Page 72 of The Pilot

Then she realized what Marit just said. “Wait—you’re married to Zach?”

To her amazement, Marit’s cheeks turned bright red.

“Oh my God! Really?” Britt asked, gaping at Marit.

She shrugged. “We really didn’t want a whole shindig like you and Chad. It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing. We applied for the license with the intent to decide later when to have a ceremony, and when we went to the courthouse to pick it up . . . decided to just do it. We made the appointment that day, and now we’re married.”

“Holy crap, that’s awesome! Congratulations!” Harper told her.

“Thanks. We’re both super happy and relieved we don’t have to worry about all the stuff that comes with a ceremony, particularly the cost. Zach can use that money toward expanding The Lobster Buoy, and we’ll also need it for the baby, especially since I’ll have to take some time off in the height of lobster season. Eliot has been awesome about it, but I hate thinking about the money we’ll be losing.”

“I’m happy to babysit when I’m not working,” Harper volunteered.

“Me too. Might as well have your son and our baby get close from the start. And you know Evelyn will be itching to spoil him.”

“Yeah. I keep forgetting that I actually have a whole support system now,” Marit said with a shrug. “I want to stay home with him for a while, but I’m sure I’ll be back on the Wave Rider before Zach thinks I should be.”

“Do you have a name picked out?” Britt asked.

Harper was relieved the spotlight was off her. Honestly, she’d expected her announcement that she and Linc wouldn’t be having babies to be a much bigger deal. But she should’ve known better. Marit and Britt were extremely easygoing and kind.

“Mark Austin,” Marit said.

“Oh my God, Evelyn is going to lose it when she hears that,” Britt said.

Harper agreed. Zach and Marit giving their baby his late father’s name as his middle name was a huge honor.

“You don’t mind, do you?” Marit asked Britt. “I mean, were you going to use Austin’s name?”

Britt shook her head. “I don’t mind at all. We haven’t fully decided on names, but Austin isn’t in the running. But you know what is?”

“What?” Harper and Marit asked at the same time.

“Evelyn . . . as a middle name, if it’s a girl.”

“Is it bad of me to hope it’s a girl?” Harper blurted. “I would love for Evelyn to have a namesake. And for there to be more girls around here. Boys certainly have the upper hand. With the four Young brothers, Kash, and your little one, Marit. We need a girl.”

“I agree,” Britt said with a smile. Her hand rubbed her belly. “Personally, I’m hoping it’s a girl too. And I have a feeling it is . . .”

Marit and Harper both squealed with excitement.

“I didn’t say it was a girl,” Britt cautioned. “Just that I kind of feel it is.”

The three women all smiled at each other.

“I can’t believe how nice it is today. I don’t mind winter, but it’s great to get a hint of spring every now and then too,” Marit said, turning her face up to the sun.

“Agreed. Hey, Harper. What was it Linc said he had to do today?” Britt asked. “Chad didn’t know he was coming over.”

“He didn’t say. I was too excited to see you guys and hang out to get details. I just figured it was something for Evelyn,” Harper said. But now that Britt had brought it up, she also wondered why Linc had wanted to come over to Lobster Cove.

Mentally shrugging, she supposed he’d tell her later. For now, all she wanted to do was relax and enjoy some girl time. She was surprised at how well she clicked with Britt and Marit. On the surface, none of them had much in common. Well, besides the fact that Britt had lived in her car for a short time. And yet, they all got along as if they’d known each other for years rather than just a few months.

“So . . . when are you telling Evelyn that you and Zach got married?” Britt asked after a moment.

Marit shook her head. “Oh no, I’m not telling her. That’s Zach’s job. Or maybe . . . one of you could spill the beans . . .” she said, her voice trailing off.

Harper immediately shook her head and held up her hands. “Not it!” she exclaimed.