stuff himself silly with cotton candy and go full-blown Tasmanian Devil cartoon than with the stuffy formal luncheon and afternoon drinking group of women my mother wanted me to join.
I picked up a knife and stuck it under the corner of one brownie to see if it could be salvaged. The corner broke off with a crack and flew across my living area. A sigh escaped my lips. Nope, not happening. I dumped the ruined pan into the trash can and made plans to visit the Trader Joe’s bakery on the way to the house. No need to poison anyone today.
The plan today was for me to go to Bevvie’s place, then all of us would cram into the two huge trucks and park on the top floor of the Hilton hotel garage deck. We would spend the day at the festival, then enjoy the fireworks with blankets spread out in the truck beds. That event started after sundown, and the view from the deck would put the sparkling show directly overhead.
As per usual, the chaos at Bev’s house was in full swing when I got there.
“Mom, did you pack my organic granola bars?”
“Top shelf in the pantry.”
“Mom, where are my shoes?”
“Where you left them last time you took them off.”
“Mom, can I have some fried Oreos later?”
“If you can find them, but only two.”
“Mom, I only found one shoe.”
“Too bad you have two feet.”
“Mom, I’m hungry.”
Connor came down the stairs carrying a load of blankets. “Oy, Jacob. Your other shoe is in the hall closet. Abby, can you take these to my truck, please? Morning, Mel.”
Mattie skimmed across the kitchen floor in socks. “Hi, Auntie M! Mom says I get two fried Oreos today!”
My stomach twisted a little at the thought of the grease-dripping, sticky, sweet treat. The morning sickness had cleared up for the most part, but every once in a while it would make an appearance. “Awesome sauce, kiddo. Morning to you too, Connor.”
Sarah sat at the table munching a bowl of cereal. Owen sat next to her, drinking a gargantuan cup of coffee. The gentle giant raised his eyes over the white rim and nodded in my direction. I tilted my head up with a smile and winked at him in greeting. Yeah, it was a flirty move, but I felt really good.
I should have known better.
The weather burned sunny and hot. I had on loose white shorts and a sleeveless cotton blouse. My clothes still fit okay at this point, even though I’d started my second trimester. Only seven extra pounds gained so far, making me a little rounder, but no significant baby bump yet. My bag held water bottles, extra sunscreen spray, sunglasses, and ponytail ties. On my feet were padded sandals. I could wear heels all day long with no trouble, but the look didn’t fit with the casual family outing vibe I wanted.
Somehow, we got ourselves to the festival by midmorning. Abby walked off to find her friends and ignore everyone for the day. Jacob, Sarah, and Mattie went for the rides and games with Connor and Owen. That left Bevvie and me by ourselves to wander through the displays. God, how I loved festivals! Handmade jewelry, handbags, pottery, artwork—this place was crack to a shopaholic like me. In no time at all, I had several bags hanging from my wrist.
Bevvie picked up a soap bar from a table and inhaled the scent with her eyes closed. “Oh, this is nice. I should get some of these, ’cause I know who made them.”
I blinked. “You know someone who makes soap?”
She picked up another colorful bar. “Well, kinda.” She put down the bar and ticked off her fingers one by one. “Connor’s sister’s husband’s MC brother’s wife has a shop in Bryson City called Soap-n-stuff. I recognized the name on the label. Eva gave me some last year for Christmas along with matching bath bombs. Unbelievable! If I could’ve moved into the tub for a week, I would have.”
We picked through the soaps, oohing over the luscious scents and color patterns. Bevvie had three in her hand and I had twelve when a loud voice behind me cut through our marveling.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t little Melanie Miser.”
Fuck. My stomach twisted on itself, and icy fingers traced over my spine as I snapped up straight. I locked my knees to keep them from shaking, and every muscle contracted to wire tight rigidness. I raised my chin a few degrees and turned to