“They do that,” Sis told her. “We were on our way to the carnival booths. Junior wants Daddy to win the big gator.”
“Congratulations,” Billy managed when the women moved ahead of them.
“Thanks,” Walt said.
Little Bo Peep and a man dressed as a deck of cards followed them with their eyes as they walked by.
“Dakota always did have a way of twisting heads.”
“Did you go to school with her?”
Billy lifted his son up onto his shoulders. “Yes and no. She and Sis have always been friends. I only knew her through my wife. Sis tells me you were on the girl’s shit list when Dakota first got here.”
“The list only got longer once her parents realized we were having a baby.”
“Can’t blame them there.” Billy pulled the patch up from his eye and nodded to a passing couple. “So when are you two getting married?”
Walt knew those questions were only just beginning. “We haven’t discussed it.”
“Are you guys moving here?”
“Couldn’t tell ya.”
Billy laughed. “Man, Sis is gonna be ticked.”
Walt sidestepped a running Little Red Riding Hood. “Why’s that?”
“Because she’s going to quiz me on this conversation and I have nothin’ to tell her.”
Walt grinned.
Dakota had burned through the cotton candy before they managed one round of dart tossing.
Sis had skills with the ping-pong balls in floating cups, where Walt showed off his free throw with a basketball. The giant gator didn’t happen, but Junior dragged around a smaller one with a toothy smile. As dusk turned into night, many of the kids started making their way home with grandparents or friends. Having stuck together most of the night, Dakota and Walt drove Billy and Sis to the adult party, which was under way across town.
There was already a busy crowd with loud music spilling from the bar.
“We haven’t had an adult night out in forever,” Sis said as they all climbed out of the car.
Billy snorted. “Says the woman who will be calling her mama within an hour to make sure Junior isn’t crying.”
Sis hugged her husband. “You’re just as bad.”
Walt stepped back to hold Dakota’s hand as they walked inside together. “Guess we have that to look forward to.”
“Diapers, sleepless nights. Yeah, I’ve been getting all kinds of details.”
“The easy stuff. I’m thinking of ear infections and stitched-up foreheads.”
Dakota cringed. “My details are better than yours. Let’s live in my head for a while.” Ahead of them, Sis and Billy jogged up the steps of the massive wraparound porch where the party had oozed out.
“So they really named their child Billy Junior?”
“Yep. Happens a lot around here.”
“Do they realize he’s going to be called BJ at some point?”
Dakota laughed. “See why Junior is off-limits? No undesirable nicknames. Ever.”
“Glad we’re on the same page.”
The costumes were brilliant. Dakota congratulated herself. She forced an awkward yes, I’m pregnant and single moment into a let it go moment with a simple shirt. Carol Ann and Kevin showed up, excusing their absence at the carnival because Tanner was sick.
Seemed everyone wanted to talk about the trials of parenthood. Or maybe Dakota was hyperaware of the information.
“Are you guys going to be here through the holidays?” Carol Ann asked.
Dakota met Walt’s gaze. “I don’t think so.”
Walt winked. They hadn’t discussed where they should settle, or what the next step was. Now that she was in her second trimester and her body seemed to be adjusting better, it was time to plan the next six months.
Carol Ann offered a pout. “I was hoping you’d move home.”
Dakota looked around the room. “There are more places out there, Carol Ann. You know I’m not one for small-town politics and gossip. Do you know how many people have come up to me asking if I was Elaine’s pregnant daughter?”
“I’ll bet Mom loves that.”
“It’s eating her up. I’d make her suck it up if I needed her to.” Dakota patted Walt’s hand that rested on her thigh. “I think I’m going to be OK.” The way Walt was looking at her assured her she would be.
Her bladder had been knocking for the past quarter hour, and she stood to find the ladies’ room. “I’ll find the bathroom,” she told Walt. “Can you order me a club soda, skip the vodka.”
“Sounds good.”
“Want me to come with you?” Carol Ann asked.
“Nawh, why don’t you interrogate Walt. He hasn’t had nearly enough of that tonight.”
Walt rolled his eyes. “Way to throw me under the bus, hon.”
She leaned over, kissed him. “It’s OK, Baby Daddy. You can handle it.”
He slapped her ass as she walked away. “Careful,” she said over her shoulder. “I might like that.”
“Dakota!” Carol Ann scolded with a laugh.
The line into the bathroom was ten minutes long and filled with a couple of familiar faces. After repeating the mantra of the night, yes, I am, and no, I’m not married, Dakota wiggled through the throng of women.
On her way out of the restroom, she found herself blocked by a familiar face. “Tommy.”