shop within a hundred miles.”
I made a face. “Who would want that?”
“I’m going to need to do something drastic soon,” Candice complained.
“Has Knox said anything?” I asked.
Candice shook her head. “No, in fact, he’s been very complimentary about my body. I just don’t feel good about how I look.”
Natalie and I exchanged a look. Candice was gorgeous, and I am not just saying that because we’re friends. She has a dark olive complexion and nearly black hair. Her eyes are a deep brown and tilted, just a touch on the end. She looks like a fashion model, but one with curves I’d kill for.
We launched into a conversation about the merits of different diets and exercise programs. Before long, my phone was ringing. Excusing myself from the table, I answered the call.
“Hello?”
“Sutton, it’s Sadie. You know how Evie was a little congested this morning?”
A hint of unease crept up my spine. “Yes, is she alright?”
“I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. She’s just running a slight fever. I called the pediatrician, and he said to give her some infant fever reducer. But I wanted to let you know before I did that.”
The girls hadn’t been sick once since they were born. Suddenly I felt terrible for leaving them. I’d known Evie was a little congested, but a fever. I needed to get home.
“Sutton, are you there?” Sadie asked hesitantly.
“Yes,” I replied automatically. “Go ahead and give her the medicine. I was just finishing up here, so I will see you in a few minutes.”
“Oh no, I hope I didn’t ruin your lunch,” she replied worriedly.
“Not at all,” I lied. “I’m sure that everything is just fine. I’ll see you soon.”
Ignoring the worry that was building up inside of me, I walked back to the table.
“Is everything okay?” Candice asked.
“Yes,” I replied, pasting a fake smile on my face. “Evie is running a little temp, and Sadie was just letting me know.”
Natalie immediately stood. “I’m on my way back in that direction. Do you want to ride with me? I think Candice wanted to stop in to see Knox.”
Candice shook her head. “No, no, it’s not a big deal. We can go straight home.”
Candice and I had driven together in my car. While Natalie had met us here at Abberly’s. I didn’t want to ruin the rest of Candice’s day.
“Nonsense, it’s just a little fever. Candice, you take my car and tell Knox hello from us. I’ll see you later back at the house?”
“If you’re sure?” Candice asked, taking the keys from my outstretched hand.
“Positive,” I said with a nod.
“Right then,” Natalie said with a smile. “Thanks again for a fantastic girls’ lunch, ladies. Let’s head out, Sutton.”
9
Sutton
Three hours later, Evie’s temperature had gone up to a hundred and two degrees. Candice still hadn’t returned with my car, and Mark was out of town for business. So my choices were to drive Sadie’s deathtrap or call Brian. Needless to say, I called Brian to go with me to the hospital emergency room.
“Thank you again for staying late, Sadie,” I said, tucking Evie into her car seat.
Sadie pushed her dark-framed glasses up her nose. “It’s not an imposition at all. I just hope Evie gets to feeling better.”
“You have everything you need?” I asked absentmindedly as Brian took the car seat and carried it out to his truck to strap Evie in.
“There is