“I think you and I have different definitions of the word.” He grinned at Kady.
“What are you reading, Chastity?” Kady asked, stooping to look at the books. She picked up a thick one and almost tumbled backwards. “Lord of the Rings? Isn’t that”—she looked up at Wes who shrugged and shook his head—“a bit advanced for you?”
Chastity’s look turned curious as she stared at the book. “Why? Why can’t I read it?”
“Oh, you can definitely read it.” Kady handed her the book.
“I’m watching the movie. See?” She pointed at the television behind Kady.
Kady nodded. “I’m impressed.”
Chastity’s chin rose, her tiny chest puffing out.
Wes chuckled. “She’s way ahead of her classmates in reading.” He offered his hand to Kady, and then lifted her up. “Spends a lot of time with her nose in books.”
“Good way to spend your time,” Kady offered.
“Chas, you hungry?” Wes asked. “We’re about to eat.”
“She can stay there,” Katrina called from the kitchen. “I’ve got a tray ready for her.” Wes moved to the kitchen to retrieve the tray while Kady lingered at the dining room table that sat between the kitchen and the family room.
Covered dishes were on the table surrounded by contemporary plate settings. Kady inhaled and grinned at the aroma of green beans, other seasoned vegetables, and the tangy spice of the main dish she hadn’t yet seen. Her eyes spotted a number of pies resting on cooling racks. Kady covered her stomach with a hand. She could just see herself being rolled out of here in a couple of hours.
She counted the plates. Six. More people were joining the four of them?
After Wes set a tray in front of Chastity and warned her not to spill anything, the four of them sat down at the table. Katrina sat across from Kady, beside her husband, and Wes sat beside Kady. Kady’s neck began to heat as she felt like this was a double date. As soon as she dug into the orange chicken and rice Katrina prepared, she forgot all about this dinner being a setup.
“This is delicious,” Kady said.
“Thank you!” Kat responded with a warm smile. “It’s going to be one of my signature dishes in a dinner-only cookbook I’m working on. How do you like working at the bakery? I’m sorry I haven’t been there all week. I’ve been swamped with edits for the cookbook and then additional guest spots for my YouTube channel.”
“Oh, no worries. It’s been great. Everyone is so friendly, like a real family. It’s been a test of my willpower, though.” She placed over her belly and everyone laughed.
Kat waved a hand. “Eat away! When customers ask how such-and-such is, we want to be able to tell them it’s amazing.”
“Yeah, the bakery isn’t losing money, that’s for sure,” Drew added.
Is that because he’s funneling money in or has it always been successful on it’s own?
“Chas?” Wes called over his shoulder. “How are you doing?”
“Fine. Food’s really good, Auntie Kat.”
“Thank you, sweetie!” Kat bit her lip, her eyes swerving between Kady and Wes and her husband.
“You’re going to burst, aren’t you?” Drew asked with a chuckle. “Go ahead. They’ll find out soon enough.”
“I’m pregnant!” Katrina blurted.
Kady’s jaw dropped.
“Congratulations!” Wes said. He and Drew shook hands. “That’s great news. Your first.”
“Yes, congrats,” Kady hurried to say. “Your parents’ first grandchild?”
Katrina’s smile waned a touch. “My mother’s, yes. My father died over a year ago. But, I’m sure he would’ve been happy for me.” Her smile waned.
“Well, we’re all happy for you,” Wes said. “You’re going to make a great mom.”
