Just Add Spice

“You are so radiant. So beautiful.”

The younger woman’s eyes sparkled and her thick, blonde hair was lustrous. And she couldn’t stop smiling. “I’m as big as Mom’s house,” she said. “But Geoff can’t keep his hands off me.”

“He’s one lucky man,” Jenna told her. “And you are going to be a wonderful mother.”

“Thank you. That means a lot, Jenna. Really. And I still can’t believe you came to see me. I was going to stop by the restaurant, but I figured you had your hands full and I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Mags.” Jenna gave her a careful hug as emotion swelled in her throat. “You’re one of my favorite people. I always have time for you. And I’ve missed you.”

Mags hugged he

r back, much stronger than Jenna expected given her slight build and delicate condition. Then again, Mags came from a family strong of will, conviction and heart.

“Can we sit for a few minutes?” Jenna asked.

“Of course. Beth has everything under control. As usual. She’s going to run the bakery while I’m on maternity leave. Pete and Dina’s twins are going to help as well, since the girls took a semester off and won’t be starting at the community college until spring. And Connie and John still work in the back, though they’re both gone for the day—you know they come in around two a.m.”

“I’m sorry I missed them.”

They settled at a table by a window and chatted endlessly about the baby. Another girl for the Sampognas. It was Mags who finally glanced at the clock over the counter and said, “It’s eleven. The restaurant opens.”

“Right.” Jenna had been enjoying herself too much to take note of the time slipping by. She stood. Bethany was already boxing up some goodies for her to take. “I’ve got to go. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Mags said. “I’m so happy to see you. And Mom called earlier about throwing a big party for Marco before he leaves, so I’ll see you again, right?”

Jenna forced herself not to tense up at the prospect of a Sampogna family gathering. All those people…

Mags unexpectedly reached for one of Jenna’s hands and placed it on her swollen belly. “This kid is a kicker. She’s going to keep me on my toes, for sure.”

Jenna felt the tapping against her hand and the sensation shocked and amazed her. “Wow, Mags. There’s a little person inside you.” A dumb thing to say, she thought, but when the tears stung her eyes and she gazed at her friend, Jenna knew Mags understood her astonishment.

“Maybe someday you and Rafe…” She smiled softly. “You never know.”

Then she released Jenna’s hand and Jenna helped her to her feet. “You really do look sensational.”

Mags beamed. “I’m so ecstatic I can hardly stand myself.”

“That’s the way it should be.” Jenna kissed her on the cheek again. “Well. I’ll see you soon. And don’t you dare have this baby without someone calling me.”

“You’ll be one of the first to know. Rafe will make sure of it.”

They said their goodbyes and Jenna returned to the restaurant, with a peculiar churning deep inside her that she couldn’t identify…or reconcile.

Chapter Ten

“Standing room only again,” Tad said as he dropped the last of the menus he’d collected from the dinner crowd onto the pile at the hostess stand.

“It helps that you and I draw a crowd,” Jenna commented. “But once we’re gone… Sampogna’s has to stand on its own two feet.”

The rest of the diners had cleared out and the staff went about their nightly closing chores.

Tad asked, “Room service this evening?”

“I’d love to. But… I need to speak with Rafe.”

“Alone,” he added coyly. “You naughty little wench.”

Jenna laughed. “Get your mind out of the gutter. It’s business.”