Page 105 of Talk Wicked to Me

“He’ll be back in a jiff,” Chandra said, ushering her toward a display of sandals. “And you need to try on sandals.”

“I have sandals, but thank you.” She looked inquisitively at Madigan, who just shrugged and smiled.

“One can never have enough sandals, and a certain someone was beyond excited to get you the exact outfit that was in the window. Size eight?” Chandra picked up the same gorgeous pair of flat leather sandals that the mannequin was wearing.

Baz, what are you planning? “Yes, thank you.” She tried them on, and the soft leather caressed her foot. Chandra led her to the bracelets and showed her the bangles the mannequin had on. Emerson couldn’t even pretend she didn’t want them, and knowing Baz wanted this for her made her want them even more.

Chandra handed her a beautiful off-white scarf and said, “In case you get chilly.”

A few minutes later the man reappeared with her dress. “Hello, Emerson. I’m Arturo. I understand you’re nursing your baby. Let me show you what I’ve done.” He opened the soft gathering between the breasts, showing her three tiny hook enclosures. “Voilà.”

“That’s amazing. Thank you so much.” She was so happy, she hugged him, and then she hugged Chandra. “Thank you.”

Arturo handed her the dress, and Chandra handed her the sandals.

“It’s our pleasure,” Chandra said. “Now take this.” She handed Emerson a gift bag from Chatham Kids, a children’s clothing store down the block. “And let’s get you and your little one ready so you’re not late.”

Emerson looked in the bag and pulled out a tiny hanger with an adorable emerald-green-and-white checked jumper and white short-sleeved shirt, and she melted inside.

Baz had thought of everything, and she couldn’t wait to find out what he had in store for them.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

EMERSON WAS A bundle of nervous excitement as Madigan directed her down roads that were off the beaten path, reminding Emerson of her and Baz’s illicit motorcycle tryst. They weren’t the same roads, but that didn’t stop the thrilling memories from heating her cheeks as they turned onto a narrow gravel road. Eventually they wound down an even narrower dead-end dirt road just wide enough for one vehicle. She parked behind Baz’s truck and saw a white SUV in front of it. “Where are we?”

“You’ll see.”

“Can you at least tell me whose SUV that is?”

Madigan was thumbing out a text. “You’re about to find out.”

“You are infuriatingly good at keeping secrets.”

“I know.” She flashed a cheesy smile, and they climbed out of the car.

Madigan grabbed the baby bag while Emerson got Brennan out of his car seat. He looked so stinking cute in the shorts jumper. She scooped him up and smothered his cheeks with kisses, earning the happiest sounds. “Are we ready for our surprise, Little B?”

Madigan was so excited, she was bouncing on her toes. Emerson remembered how skeptical she’d been of Baz and his family when she’d first met them, but now she knew that everything they said, even their joking banter, came straight from their hearts.

“I’m so excited for you,” Madigan exclaimed. “Let’s go.”

“Wait.” Emerson grabbed her hand. “I just want to say thank you for taking the time to do all this for us and for Baz, and for keeping his secret. Whatever this is, I’m glad you were the one to help him, and I’m really lucky to be your friend.”

“Aw, I love you guys.” Madigan hugged her. “I’d do anything for either of you.” She wrapped her fingers around Brennan’s foot, giving it a gentle shake. “And for you, too, Brenny boy. Come on!”

As they walked past the other vehicles, she saw a small beach cottage that had seen better days, surrounded by wild grasses and overgrown brush. Just beyond the forgotten structure lay a sandy walking path that spilled onto a beach, with a spectacular view of the water, its gentle waves rolling along the shore. “Wow. The views here never get old, do they?”

“They haven’t for me.”

A warm breeze kissed Emerson’s skin as they made their way down the path, every step heightening her anticipation. As they neared the beach, there were daisies spread along the sand, and a white wooden sign with black script and greenery and more daisies draped along the top came into view.

Welcome Emerson & Brennan

to your

Mommy & Me Photo Shoot

Emerson’s heart skipped. “Oh my gosh! Mads!”