“Want me to beat him up for you?” Raoul offered.
Marsha smiled. “Aren’t you sweet? Let me think about it. At this point I’m more inclined to have a glass of wine and not deal with any of this until tomorrow.” She smiled at them. “You two have a good time.”
“We will,” Raoul said.
“A reality show,” Pia said as they found their table and sat down. “That’s kind of icky.”
“It should bring in revenue.”
“And weird people.” She leaned against him. “Like Marsha said, a worry for tomorrow.”
He wrapped his arms around her. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look?”
“About three times, but it never gets old.”
“You’re stunning.”
“Thank you. You’re pretty hunky yourself.”
AFTER DINNER, THE DANCING began. Pia excused herself to use the restroom. Along with her puffy tummy came the need to pee forty-seven times a day. Charity joined her along the way.
“How’s it going?” her friend asked.
“Good. I feel much better.”
“Nice to hear.”
Pia turned to her. “I wasn’t ready before, but I think I am now. Want to try the shopping thing again?”
Charity smiled. “I’d love to. I still have to make that all-important baby-wipe-heater decision. We can have an intense conversation about it over hot chocolate and cookies to gain our strength, then face the maternity clothes and baby store, ready to conquer.”
“It’s a date.”
They reached the restroom, only to find the usual line.
“I knew we needed more women’s restrooms when we remodeled,” Pia grumbled. “But did Ethan listen?”
“Complain to Liz,” Charity told her. “She’ll punish him.”
An older woman walked out of the restroom, then stopped by Pia. “How are you feeling, dear?”
“Fine.”
“I was so sorry to hear about your loss. I miscarried two before having my Betsy. She was a blessing. I know it’s sad but you have to trust that happier days are ahead.”
“Thank you,” Pia said.
The woman in front of them turned around. “I lost a baby, too. At four months. It was horrible, but you go on. It’s hard, but moving forward helps with the healing.”
A white-haired lady using a cane to walk stopped by Pia and patted her arm. “Just make sure you’re taking care of that stud of yours in the bedroom. If God hadn’t meant for us to have sex while we’re pregnant, he wouldn’t have made it so much fun. My George, God rest his soul, and I went at it until two weeks before I gave birth. All six times. As soon as the doctor gave us the all clear, we were at it again.” She winked. “One time a little sooner than we should have.”
Pia felt her mouth drop open. She consciously closed it, then swallowed.
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you for the information.”
“You’re a good girl, Pia. Have lots of sex. It helps.”
The woman teetered off, leaning heavily on her cane.
Beside Pia, Charity burst out laughing. “I can’t decide which is worse. Her calling Raoul a stud or the intimate details of her marriage.”
“I know which is worse,” Pia muttered. “I’m just trying not to think about it.”
After using the restroom, she returned to the table. Raoul stood.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, sounding worried.
“Nothing.”
“You look…” He frowned. “Shocked.”
“Old ladies are telling me how important it is to have regular sex with you.”
He grinned. “Did I ever tell you how much I love this town?”
THEY ARRIVED BACK at Raoul’s place a little after ten. The long day had caught up with Pia and she felt exhausted. Raoul guided her into the house, then put his arms around her and leaned his forehead against hers.
“I want us to share a bed tonight,” he said, then smiled. “I’m not going to try to have my way with you. I just want to know you’re okay.”
He’d never asked her that before, she thought, both tempted and frightened by the invitation. In theory, they would be married soon, and after that, they would share a bedroom like every other couple. It wasn’t that big a deal. There was no reason the idea should make her uneasy.
“Sure,” she said, ignoring the warning voice in her head. “That would be nice. You’re not a blanket hog, are you?”
“You can have all the blanket you want.”
A lovely invitation, but in truth she was interested in a whole lot more than a blanket. She wanted him. All of him. Not just a practical invitation to a marriage that made logical sense. She wanted his heart and soul. She wanted to be the most important part of his life and the best part of his day. She wanted him to love her.
Afraid he would sense what she was thinking, she stepped back. “I’m going to go get ready for bed.”