Chapter 14
Bryanna set the cake on the kitchen bar. The women gathered around it, holding their breath. She always made such wonderful creations.
She pulled back the box to reveal her first masterpiece of the weekend. A two-layered cake appeared with lavender flowers, a gold moon sitting behind a teddy bear. Stars and pearls adorned the confection, representing both sexes.
“Oh, Bryanna. You’ve outdone yourself,” Kassie said as she removed the cardboard box and placed it in the laundry room.
“Wait until you see the scones,” Lizzy said as she carried a second box. We have cranberry for a girl and blueberry for a boy. I’m voting for one of each, then I can have both.”
“Oh, I already smell them,” Samantha said, entering the kitchen. “You did a great job on the decorations.”
“Thanks,” Kassie said. “Maddie directed us. She has all the games planned. The grans can’t wait to have another grandchild.”
“Why wouldn’t we? They’ve all turned out perfect,” Carol said as she set a bouquet of flowers on the table.
“Where do you want me to put the quilt?” Tess asked, walking slowly.
“Why don’t we keep it in the office and surprise her with it at the end?” Kassie suggested getting Catherine more water.
“I wish you’d let me help,” Catherine said, sitting on the couch.
“I did,” Kassie retorted. “I let you put the napkins and plates on the table.”
Catherine rolled her eyes.
“Don’t give me any attitude,” Kassie said, sounding like Victoria. “I have ways to punish you.”
The women laughed at her mimicking the missing gran.
“Did we miss anything?” Annabelle said, carrying the presents inside with Addyson.
“Only Kassie’s rendition of Victoria,” Catherine quipped.
“I brought the tea trays,” Carol said.
“Let me help you get them set up,” Edie volunteered.
“I’ll help,” Gabby added, taking the boxes from the bar to the table.
Kassie added strawberries, mint, and lemon to the mug and brought it to Catherine. “Drink it. We don’t need you dehydrated. How did the night nurse work out last night?”
“Grace loved her. She helped with baths, and I woke up this morning to all the laundry done and breakfast on the table,” Catherine said. “I’ll admit, she has helped make things easier. I don’t have to feel guilty about you and Mom coming every night.”
“Good,” Kassie said. “You have the means to keep her for as long as you need her. You’ll need your rest when this one decides to enter the world. Won’t you find out the sex? Then Aunt Kassie can plan a shower?”
Laughing, Catherine rubbed her tummy and smiled down at it. “I have four children. I hardly need a shower. We have everything we need except one thing,” she said softly.
Kassie handed her a tissue from the table.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound selfish. I don’t want to blubber through this shower,” she whispered.
“Hey. You can retire to my room anytime you need a moment to yourself,” Kassie assured her.
“We all miss him. You can be happy for Claire and still feel sad about Leo.” Kassie stood straight, put her hand on her hip, and spoke like Victoria.
“If anyone has anything to say about my bestie, they can chat with me and my little knives.”
Catherine giggled. “You sound more like her every day.”
“I wish she’d call me. I’m worried about Katie. She assured me they’d handle everything. It doesn’t make me stop worrying,” Kassie admitted. “Stay on the couch. I’m putting Claire in the chair in front of the fireplace.”
When everyone arrived, Kassie placed the call.
“Hi Claire, it’s Kassie. We have a situation at the hospital.
I prefer not to discuss it there. It’ll seem weird if both of us show up there on a Saturday.
Can you come to the house?” She waited as Claire said something. “Then, I’ll see you in half an hour.”
“Joe and Jake finished moving all the cars to the back of the barn,” Edie announced. “She’ll never know.”
“All right, everyone, she’ll be here in thirty minutes,” Kassie told the women.
“I’ll keep an eye out for her,” Tess said. “Do you like the tea sandwiches?”
“They’re perfect,” Kassie assured her. “Did you make the bread, too?”
“Yes. I found this great recipe online. It smelled like heaven baking.” Tess beamed.
“You need to go into business with Ty and Bryanna,” Kassie suggested. “Between the three of you, this town will never go hungry.”
“It sounds great. But I’m considering another route.
My food truck has brought in some money, and business keeps growing.
It’s hard to keep up with the demand when only a couple of people can fit into my truck.
When Taco returns, I’m speaking to him about purchasing the abandoned restaurant on the corner down from Ty’s and Bryanna’s.
“Tess, what a great idea. With all the families coming to visit and Ty’s waiting time for tables these days, it’ll be nice to have a new restaurant,” Catherine exclaimed.
“Even with what I’ve saved, I don’t think it’s enough to pay for the renovations. I toured the place with the realtor. It has…possibilities,” Tess said, biting her lip.
“What’s stopping you?” Kassie asked.
Shrugging, Tess smiled at her friends. “Sheer fear and getting a loan. They want a business plan. I only know how to operate the food truck. I know nothing about owning a restaurant. The realtor has another interested party. Maybe I’ll put it on the back burner until Taco gets settled and we save a bit more. ”
“Did you know this town has a building improvement grant?” Bryanna said, winking at Kassie. “When I didn’t have the funds after my bakery got trashed, the town gave me a grant to finish my remodeling.”
“Really?” Tess asked, her eyes lighting up. “How much? I don’t know how much it’ll cost. I’m worried they’ll sell it before I can put in an offer.”
“It depends on what you’re doing,” Bryanna said. “I only fixed up a small space. The community came together for us to merge the community center, the bakery, and Ty’s place. They’ll love having something new to try. Gabby can help you with the business plan.”
“Who do I contact?” Tess asked.
“We’ll have to ask Kassie,” Catherine said, sending Bryanna a secretive glance. “She’ll know who to talk to.”
“She’s here,” Tess said, peering out the window.
“All right, everyone, get into your places,” Maddie said, clapping her hands.
The women scattered around the table and waited excitedly.
Kassie opened the door as Claire stepped inside, and everyone yelled, “Surprise.”
Claire held her stomach, and her mouth dropped open in surprise.
“Oh, my. When did you have time to organize this?” Her eyes searched for someone, and her gaze landed on Catherine.
“We always find a reason for a party,” Catherine assured her. “A new life is something to celebrate.”
Claire went about the room hugging everyone. “You timed it perfectly. I’ve spent the last hour at home perusing the fridge. I’m starved,” she said, laughing.
“Congratulations,” Kassie said. “We can’t wait to meet him or her.”
“Neither can I,” Claire said, gushing.
Maddie put her arm about Claire’s waist and led her toward the table. “Let’s get you and all the expectant mothers fed first,” she said, gently. “Then we’ll open presents and play some games.”
Kassie helped Catherine from the couch to fix her plate.
Maddie ushered Avie toward the table. Gabby smiled as she picked up a cucumber sandwich.
“They always throw the best showers. Bryanna threw mine for me, and I barely knew these women. They’ve become my best friends, and I got a sister to boot. ”
Bryanna gave her a little squeeze. “We’ll always be your family.”
The women ate to their hearts’ content and told stories of their pregnancies. When they finished, Kassie beckoned Claire to cut a piece of cake. Annabelle took pictures while Addyson cleaned up the plates and took out the trash.
“Why don’t you open presents while we eat cake?” Kassie suggested.
“Ladies, you have outdone yourselves. Bryanna, the cake is beautiful. I wish Patch could see it,” she said, then paused. “I’m sorry, Catherine. How insensitive of me.”
Catherine shook her head. “It’s only natural you’d want him here. I take no offense. Please enjoy the shower and stop worrying about me.”
Claire smiled as she stood in front of Bryanna’s creation. “Thank you, everyone.”
Kassie sent Claire back to her seat of honor while they cut the cake. Samantha and Kassie passed them out while Maddie, Carol, and Edie offered punch or tea.
Carol stood behind Catherine and placed her hand on her shoulder. “To Claire and Patch, may this little blessing bring you joy and happiness.”
Claire blushed and glanced down at her stomach and wiped her eyes.
“Let’s get to the fun part and open presents,” Addyson said, passing Claire a gift.
“Victoria’s missing seeing Claire this happy,” Carol said, watching the glowing pregnant woman carefully undo the bow.
“Ha,” Kassie said. “I can hear her now. Darling, time is short,” she mimicked Victoria’s voice. “Rip that paper like you’re tearing your husband’s clothes off. He does have a nice set of abs. Of course, not like my Ivan’s. He’s a stud.”
The women burst into laughter and then suddenly stopped. Claire’s eyes grew huge as she stared at Kassie.
“Claire, dear, if you continue to hesitate, you’ll be giving birth in Chase’s favorite chair. Get going,” Kassie said, encouraging her.
Catherine smothered her giggle, and Maddie laughed out loud.
“It appears I arrived in the nick of time,” a voice came behind her. “Kassie’s determined to destroy my terrible reputation.”
“She has been behind me this entire time, hasn’t she?” Kassie asked, grinning.
“Yup. You’re in trouble now,” Catherine gloated as the room erupted in amusement.
Kassie hugged Victoria. “I’m glad to see you. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“I didn’t plan to arrive this early, but I’ve missed my Nick. I imagine he’s helping with the kids?” she asked.
“Yes, they have them playing at the pool and watching movies,” Kassie said. “Can I get you something to eat? Claire only started opening her presents.”