Page 17 of Sudden Summer

“Sorry, Cowboy, but did you just insinuate you man, you pick up heavy box. Me silly woman, go pick out clothes?” I asked in my best caveman voice.

“I didn’t mean it like that, it’s just⁠—”

“Go get your daughter some clothes. She’s in a four to six month outfit right now, but it’s a little snug. So get her some in that size, but also a few in six to nine months, okay?”

He nodded. “Alright, little one. Let’s go make Birdie proud and pick out some new things for you to wear.”

“I believe in you.” I laughed. “You’ve got this.”

I turned, walking back toward the baby furniture, when I saw two familiar faces.

“Well hey, you two!” I smiled as I pushed the cart over to my friends, Stone and Mae Lawson. “Getting some last minute things ready for the baby?”

Mae was sitting down in one of the store’s display rocking chairs, her hand rubbing little circles over her belly. Both she and Stone worked at Montgomery Defense, a security firm in town. Stone also worked as an EMT with the fire department, so we crossed paths from time to time in the emergency room.

“Hey, Birdie. Thank God there’s only two more weeks until this girl has gotta get up outta me. I’m so ready. Sully, help me up?” Mae’s hands extended out in front of her, and Stone jumped from the display of soft books over to grab his wife’s hands.

“I know.” I watched as she stood, her belly much lower than the last time I saw her in the clinic. “Your belly dropped. Are you breathing better?”

“God, yes. It’s been amazing the last few days. But now she feels…”

“Like she’s between your legs?” I laughed.

Mae smiled and nodded.

“I don’t know, guys, I hope you have your bags packed because I don’t think it’s going to be long now.”

Stone smiled. “Don’t get her hopes up too much, Birdie. I’ll never hear the end of it if she doesn’t go into labor before our next appointment.”

Mae smacked his chest playfully.

“I’m not that bad.”

“No, Michaela, you’re not. I’m just teasing.”

“So,” Mae’s eyes shimmered as she looked back at me, “what are you doing here? Don’t tell me you’re already grabbing your gift for Seb and Emma. I’m so far behind, it’s not even funny!”

“No. I’m not here for that. Although, that was a good reminder that I need to look at their registry. I’m actually here with⁠—”

“Hey, guys!” Beau’s hand slipped into mine as he stepped into the little furniture display area with us. I watched as shock and confusion filled our friends’ faces. Mae’s eyes were locked in on where our hands were connected, and Stone was locked in on Juniper.

“I think I’m going to need to sit down again! What is going on? Who is that sweet baby strapped to your chest?”

“Uh, it’s a long story…” Beau started to say, his eyes searching for help.

“This is Beau’s daughter, Juniper. We didn’t know about her until last night, so it’s been a bit of a whirlwind for all of us.” I smiled, but noticed immediately the questioning look Mae was giving me.

“Wow. I mean…Congratulations, man.” Stone held out his hand for Beau to shake.

“She’s beautiful,” Mae whispered. “How old is she?”

“A little over four months.”

“We’ll have to get them together for play dates,” Mae offered, pointing from her belly to Juniper. “That would be so cute!”

She walked over to Beau, rubbing her hand on Juniper’s back through the carrier. “What a sweet girl. She has your eyes.”

“Yeah, she does,” he agreed. “Did you get the bassinet yet?” he asked me.