“You don’t know that,” she insisted just as her stomach let loose a loud hungry roar. “I’m pregnant, I’m always hungry, so that doesn’t mean anything. Oh fine,” she sighed. “Let’s go in and share our good news.”
As soon as Bonnie closed the door behind her, I let out a low laugh and joined her.
“If you say it just like that, everyone will really be able to feel our joy,” I told her, my voice thick with sarcasm.
Her frown transformed into a smile that lit her face brighter than the low hanging moon that bathed the parking lot in light.
“You’re very lucky I love you, Calvin Ashby, or else I might just mess up that pretty face of yours.”
I blinked down at her, one hand to my chest, the other wrapped around my woman. “You think I’m pretty?”
“The prettiest boy in all the land,” she said with a laugh that I couldn’t get enough of, even when it was at my expense. It meant the old Bonnie was coming back. She was scarred, battle-proven, and healing and goddammit, that was welcome sight to see.
“Tonight’s going to be great. Right?” she said, testing out a grin.
“Not just great, babe. Tonight is gonna be perfect.” Everyone had been ordered to be on their best behavior, but they didn’t know why.
“Tonight, you gain a big ol’ crazy family. You ready for that?”
Bonnie stopped in the parking lot and slowly turned to face me, putting both of her warm hands right on my chest, covering up my racing heart.
“That sounds pretty great to me, Cal. It’s the best wedding gift you could possibly give me.”
After pressing a kiss to her forehead, I leaned back and laughed. “You’re getting a better wedding gift than those jokesters, no question about it.”
Her shoulders sank but melodic laughter sounded. “It was worth a shot, anyway.” Her smile faltered for just a moment, but it was long enough that I knew something was wrong.
“What is it?”
She shrugged and shook her head. “I thought I saw someone duck over near Kat’s car but maybe it was just a shadow from all the lights.”
Bonnie didn’t believe that, and I didn’t either but I didn’t call her out. I just turned and took note of the car. When I turned back, an ungodly looking vehicle caught my eye.
“A sea green Lamborghini? How tacky. I can’t wait to make fun of Terry or Emmet because that car definitely belongs to one of the Manning boys.”
Bonnie put her hand in mine and plastered a smile on her face, ready to face the inevitable. She hadn’t said it, but I knew she was worried that Sadie wouldn’t give her blessing. Nothing I said would convince her, so she would see for herself. Tonight.
The whole family was there, including lifelong members like Terry and Emmet and newer ones like Maisie, all of them to celebrate the fact Bonnie and I were in love, getting married and having a baby. It was a sight to see, all of them gathered with drinks in their hands and smiles on their faces. Waiting to hear the news.
“Hey baby bro, you two were bordering on being well past fashionably late,” Jasper said with a slap on my back. “Glad you made it.”
“Sorry,” Bonnie said meekly. “I had an attack of nerves out in the parking lot, and Cal had to talk me down.”
Jasper smiled at Bonnie and turned to me. “Good. A man is supposed to take care of his woman.” And without another word, he walked away and joined Terry near the front door.
“That’s basically Jasper’s blessing,” I said on a relieved sigh.
“Let’s wait until the news is shared before declaring a victory. Please.”
“If that’s what you want, babe.”
“It is,” she said quickly.
“Bonnie! You’re looking well,” Kat said and pulled her in for an energetic hug. “That deep green is totally your color. Good job, Cal.”
I rolled my eyes but my sister wasn’t wrong, Bonnie looked fantastic in a green dress that showed off just how much she was returning to her old self, curves fully on display. “Thanks.”
“Come on. Ma’s stomach is growling and you know how she hates that.” Kat rolled her eyes and took Bonnie’s other arm with a smile.
“Oh goody,” Bonnie said with a laugh, “maybe our tummies can do a duet together before the food is served.”
By the time dinner got under way, Bonnie’s nerves seemed to have settled, and she was more relaxed when the time came to share our news. I stood. I looked at her, my love spilling to every corner of my body.
“Ready?”
Bonnie’s hazel eyes widened slightly as she looked around the table, taking in a deep breath as she took in every detail of the men and women who would become her family, who she would fight for and who would fight for her. To the death if necessary. She let her breath out slowly, her spine straightening, her resolve strengthening as she did.