7 Months (Time for Love 8)

“I promised, Nonie, so here I am,” I assured her as I hugged her as much as I could with her stomach in between us.

“Is this new?” she asked when she pulled back, her gaze taking in my floor-length red dress.

“I actually bought it a few years ago, just never had the chance to wear it.”

“It’s fabulous,” Bronagh gushed, then tucked her arm in mine and pulled me toward the kitchen. “Let’s get you a drink. I’m living vicariously through you tonight.”

As we walked toward the kitchen, I stopped to say hello to Shelly, Sasha, and Gaby, who were chatting with Craig and Gwen. Craig was Cal’s younger brother, and Gwen, Gaby’s little sister. They’d been friends most of their lives, and had been a couple for the last couple of years. They’d recently moved back home and were renting a place downtown.

When we walked into the kitchen, Victoria and her sister Abby were putting out trays of chocolate-covered strawberries. On the table next to them was an array of delicious-looking cupcakes.

“Oh, are those from Bee Sweet?” I asked, eyeing the red velvet cupcakes and wondering if my dress would rip if I tried to eat one.

“Yeah, Gaby brought them,” Abby replied, giving Bronagh a small smile before looking away.

Abby used to hook up with Brendan, and even though he and Bronagh were now married with a baby on the way, things were still a bit awkward between her and Bronagh. I think Abby liked Brendan more than he’d liked her. Which just made the whole situation now pretty weird.

“The strawberries look amazing,” Bronagh said, trying, as always, to ease the tension between them.

“Do you need any help?” I asked.

Victoria shook her head. “No, it’s all covered. Can I get you a drink?”

“No, please, I don’t want to take you away from what you’re doing. I’ll get it.”

They had a bar set up with every alcohol you could think of, and I knew the fridge would be stocked with beer and the rack filled with wine.

Victoria always threw a great party.

Deciding I needed to keep my wits about me, I reached for the bottle of red wine and poured myself a glass.

When I took a sip, Bronagh leaned in, her eyes wide and a little rabid.

“How does it taste? I want descriptions.”

I laughed and replied, “It’s rich. Robust. There’s a bit of an oak finish with a hit of spice.”

“Mmmmm, that sounds like heaven,” she said, her eyes closed as if she were envisioning the flavors. “As soon as this baby’s out I’m having a glass. Promise you’ll sneak some into the delivery room?”

I chuckled and replied, “I am not doing that...”

“I thought you were my best friend,” Bronagh replied with a pretty pout.

“I am, and I swear, once you’re cleared for alcohol, I’ll be the first to take you out.”

“Okay, I guess that’ll work. I didn’t know how much I’d miss stuff, you know … like

wine, and being able to see my feet.”

“Just a couple more weeks.”

“I know,” she said with a sigh, then turned when we heard Brendan calling her name.

“I’ll be right back.”

“Hey, where have you been, woman?”

I turned to see Cass and her husband Geo coming into the kitchen, looking beautiful and distinguished.