Free Promised by Michelle Turner Page B

themselves. But paired with my get-up, not so much.

    “You do realize I look like a stripper’s closet threw up on me, right?” I ask, leaning back in the seat and pulling out the make-up bag to touch up my face.

    “You look like a real gypsy girl now.” Dani beams from the driver’s seat.

    “Where did you get these clothes, anyways?”

    “My closet, pre-pregnancy of course.”

    “When have you ever worn an outfit this absurd?”

    “Halloween, a year ago. I went as a sexy cowgirl. Remember? There was a matching pink, furry hat.”

    “And I went as Katniss from Hunger Games .” I say, remembering.

    “And no one knew who you were. You spent the whole night explaining your costume.”

    I look out the window to watch as we pull into my neighborhood. “It’s not my fault my family doesn’t appreciate the same books as me.”

    She pulls the car into my driveway and puts it into park. Turning around in her seat to face me, she asks. “Are you ready for this?”

    “Am I ready for everyone to see me in your old hooker clothes?” I ask, cocking one eye brow at her.

    “Halloween. Not hooker. Get it straight. But that’s not what I meant anyways. You know this is the first family event since you and Shay became “officially” a couple. Everyone’s going to be watching you and asking questions about the wedding plans.” She explains with a look of sympathy in her eyes.

    I hadn’t even thought about any of that. Though, if I hadn’t been so wrapped up in Linc, I would’ve realized I’d be facing the firing squad today. The only thing my family loves more than a party, is planning the party. And at the moment, I don’t know anything about mine. “I haven’t even started anything.” I sigh, tossing a tube of lip gloss back in the make-up bag and zipping it up.

    “Nothing?”

    “Haven’t even looked at dresses online.”

    “Well, at least you have your ring to show off. That might be enough to settle the masses.” She glances down at my empty hand and her eyes grow in shock. “Wyn! Where’s your ring?”

    Climbing back into the front passenger seat, I grab my purse from the floor board and pull out the ring, slipping it back on my finger. “Tada!”

    “You have to be careful or your family is going to find out about the sneaking around. And that will cause all kinds of trouble for Linc, you, and me.” Dani warns as she unconsciously rubs her pregnant belly, worry etched on her face.

    I reach out and touch her hand. “Dani, I won’t let you get tangled in my mess.”

    “I know you won’t intend on it happening, but accidents happen.”

    “I…”

    “No, don’t make a statement you can’t follow through with. You’re not going to stop seeing Linc over me being a worry wart and I’m not going to ask you too.” She says, interrupting me.

    “You’re the best of the best friends.” I say, pulling her across the center divider and into a hug.

    “I do believe I’ve heard that somewhere before.” She laughs as she hugs me back.

    “Well, I probably haven’t told you enough.”

    “You can continue.”

    “You’re the best of the best friends, the hottest red head, the skinniest pregnant girl, and the most loyal person.” I release her from the hug and ask. “Is that enough or should I add more?”

    Grinning, she says. “That’ll do for now, but I’ll come find you later if I need a compliment refill.”

    “Anytime.”

    She turns to look out the window at the packed house and asks. “Ready?”

    “Nope, but I don’t have a choice.” I grumble as I get out of the car.

    She waits for me to reach her side so she can put her arm through mine and guide me into the house. Silently giving me the support she knows I need.

    We don’t even make it two feet in the door before Shay pulls me aside.

    “What do you want?” I demand, putting my hands on my hips.

    “We need to get on the same page.” He tells me, rubbing his hand across his forehead in