she didn’t get an invite. And no one blames me. They understand how awkward it would be for me to have my pregnant bridesmaid’s husband’s ex-wife at my wedding. So, I don’t even look like a bad person for not inviting her. I’m taking an enormous amount of petty satisfaction from the whole situation.”
Not as much as me. Dana Kellerman was not my favorite person. I chuckled wearily at Bailey’s naughty grin. “You’re awful.” But I said it like I thought the opposite.
My friend laughed. “Oh, come on, Em. Don’t worry about Jack. There will be plenty of other eligible bachelors to catch the eye. Vaughn has invited some friends he actually does like from his Manhattan life. A few are single, rich, and handsome.”
I rolled my eyes. The last thing I needed right now was to date. “I think I’ll pass for now.”
“Oh, no you won’t. You’re twenty-nine, Emery, and you’ve never had a serious relationship. Don’t you want to change that? And what would be more romantic than falling in love at your best friend’s wedding?”
It was on the tip of my tongue to blurt out that I was pregnant.
I wouldn’t.
One, Jack needed to know first.
Two, I was only seven weeks. I didn’t want to announce anything at all until further along in the pregnancy. As much as I was in turmoil about what my future looked like as a single mom, I’d quickly fallen in love with the idea of being a mother. I’d have a son or daughter. To raise, protect, and love. And although I’d never planned to do it this way, I wanted it now. And I wanted nothing to take that away.
But I knew things could happen. I knew babies could go away. Seven weeks was too soon to tell anyone. It might jinx my pregnancy. I could almost hear my grandmother scolding me for such a superstitious thought (after scolding me for getting pregnant out of wedlock, that is). Yet I couldn’t change how concerned I was. I’d hold off telling anyone until it got too hard to hide. I’d have to ask Jack to do the same.
My stomach roiled again at the thought of telling Jack.
I needed to tell him soon. I had planned to.
Yet now that I knew he’d be at the wedding, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be stuck at the same event with him if he knew the truth.
“You look a little pale suddenly. Are you okay, Em?”
“I had food poisoning yesterday.” I perpetuated my lie. “Still feeling a little off.”
“Oh, sweetie, that’s not good. Why don’t you just close the store today?”
“I’d rather work through it.” I couldn’t look at her as I lied. “So, are we all ready for the big day?” I changed the subject.
“Yes. All set. My parents arrive tomorrow and are no longer giving me a guilt trip for rescinding Vanessa’s invite.” At my look of concern, Bailey waved me off. “She was never going to show anyway. And it’s better I know the truth. Am I sad? Yes. But I won’t let it ruin my wedding. Mom and Dad and Charlie get it. So, they’ll all be here tomorrow, and Vaughn’s dad and the rest of his guests will arrive the night before. They’re all booked into the hotel. The staff are working harder than ever because it’s the boss’s wedding, so I feel like we’re in excellent hands.” She smiled. “And all you need to do is show up at the inn on the eve of the big day.”
“I can’t wait.”
I was also glad Vaughn and Bailey had had their bachelor and bachelorette parties months ago. There had been much drinking involved. At least this way, I could avoid a glass of champagne if Bailey had wedding-eve drinks without it being weirdly noticeable.
“Me neither.”
As soon as Bailey left to deliver Dahlia’s coffee, I let out a shaky exhale.
I couldn’t tell Jack about the baby. Not until after the wedding. That way, I wouldn’t be trapped in the same room with him for hours while he had that knowledge.
26
Emery
Bailey and Vaughn had taken over Main Street.
Literally.
They’d gotten permission to block the street, and car owners were asked to move their vehicles the day before in preparation for the wedding. Why? Because the ceremony was taking place at the gazebo at the top of Main Street. The many guest chairs were set out in front of the gazebo, down onto the street. It meant anyone who didn’t get an official invite could