The grocery store checker slid the last of twelve bottles across the scanner and looked at Arryn. "You must love ice cream—and tabasco sauce."

"Ice cream yeah, but tabasco I hated before, so it's crazy I've been craving them together for weeks. Sometimes, I'll drive to Dairy Queen to get an ice cream at midnight and pour half a bottle of hot sauce on it."

The woman leaned over the counter to check out Arryn's belly and read the wording on her shirt. "That's cute, but you don't look pregnant."

"I'm not showing yet. I have morning and evening sickness, so that must be keeping me from gaining weight. But my pregnancy book says it should be over already."

"First baby?"

Arryn nodded.

"Don't fret. I've got friends who puked the entire time."

"Yeah, my doctor says it's not unusual."

It was weird discussing her condition with strangers, but other than Yennefer, she had no one else. For the last few days, keeping the secret pressed heavy. She was in her second trimester, and everything was going great, except for the odd cravings and puking day and night. It was time to tell everyone. Yennefer would be relieved. It'd been hard for her to keep the news from Darcy, and Arryn felt terrible for asking. But today was the day, and she knew where to start.

The late afternoon sun blinked through the trees as Arryn parked in the drive. She honked the horn, and Papi and Abuelito came to help her carry the food in. After putting the weekly fare in the freezer, she turned to face the two men.

Abuelito focused on her shirt. "What's that mean? What'd you bake at ninety-eight degrees?"

Papi turned his attention to Arryn, threw his arms around her, and spoke to Abuelito. "She's baking a baby, you old coot. You'll finally be someone's Ito, and I'll be an Abuelo! Right?"

Arryn pushed away from him and tried to read his face. "Yes, and I know I've disappointed you by not doing it the old fashioned way." She had more to say but burst into tears. "I'm sorry, Papi. Please don't be mad at me."

"Mad at you? For giving me my first grandbaby? No way." He pulled her back into his arms and kissed her cheek. "When's it due? Boy or girl?"

She laid her head on his shoulder. If this had happened two years ago, before the cancer, he'd have had plenty to say, but facing death changes a person and their outlook, opinions—and tolerance. But, if he knew the circumstances, even the threat of his mortality wouldn't keep him from being upset. That made her sad. "February 18th. I'm not telling anybody the sex. I want it to be a surprise."

"Good enough."

Arryn decided early on she'd keep the gender a secret. Somehow, she felt it made her connection to the baby stronger. Silly, she guessed, but it was something she wasn't ready to share.

Abuelo pounded the coffee table. "What about the dad? Huh? Mendigo desgraciado won't do right by you?"

She wiped her eyes. "He would, I think, but I haven't told him yet."

Abuelito relaxed his hand. "But you plan to."

"I'm not sure."

"Why not?"

Papi waved him off. "Leave her alone. She'll tell us everything when's she ready, won't you?"

"I'm just saying." He stiffened. "Any man worth his salt will do the right thing."

She nodded. "He's a good man and not married if that's what you're wondering. It isn't the time to hit him with this kind of news. He has a lot going on at work, and doesn't need the extra stress."

"This isn't the kind of secret you can keep for long," Papi said. "Better you tell him than have him notice."

Abuelito shook his head. "Young people today. I don't understand what on God's green Earth is happening. They vote for orange clown. Have babies without being married. The whole damn world is going to hell in a handbasket."

Arryn changed the subject. No need to get Abuelito more riled up than he was. She loved him, but he was never going to change his views about anything. "How about I make us sandwiches before I go?" She took bread from the pantry, then moved toward the fridge.

"Sounds good. Once you tell the father, will he marry you?"

Arryn saw worry lines form on her Papi's forehead. She hated adding problems to his life. He had enough to deal with, and what was one more lie? She was getting good at telling them. "Yes. That won't be a problem. But I don't want you to worry about that. Okay?"

"Are you going to keep living in that small apartment? You will need more room for a baby."

"We'll be okay there for a while." She pulled out roast pork, ham, cheese, and pickles then rummaged through the vegetable drawer for lettuce and tomatoes. "Some new apartments are going up in Grove Park. I'll check into them."

Papi passed her mayo. "Could always move in here. We could convert that little sitting area into a nursery. Abuelo and I don't use that space anyway."

Abuelito walked to the end of the counter. "One more reason you need to tell the father. He may not want to marry you, but he damn well needs to take care of his kid. Cabron's not a deadbeat, is he?"

Arryn looked up and licked mayo from her finger. "No, Abuelito. He's not a deadbeat. You'd like him."

"He got other kids?"

"No. Never been married."

"Leave her alone. She's not on trial."

Arryn placed a sandwich on each of three paper plates and passed one to each man. She'd planned to tell Rhys, but with the results of Yennefer's reading and the coin toss, Arryn backed out.

After finishing their lunch, she cleaned up the kitchen. She slipped her arm around her Papi after putting the last of the trash in the can. "I've got to go. I still have to tell Mom."

Papi pulled her into his arms. "I'm really happy about the baby, corazón."

"Yeah, I am, too," Abuelito said. "But, I expect you to bring that pendejo around to meet us."

"I don't know, Abuelito. You might scare him off."

"If an old man like me can scare him, there must not be much to him."

Arryn laughed, hugged them again, and told them goodbye, then headed to the worst place she could think of—Mom's. The closer she got, the more she dreaded it. She considered turning around for a fleeting moment, but sharing the news would never get easier, and as Papi pointed out, soon everyone would know just by looking at her. Sweaty palms. Tight chest. Dry mouth. All the same symptoms she got in high school when she had to give an oral report. She needed to get in control. She wasn't being graded...or was she? Sure she was. Mom judged her all the time. She pushed the notion away. It didn't matter what Leslie said. Arryn was having a baby, and there wasn't a thing Mom could do. That's right. Not a damn thing. Arryn squared her shoulders and wheeled into the drive.

The tee-shirt reveal wasn't a good idea for Mom, best to be straightforward with her, so Arryn put on her sweater and pulled it tight. She knocked, and her mother opened the door. "Hi, Arryn. Come in."

Arryn slipped her arm around Mom's shoulders and pulled her into a loose hug. She patted her daughter's back, then broke contact.

"You want something to drink? I have a fresh pitcher of tea," Mom said.

"That'd be great." Arryn walked to the dining table and ran her hand across the petals of a bouquet sitting in the center. "Are these from your garden?"

"Yes. Aren't they beautiful? We've had enough rain and warm weather, everything I've planted has flourished."

"Zinnias. My favorites."

Mom brought two glasses to the table and handed one to Arryn. "I know. Every year you pestered me until it was time to plant them. You were such an obstinate child, always wanting your way and Luis letting you have it. It's a wonder you didn't turn out spoiled rotten."

Arryn's heart picked up speed, and she rotated the tumbler between her palms. Almost a compliment. "I have something I need to tell you."

"That sounds serious. Do I need to sit for the news?"

Arryn scooted a chair from the table, and Mom followed suit. They both sat.

"Oh, God. Now you're scaring me." Mom's face went pale. "Is it your father? The cancer's not back, is it?"

"No. I just saw him. He's doing okay. It's about me."

Mom relaxed and leaned back, then eyed her. "You can't be sick. You look great. Glowing even. Have you and Gianna made up?"

Tears burned behind her eyes, but Arryn willed them away and braced for a lecture. "I'm pregnant. Due in February."

"You're pregnant? Did you and Gianna finally try that clinic I referred you too? That's wonderful!" She jumped from the seat and threw her arms around Arryn's shoulders. "I'm thrilled. Thank goodness you've come to your senses and see what a mistake you made by not fighting for her. I hope you both realize New York is not a place to raise a baby. She can work there and stay here where you belong, and you can get married and still see each other all the time. There is so much to do." She paced. "I've got to buy a crib. I can turn your old room into a nursery."

"Mom." Arryn tried to get her attention, but it'd been years since she'd seen her mother so happy. The last time she could recall was the Christmas Papi had given her a mink jacket. She'd loved it so much she'd slept in it, despite the fact Georgia was hot and humid year-round. "Mom. I'm not having a baby with Gianna."

"Perhaps a soft green for the wall color, or a pale yellow—what? What did you say?" She froze in place, then stumbled to the chair and sat again. "Well, of course, I know that, unless the girl grew a cock since I last saw her. I just hope you chose a good-looking donor." She fluffed out Arryn's hair behind her shoulder. "Perhaps more like Gia. Her bone structure is heavenly."

"No, Mom. Gianna and I aren't back together. I didn't go to the clinic. I got pregnant in the traditional way."

Mom knit her brows together. "Then, who? You can't already have replaced Gianna."

"Someone you don't know. But he's a good guy. Wonderful."

Mom folded her arms. "When am I going to meet this wonderful man? And when is the wedding?"

"I don't plan to marry him."

She placed a hand on her chest as if insulted. "Oh, my God. He's married, isn't he? Arryn, how could you do this?"

"He isn't married."

She cast a critical eye in her direction. "Then what's wrong with him?"

"Nothing."

"Something has to be, or you'd want to marry him. What's going on? Is this your way of getting even with Gianna? Have a child with some random guy."

"Forget her. She's out of my life. I wouldn't take her back if she begged. We didn't love each other. I mean, I loved her. I did. But you know what, Mom? She hurt me. She possibly cheated on me. From the beginning, she didn't want to marry me or have kids but led me on. I was convenient for her. Well, not anymore. If I want to do this on my own, I will."

"Well, no need to be so snippy." Mom smoothed a stray curl behind her ear. "I want what's best for you—and the baby."

"One question, Mom. Are you still—thrilled?"

She blinked, then focused on Arryn, and lowered her voice. "Of course, I am. That's my grandchild. My only grandchild."

Arryn's throat tightened. "I shouldn't have snapped at you. I'm just tired of you bringing up Gianna. She's history."

"Noted. I won't mention her again."

Arryn must have been in shock. She didn't remember leaving her mother's house. Didn't recall getting in the car and driving away. The only thing she recollected was for the first time in ages, she stood up to her mother. So far, it'd been a good day.

Two down, one to go, but she couldn't face Darcy. Not yet. Whoever said that confession was good for the soul, had never hidden a pregnancy from the world. Oh well, nothing hot sauce and sweets couldn't fix.

Early the next day, Arryn opened her eyes and let the sunshine peeping through the windows settle on her. Reaching for the half-eaten 3 Musketeer from the nightstand, she unwrapped the foil, pinched off a piece and popped into her mouth and held it there until all the chocolate melted away. Everyone said Saltines were the food to eat first thing to prevent morning sickness, but for her, candy worked.

Any other day, she'd bound out of bed and make a list of all she had to do, but not today—only a single item on her list. Tell Darcy. Facing her caused Arryn's stomach to hurt. She reached for the candy again, stuffing the remainder inside her mouth, rolling back and forth across her tongue, spreading creamy goodness everywhere. Because of the constant throwing up, Arryn had gained little weight, so it'd been easy to disguise her condition.

By the time she headed to Atlanta Grill, the sky was overcast and threatening rain. From a half block away, she saw Darcy and Yennefer enter the restaurant together. Slipping her purse over her shoulder, she pulled her jacket tight, braved the wind, and made her way into the building.

Yennefer waved from a corner booth. Arryn went to join them and slid onto the bench, so she'd be facing Darcy. Both women were already looking at menus. Darcy glanced up at her. "Royal blue is your best color. You look nice."

"Thank you. Have y'all decided?"

"I want Migas, with a side of country potatoes," Yennefer said. "And a Bloody Mary."

"Uhhhh. Scrambled eggs and green chili cheese grits, with Irish Coffee, thanks," Darcy said.

Arryn read over the menu. "Hmm, I want the Biscuit Egg-in-a-hole, and Arroz con Dulce, and Orange Juice."

"What? No Peach Bellini?" Darcy stuck the menu behind the napkin holder. "You love those."

"Yeah, my stomach has been a little queasy, so I'm sticking with juice today."

As if on cue, the waitress appeared, and Arryn was thankful Darcy didn't have time to ask more questions concerning the beverage choice.

"You girls decided?"

They recited their selections, the waitress left, and Darcy picked the conversation back up. "Hey, I'm invited to a wedding, and Shaw doesn't want to go. I need a plus one. Either of you up for it?"

"I'm all for free food and booze, so I'll go," Yennefer said. "When is it?"

"Third Saturday in October."

Yennefer scrolled her phone. "Oh, I can't go. Rio has a tattoo convention, and I've already committed to going with him."

"You're making plans, so you must like him," Darcy said.

"We have fun. Did you know he's actually an accountant."

Arryn giggled. "So the whole bad boy thing is just for show? He's really a nerd?"

"Oh, he's bad all right, but he's smart, too."

Darcy turned to Arryn. "What about you? You free that weekend?"

"I am. But will any of your coworkers be there? I wouldn't want to run into Rhys."

"No. This is my mom's best friend's daughter; she used to babysit Max and me as kids. Not connected to work."

"Okay, I'm in. Speaking of Rhys, I have something I need to tell you."

Yennefer leaned forward, put her elbow on the table, and rested her chin in hand.

The waitress returned with their drinks. "Your food will be out in a minute."

Alone again, Arryn started over. "Remember how lucky we were when I got my period? How we all breathed a sigh of relief?"

"Not me. I wanted you to be preggers because I want a godchild. Can't wait for a tiny tyke to call me Auntie Yen-Yen." She looked at Darcy. "A girl would be nice. A little Puerto Rican Yennefer that I can corrupt and take shopping."

Arryn smiled her appreciation for the endorsement.

Darcy sipped her coffee, then held the mug in front of her. "Maybe you were, but not me. You have no idea how hard it was to go to work every day and see Rhys, knowing you might be pregnant with his baby." She released a sigh. "God. Relief doesn't describe my reaction to the news."

Arryn tried to swallow, but her mouth had gone dry. She took a drink of OJ as the waitress set the food before them. At this rate, Arryn would never get to come clean.

"This smells wonderful," Darcy said. "I love eating food I don't cook. Now, what were you saying? Oh, the wedding. You'll go. Good. It's in the afternoon which is great. I hate evening ceremonies. You can't do anything all day for waiting around."

Arryn took a bite. She loved how they formed a shell out of dough and cooked the egg in it. How fitting. An egg resting in a nest and a baby nesting in her belly. She put her fork down, called on her alter ego for help, and she was happy to oblige. She went into her fast-talking-hand-gesturing Elia mode. "My period wasn't normal. I'm having a baby in February, I'm so sorry, but the way I look at it, this was kismet. It should have been Devon, but fate chose Rhys. There was only a twenty-five percent chance he'd pick a bad condom, but he did, then a slim possibility of me getting pregnant, but it happened. This is a terrible turn of events, but I feel it in my heart that it was in the stars. Please don't hate me."

Darcy's left eye twitched. She pulled her lips tight against her teeth and sat there as if fighting to keep her composure.

"Darce. Say something." Arryn worked the button on her blouse.

"Now that's over, do y'all want to order some vanilla French toast?" Yennefer asked. "And I want another Bloody Mary. How about you, Darce? Need another coffee, double on the Irish this time?"

Darcy glared at Yennefer. "You don't seem surprised. Did you already know?"

"Yes."

"So both my best friends have been keeping a secret from me. Great. Just great."

"Sorry, but Arryn was afraid to tell you."

Darcy opened her mouth, then closed it, and stared into space. Finally, she spoke. "I don't know what bothers me more, you being pregnant, or y'all keeping it from me. I mean. It's done. It's not like you can apologize and make everything right. I brought all of this on myself. I should have never agreed to your stupid plan."

"It'll be okay. He'll never know anything. Not my connection to you. The baby. Nothing. I didn't even give him my real name. No way can he find out."

Darcy crossed her arms. "Let me guess. There's only a twenty-five percent chance he will, and we all know how that works out."

Darcy is That Bitch.

At least Papi and Abuelito are happy about this.

ALSO, WHO BETS HE GONNA FIND OUT LIKE COME ON WAY TO JINX YOURSELF.

TEASER:  "Sonovabitch! That's her!"

dundundunnnnn