games, ate enough for three days, and mingled, people coming and going in small groups where everyone—from the motorcycle mechanics to the Hot Rods’ wives to her and Morgan—miraculously found something in common, even if it was their penchant for polyamory.
Kate realized that was another thing she loved about coming out there. It wasn’t only her and her eight best friends against the world, but there was a whole community of like-minded people there who understood her relationship even if they weren’t directly a part of it. People who would listen to problems and give unbiased feedback without belonging to the inner circle. That was something she’d never experienced before. Sure, they talked online and exchanged emails periodically, but this was different.
It made her feel accepted and understood. Like she was normal instead of always having to hide who exactly she loved beyond her husband. There was a freedom in that. One that she didn’t take for granted. Even Ms. Brown, who had a traditional relationship with Joe’s uncle Tom, was willing to give advice and open to the life her younger daughter Nola lived with one of the Hot Rods mechanics. It was like having a mom and dad again. Ones who doled out unconditional love. Who wouldn’t want that?
Kate smiled and sighed softly as she leaned up against the kitchen counter. Joy turned from where she was chopping up some more fruit for the punchbowl and said, “Everything okay?”
“Perfect.” Kate went over and hugged her. “Thanks again for hosting. This was really so kind of you. We haven’t known each other long, so I really appreciate you thinking of me.”
“Honestly, I kind of am living vicariously through you.” Joy smiled sadly. “I hid my pregnancy as long as I could, and when I finally had Arden, I was alone except for a midwife. I hope you don’t mind, but it’s a way for me to pretend I didn’t miss out on so much.”
Kate squeezed her harder. “Of course not. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. Here I was moping because I wouldn’t have my best friend with me during my pregnancy and you did it alone. I’m a cow.”
“No, you’re the smart one. I’m a weirdo.” Joy shrugged. “I’m okay with that most of the time, but I admit, that stung. Although keeping Arden to myself meant I didn’t have to share her either, which is a bit selfish. I guess that makes me a cow too.”
Kate didn’t know the details of how she, Walker, and Dane had wound up in Middletown, but she knew it hadn’t been a joy ride to get there. She asked, “You’re not from here, are you?”
“I only wish I was.” Joy deposited the fruit into the punch bowl, washed her hands, then traced her daughter’s eyebrow with the tip of her index finger. “This is a perfect place for Arden to grow up. None of the bullshit I dealt with is going to find her here.”
Kate nodded. Rumor had it they were on the run from the notorious Wildfire outlaw motorcycle gang. “I’m sorry. I heard a little about your troubles.”
“That’s a polite way of putting it.” Joy laughed. “It’s nice of you to say that, though. I’ve never felt as safe as I do with Walker and Dane. They would kill anyone who tried to hurt Arden like my father hurt us. Hell, everyone here looks after her. It’s a great place to raise a child. You know, if you decide you don’t want to give up your best friend after all.”
Joy looked down at Arden but glanced in Kate’s direction from beneath her lashes.
Kate hummed since her own thoughts had wandered in that direction too. “It’s got to be a good feeling knowing there are so many people you can count on if you need them.” She thought of Joe and his cousin Eli and understood how their connection could be alluring enough to entice Joe to leave the Powertools behind. She hadn’t truly gotten it at first, but it was becoming clearer the longer she stayed in Middletown, surrounded by all of these amazing people.
“You know, there’s always room for more here.” Ms. Brown had ears like an owl. She must have sensed they were talking about serious stuff and came to join them. Though she didn’t look directly at Kate, the intense focus she trained on scooping out another cup of punch was a dead giveaway that her comment wasn’t nearly as casual as she