Free Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson Page B

living in England, and they haven’t seen each other in three years. Turns out, his brother is coming to Sydney for a business trip in September and Jeremy wants him to be the best man.”
    “His brother won’t come back in January for the wedding?”
    “Can’t. His pregnant wife is due about then.”
    “How about November? It should be warm by then.”
    Tess shook her head. “Jeremy’s parents have a three-week vacation booked. And October is close enough to September, so we might as well have it then.”
    “Well there you have it,” Stella said. “If I had a gavel, I could pronounce the case closed.”
    “But I’ve already found the loveliest dress with short, capped sleeves.”
    “You could always wear a sweater.”
    Frowning, Tess said, “Some friend you are. I want my lolly back.”
    Stella’s hand clamped over the candy. “No way. Besides, you’ll be radiant no matter what you wear or where you get married. And just think how much Jeremy will owe you for this one. You could probably ask for anything.”
    A slow smile crossed Tess’s face. “You’re right. I never thought about it that way. He told me the other day that he wants to wait awhile before we have a baby. Maybe I can use this as leverage to make it sooner.”
    Stella laughed. “It’s a good thing you’re a solicitor. If he does agree to that, you’ll know to get it in writing.”
    “True. Now, what about you? How are things going with the American?”
    If only Stella knew. “He’s a good guy. I just wish he’d stop thinking about why he can’t take Ryan and focus on how he can.”
    “What are you going to do if he doesn’t?”
    “What can I do? I’ll have to turn the matter over to the Department of Human Services.” Stella hated saying the words out loud. Speaking them seemed to make it more of a possibility. A possibility she wasn’t willing to consider yet—not when there was still a speck of hope. “I’ve been thinking about taking a few days off work. Do you think Gerald will mind?”
    “Of course not. He thinks you work too hard anyway.”
    “I want to spend some time with Ryan before I can’t anymore.”
    “I know. I need to talk to Gerald anyway, so I’ll let him know.” Tess offered her a look of sympathy and stood. “Eat the lolly. It’s the red kind that brings good luck.” She blew a kiss and left the room.
    Pulling the wrapper from the candy, Stella popped it into her mouth. She needed all the luck she could get.
    As Stella rode home on the train that evening, she sent a text to Devon, asking if it would be okay if she tagged along to the zoo the following day.
    His reply came seconds later.

    Tag away.

    Tag away? What did that mean? That he’d tolerate her presence? That he didn’t care either way? Stella shoved her phone into her purse. Why did she care what he thought, anyway? Ryan was the one she wanted to spend time with, right?
    Right.
    And Devon.
    Stella couldn’t think about Ryan without Devon’s name forcing its way though, like a child seeking attention. Unfortunately, Devon didn’t seem to have the same problem. What was Stella hoping for, anyway? That he’d be overjoyed to see her again? That he’d decide to stay in Australia permanently? She almost laughed at her absurd daydreams. Well, overjoyed or not, he’d have to put up with her “tagging” for a few more days.
    Her phone buzzed again.

    In the mood for some ice cream?

    A smile spread across Stella’s face as she typed her reply.

    Only if it’s New Zealand Natural.

    You’d know best. Where? When?

    Stella was waiting on a bench at a train stop when they appeared. Ryan grinned and ran to her while Devon followed at a leisurely pace.
    “How was work?” he asked.
    Who wanted to talk about work? “What are we, some old married couple?” Stella teased, hugging Ryan.
    Devon shrugged. “Fine, if that’s the way you want it. I guess we won’t tell you about our day either.”
    Pulling free, Ryan gushed, “We saw