Both of the women were going to look lovely that evening. Lily would be wearing a lilac sheath that made her look sexy, highlighting her purple eyes. Beth would be wearing a white and gold gown that emphasized the golden tan she had worked on the entire summer while lying out with her by Aunt Shay’s pool.
Winter and Beth had spent the summer packing up years of Aunt Shay’s possessions. They had moved into the house Viper had built them within a week, but it had taken the entire summer to pack and give away what she didn’t want.
Viper buttoned his jacket. “We need to leave. The dinner is getting ready to start.”
“I’m ready.” She picked up her small purse, following Viper to the top of the steps.
He lifted her into his arms, carrying her down the steps then setting her on her feet at the bottom.
Aunt Shay turned the television down. “You both look so elegant.”
Winter kissed her aunt on the cheek. “Are you sure you don’t want to go with us?”
“No, dear. You two go have some fun. Ton and I are going to finish this movie. Then, after he leaves, I’ll go to bed. You can tell me about Drake’s party in the morning. Don’t forget to take the bottle of wine Ton and I picked out to congratulate him.”
“I’m sure he will appreciate it.”
Was Viper’s father sitting a little too close to her aunt?
Winter gave him a warning glance when she noticed he was wearing cologne.
Viper took her hand then went to the counter to pick up the wine. “Make sure she locks the door when you leave, and set the alarm.”
Ton bristled, shooting his son a glare. “I was the one who taught you how to take care of a woman, so I don’t need to be reminded to make sure Shay is safe before I leave.”
Winter scrutinized how close Ton was sitting next to her aunt again, seeing his arm resting on the back of the couch behind her.
“I didn’t think you did. I was going to remind you of the code for the alarm. It’s loud enough to wake the dead if you key it in wrong,” Viper cautioned.
“Oh… You two have a nice time.” Ton leaned toward the television.
They went out the back door.
“I hope he doesn’t remember everything he taught me about women,” Viper joked as they walked slowly down the path.
Winter didn’t think it was funny. “I’m not letting Sex Piston do Aunt Shay’s hair or take us shopping ever again.”
“It’s too late for that. She hit a homerun when she got Aunt Shay to loosen up and stop dressing like she’s from the fifties. I can’t complain. She helped you pick out that dress, didn’t she?”
“Yes, and Lily’s and Beth’s. That woman has a knack for knowing what will look good on a chick.”
Viper opened her car door, and Winter carefully lowered herself into the seat, holding his arm as she slowly turned to face forward.
“Okay?”
“Yes.”
She was at the end of her seventh month of pregnancy, and so far, it was going fine. Her pregnancy was showing, but it was barely noticeable. When she had gone shopping in Lexington, strangers hadn’t realized she was pregnant until they’d seen her from the side.
Dr. Price told her last week to stop exercising when she had said the pain was starting. Aunt Shay’s pool had become her only way to keep herself in excellent condition. She missed her workouts with Viper. Since they had increased the orders at the factory, they hadn’t been able to see each other during the day.
She had taken the new school year off at Dr. Price’s suggestion, and boredom was driving her nuts. She had finished Aunt Shay’s puzzle book and been forced to buy more to keep herself busy.
Viper settled himself behind the steering wheel. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look?”
“You’re not going to distract me. You need to have a talk with Ton.”
“Hell no. He stopped drinking. He even let Beth clean his house so Aunt Shay would come over and see his garden. Aunt Shay has never looked better. They’re good for each other.”
“He’s nothing like Uncle Dennis.”
“That’s for sure,” Viper scoffed. “I don’t see Ton waiting a fucking year to share her bed.”
Winter stiffened, shooting him an angry glance. “That’s my aunt we’re talking about.”
“She’s still a woman. Even Dr. Matthews said her depression is gone. I think it’s time we told her.” Viper pulled the car into the parking lot of King’s restaurant.