I’m about to speak when Rose says, “Okay, have you seen the spring trends yet? Because I have thoughts and want to hear your opinions, too.”
I blink, caught off guard. “Thoughts on the spring trends? Those in fashion?”I swear, pregnancy brain is real.
“Yes,” she confirms. “I saw peplum tops are back. Can you believe it? It’s as if the universe decided us curvier girls didn’t suffer enough in 2013.”
Timmy snorts, shaking his head. “I mean, I’ve never worn peplum and never will.”
Marianne laughs. “At least it’s not low-rise jeans again because Mama needs something to support her body.”
“Don’t even joke about that,” I groan. “But I’m pretty into statement accessories—big sunglasses, chunky jewelry, lots of gold and silver mixed together. It’s giving rich-widow-on-vacation vibes.”
“I can respect that energy,” Timmy comments, sipping his drink.
“I’ve been so out of the loop lately. And it’s my job to know these things,” I admit to my friends.
Rose looks concerned. “Are you still busy with the family business?”
“There have been some other, um,developmentstoo.”
“Please tell us there’s a new man in your life,” Timmy says with a dreamy sigh.
“Well, sort of. The thing is…I’m pregnant.”
Silence. For a beat, all I hear is the steady chatter of other restaurant visitors around us. Then?—
“Oh my God,” Marianne exclaims, her eyes going wide. Rose’s jaw drops, and Timmy? Well, he’s gaping as if I told him I’m moving to Mars.
“You’re serious?” he finally manages. “For real pregnant? Bun in the oven type of pregnant?”
I let out a nervous laugh. “Yes, Timmy. That’s usually whatI’m pregnantmeans.”
“Holy shit, Haisley. I mean, wow.”
Marianne is the first to recover, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. “Congratulations, mama,” she says, her voice warm. “I remember how much you’ve hoped for this, so I’m ecstatic for you. How are you feeling?”
“Overwhelmed,” I admit. “Excited. Terrified. Other adjectives I can’t think of right now.”
I glance at Rose, who still seems to be processing my news. “Rose, I really am okay. This baby was a very unexpected yet wanted surprise.”
She visibly relaxes. “I just want you to be happy.”
“I know, and I love you for that,” I say, hugging her.
Timmy breaks into a grin. “Well, damn. We have a baby on the way.”
“Oh, Iris is going to have a little buddy!” Marianne beams. “Maybe they’ll be besties.”
Then Timmy wiggles his eyebrows. “You haven’t mentioned who the father is.”
“Tell us,” Rose nudges me.
I take another deep breath, my fingers tightening slightly around my water glass. I knew this was coming. The follow-up questions, the curiosity, the inevitable reactions after my news.
They’re watching me expectantly, their expressions ranging from excitement to concern to outright nosiness in Timmy’s case. He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Come on, H. Spill. Who’s the mystery man?”
“It’s Rasmus Westerholm.”
“Where have I heard that name?” Marianne wonders.
