The table went silent as everyone turned to look at her. Or, more precisely, her hand.
She felt herself flush. “I, ah...”
Taryn poked at the ring. “It feels real to me.”
Destiny cleared her throat. “Kipling and I got married a couple of days ago. I know it’s quick, but there are reasons. One reason. I’m pregnant.”
Everyone stared at her. Eyes widened, a couple of mouths dropped open.
“That was fast,” Taryn said, then winced. “Sorry. I meant that to sound less judgmental.”
“Good for you,” Cassidy said. “Kipling’s a great guy. When did this happen? And where?”
“Yes, we need details,” Larissa added.
“Congratulations.” Madeline gave her a hug. “He’s dreamy, and you two are so cute together. And a baby! That’s wonderful. Does Starr know? Is she thrilled?”
“She says she is,” Destiny told them. “She keeps going on and on about being part of a real family. Plus, she’s super excited about having a baby niece or nephew.”
“I get that,” Larissa said. “If it were just me in my family, I would have run away. My parents are fantastic, but intense.” She smiled at Destiny. “You’re lucky to have found each other so quickly. I was in love with Jack for ages and never figured it out. My mother had to tell me. Talk about humiliating.”
“Jeff and I knew from day one,” Cassidy said with a wink. “He said hi and I said hi, then we were staring into each other’s eyes. By the end of the first week, I’d moved in with him, and when we hit the six-month mark, we were married.” She sighed. “I do love a good love story.”
Taryn sniffed. “Me, too. Damn hormones are turning me into a girl.”
Madeline leaned toward her. “Taryn, honey, you are a girl. You knew that, didn’t you? Because if you didn’t, someone needs to have a little talk with Angel.”
“Very funny.”
Jo arrived with their lunches. “Congratulations,” she said. “I heard the happy news. That man moves fast. Opens a bar in town after only being here a couple of months and takes half my business. A few weeks later, he’s married with a kid on the way. Talk about being born under a lucky star.” The other woman shook her head. “Sorry. That came out wrong. I really am happy for you. Lunch is on me.”
Destiny looked at her. “Thanks.”
Jo left. Madeline touched Destiny’s arm. “Don’t worry about Jo. She’s fine.”
Destiny nodded, thinking Jo seemed more upset about The Man Cave than enthused about the wedding. Taryn tasted the healthy salad and declared it edible. Cassidy pressed for details about the wedding, and conversation moved on to other topics. Destiny relaxed as she realized she’d had no reason to worry at all. Friends didn’t judge. They were accepting and supportive.
She might be pregnant and dealing with a lot of changes, but she wasn’t alone. She had Kipling, Starr and these women to help her. After all the years of mostly being on her own, she had to admit it felt good to be connected.
* * *
SATURDAY KIPLING PULLED into the driveway of Destiny’s rental. They’d agreed he would move in with her until they closed on the house they’d bought. His place wasn’t any bigger, and Starr was already settled here. It didn’t make sense to move her twice.
The process of comingling their belongings would take a few days. He was bringing over a few things today and would officially move in with his furniture next weekend.
He carried boxes into the house. “Starr, it’s me,” he called.
The teen didn’t respond.
He’d phoned her earlier to let her know he would be dropping by. Destiny was out running errands, but Starr had said she would be home all afternoon. He walked down the hall and found her bedroom door open and the room empty. Maybe she’d gone out and left him a note, he thought, retracing his steps then heading to the kitchen.
He glanced at the kitchen table and didn’t see anything. Before he could figure out what to do next, movement caught his attention. He looked out the big window over the sink and saw Starr and a boy sitting on the bench seat on the patio.
The kid was familiar, Kipling thought. Gideon’s son. Carter.
The two teens were talking intently. They looked cute, he thought indulgently as he walked toward the back door to let them know he was here. His hand settled on the doorknob. Carter and Starr leaned toward each other. He opened the door as they kissed.
Kissed?
Kipling was outside in a heartbeat. “What the hell are you two doing?” he demanded.
The teens jumped apart. Carter sprang to his feet and stood between Kipling and Starr. A protective posture that would have been admirable if Kipling weren’t so pissed off. They were fifteen. That was too young for kissing, wasn’t it? Sure, kids these days did stuff, but not on his watch.
“Starr, does your sister know Carter is here?”
“Don’t yell at her,” Carter told him.
“I’m not yelling,” Kipling growled.
Starr looked around Carter. “You kind of are.” She looked more intrigued than scared. “It was just a kiss.”
“You’re fifteen.”
“We know that,” Carter said. “We’re allowed to kiss.”
“No, you’re not.” He moved toward the boy. “What you’re allowed to do is get the hell out of this house.”