Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Seventeen
Wynn opened Garrick’s front door to find three young women standing on the doorstep. She’d already let in the three party girls from a few weeks ago, so didn’t recognize these friends.
“We’re here for Joylyn’s shower,” the tall, dark-haired one said with a big smile. “We’re the surprise.” Her smile faded a little. “We told her dad we were coming yesterday, and he said it was fine.”
The Marine wives! Garrick had mentioned they were going to try to make it, and here they were.
“It is,” Wynn said, stepping back to let them in. “I can’t believe you drove all this way for a baby shower.”
“We miss Joylyn,” a petite, obviously pregnant brunette said. “We’re sorry she moved out to live with her mom.”
“She misses you, too.” Wynn waved them into the house. “We’re all out by the pool.” She pointed to the hall bathroom, then led the way out to the back patio.
Joylyn looked up and saw her friends, then shrieked as she got to her feet.
“Are you really here? I can’t believe it. You came from so far away.”
They all hugged, then Joylyn started on introductions. There were her college friends, two of the women from her birthing class and now the Marine wives. Garrick circulated among all of them, getting everyone drinks and putting the presents on a table by the small lawn.
Wynn slipped back into the house just in time to see Carol pull up. She hurried outside to help her friend, who had stopped to pick up the last of the food.
“I drove about five miles an hour,” Carol said with a laugh. “I didn’t want to ruin anything.”
They carried in big pink bakery boxes. Once in the kitchen, Wynn checked the contents. There were dozens of small scones in four different flavors, along with an equal number of petit fours.
“Garrick got the sandwiches this morning,” Wynn said. “I was about to take them out of the refrigerator so they can warm up a little. We can put the petit fours in their place.”
“Good idea.”
Carol helped her take the sandwiches out and put in the little desserts, then they unpacked the small terra-cotta pots filled with chocolate and vanilla cupcakes topped with a little beehive of frosting.
“Too cute,” Carol said, setting them on the kitchen table. “Her guests are going to love these. What about drinks?”
“Already done. I put out the two drink servers we borrowed from Silver. One has lemonade and one has a sparkling fruit punch. It’s Silver’s recipe.”
“But nonalcoholic,” Carol said.
Wynn nodded. “I think a little vodka would be a nice touch, but of course we’re not going to do that.” Although if there was any left over, spiking a glass of punch would be a fun reward for the long day.
The doorbell rang. Wynn excused herself to answer it. She opened the door to find a beautiful blonde in her late thirties standing on the porch.
She was well-dressed in black trousers and a deep purple twinset. Diamond studs flashed at her ears. They were about the biggest diamonds Wynn had ever seen in real life, or so she thought until she caught a glimpse of the woman’s wedding set.
“You must be Alisha,” she said, hoping her tone was warm rather than resentful. Really? Did Garrick’s ex have to be gorgeous, well-dressed and perfectly made-up? Couldn’t she be just a little frumpy? “I’m Wynn. It’s nice to meet you.”
Alisha smiled warmly. “I’ve heard so much about you from Garrick. Thank you for all you’ve done for my daughter. I hope she hasn’t been too... difficult.”
“Pregnancy is hard,” Wynn said, stepping back to let the other woman inside. Carol joined them and introduced herself.
“The party is just getting started,” Carol said. “Why don’t I walk you back to the pool area?”
“Thank you.” Alisha looked around the living room. “This is very nice. I see Garrick has finally gotten to the place in his life where he wants more than just a sofa and a giant TV. Good for him.”
Wynn smiled rather than comment, then returned to the kitchen.
There wasn’t much for her to do, but it beat watching the reunion between mother and daughter.
Not that she cared that Joylyn would be happy to see her mom.
And it was nice of Alisha to make the drive.
And Wynn really didn’t care about her opinion about anything.
It was just Alisha was a lot more impressive than she’d imagined.
Garrick walked into the kitchen. “Everything is under control out on the patio. I came to see how I could help you with the food and stuff.”
“Alisha’s here.”
“I saw.” He looked at her. “Wait a second. Was that an observation, or was it one of those short sentences loaded with a ton of meaning and I’m about five seconds away from being in serious trouble?”
She drew in a breath. “You’re not in trouble. I just thought she would be different.”
“How?”
“Less amazing.”
He frowned. “How is she amazing? I’m not saying anything bad about her but she’s just, you know, a girl I dated in high school.”
Wynn appreciated the words and knew he was right, but somehow she’d never expected Alisha to surprise her.
“She’s very put together,” she said.
He looked confused. “What does that mean?”
“Her clothes.”
The confusion grew. “She has on pants and a top thing.”
Wynn held in a smile. “It’s a twinset and it’s lovely.”
“But you look better.”
Wynn glanced down at her cropped pants and the boat neck T-shirt she’d put on. A step up from her usual at-home uniform of jeans, but not by much.
“Did you see her diamond earrings?” she asked.
“No. Is she wearing earrings?” He shifted uncomfortably. “Wynn, I’m lost here. What’s going on?”
She was being ridiculous. Alisha was nothing to Garrick—she hadn’t been for decades. There was absolutely no reason to get riled up about her. So what if she was perfectly dressed and more than pretty?
“Sorry,” Wynn said, stepping close and putting her hands on his chest. “I had a moment of insecurity. It’ll pass.”
He drew her against him. “You are the last person who should ever be insecure. You’re perfect.”
She laughed. “I wish that were true, but I think we both know it’s not.”
“You’re wrong.”
He kissed her. She let herself get lost in the feel of his mouth against hers, then stepped back and smiled at him.
“I have pulled on my big girl panties and I’m fine,” she said. “Let’s head out to the patio. We can get the first couple of games going, then we’ll bring out the food. After lunch, another game, then we open presents. Then anyone who wants to leave can, and the rest can stay and visit.”
He touched her face. “See? Perfect, just like I said.”
Before Wynn could answer, Yolanda strolled into the kitchen. When she spotted them, she waved her half-empty glass.
“So I tried the punch and it’s, ah, kind of boring. I was hoping I could get a little something in my drink.”
Wynn had to fight to keep from rolling her eyes. “You mean like alcohol?”
Yolanda brightened. “That would be great.”
“No.”
Yolanda stared at her. “Excuse me?”
“No. This is a baby shower, not a nightclub. I’m confident you can go a couple of hours without alcohol in order to support your friend at her baby shower.”
Yolanda’s expression turned annoyed. “Whatever.” She spun on her heel and walked back the way she’d come.
“See,” Wynn said, linking arms with him. “It could be worse. She could be your daughter.”
“No, thanks. I’ll stick to the one I have.”
***
Joylyn sat in the shade on the patio, letting the conversation flow around her.
She was tired, but happy. The shower had been great.
She’d enjoyed the games and the laughter.
The lunch of high tea had been so special.
She still couldn’t believe her friends from base had driven all the way out to Happily Inc to spend time with her.
The day had been perfect. The only thing missing was Chandler.
They were down to eight days, she reminded herself. He had his flight information, and if all went well, he would be with her a week from tomorrow.
She touched her belly and whispered, “You’re going to see your daddy soon, little guy.”
Holly was studying the notes she’d made, listing who had given what present. After church tomorrow, Joylyn was going to write the thank-you notes and get them in the mail. Real thank-you notes, she thought with a smile. Not emailed ones. Wynn was going to be so proud.
“Here you go,” Holly said, handing over the pad of paper. “I double-checked and I got everything.”
“Thank you for helping.”
Her friend smiled at her. “What else would I do? You’re giving me a wonderful wedding. I’ll be grateful forever.”
“Not me,” Joylyn corrected. “The town.”
“I know, but you’re the one who made it happen. Rex and I are still in shock.”
“It’s in a week,” Joylyn told her.
Holly grinned. “We’re so excited. I can’t wait to see how everything turns out. Renee is extraordinary. I loved meeting her and seeing the space in person.”
Holly had driven out to Happily Inc early that morning to spend an hour with Renee, going over final details. Joylyn couldn’t wait for the wedding itself. Not only because Chandler would be home the next day, but because she wanted to see her friend married to the man of her dreams.
“We’re going to head back,” Cheryl said, coming to her feet. The other Marine wives nodded and stood as well.
Joylyn hugged them all and thanked them for coming so far. As she walked them to the door, they all promised to figure out a way to get together when Chandler was back.
She stood at the front door and waved until they were out of sight.
Her college friends had left right after the presents had been opened.
She’d overheard them complaining there wasn’t any liquor at the shower.
Joylyn had silently shaken her head at the complaint.
Hard to believe she was their same age—her life was so different from theirs.
Better, she thought as she returned to the patio, her gait more waddle than walk. She was so lucky. She had family and friends and a wonderful husband and a baby due in the next few weeks.