The Best Little Joeville. Anne Eames

It’s getting harder to find a comfortable position for sleep, but it doesn’t hurt.”

      Jenny stared at the traveling bump. “What is that, anyway?”

      “I think it’s a knee or foot...too small for the head or butt.”

      Jenny shivered and snuggled deeper under the comforter. “It reminds me of an alien movie...where some creature has invaded somebody’s body.”

      Savannah rolled on her side and continued stroking her belly. “You just wait till it’s your turn. You won’t feel like that at all. I love feeling her move, it’s—”

      “Her? Do you know for sure?”

      “We could...from the ultrasound...but we decided we wanted to be surprised. I just call it her. We wouldn’t care either way, but with Billy—”

      “Ahh, yes, Billy.” She faced her friend and propped her head on an elbow. “How’s he doing? And what does he think about the baby?”

      “He gave us a little scare last summer. When we told him he seemed okay with it...maybe a little quiet. But then the next day we couldn’t find him anywhere.”

      “He ran away?”

      “Not exactly. We found him curled up on top of Maddy’s grave. In all our excitement, we forgot it was the anniversary of his mother’s death. It may take a while, but I hope he knows the baby won’t change how we feel about him.” Savannah rolled onto her back again and locked her hands behind her head. “Still, it might be easier if we had a girl. Billy and Ryder have such a special bond. Sometimes I forget Ryder isn’t his real dad.”

      A sweet smile came over her face and Jenny looked away. She was happy her friend had found such a full life—a husband she adored, an adopted son, a baby on the way, a family and environment that provided her with love and warmth and a sense of belonging. Jenny closed her eyes and half listened to her friend’s litany of little family moments as the area around her heart constricted. She should be happy for Savannah...and she was...in part. But another part of her felt jealous and more alone than she had ever felt. Savannah had moved on with her life since leaving Detroit and the cozy little apartment they had once shared. Now she told all her secrets and hopes and fears to Ryder, as well she should....

      “—so we left him in the bottom of the well to drown,” Savannah said, and stopped talking.

      “Uh-huh.”

      “Jenny Moon...you haven’t been listening to a word I’ve said.”

      There was a loud knock on the door and they both turned toward it.

      “Room service. You two decent in there?”

      “It’s Shane,” Jenny whispered, fussing with her uncombed hair.

      “I know,” Savannah whispered back and started giggling. “You look fine.” She slapped at Jenny’s hands and called out, “Come on in.”

      Shane pushed the door open with his back, carrying a full tray in front of him. “Hannah said this one’s on her, but that you two better not get spoiled. Lots to do for Thursday’s feast.” He set the tray sideways between them and started to leave.

      “Want to join us?” Savannah asked. “Looks like there’s plenty.”

      “I think I’ll leave you two alone with your girl talk.” He smiled politely as he stepped backward and left the room, closing the door between them.

      Jenny sat cross-legged under the covers and studied the contents of the tray, not commenting on Shane’s surprise visit. “Umm...look at this! Belgian waffles and strawberries. Hannah is such a dear. I can’t wait to go down and see her.”

      Savannah attacked one of the waffles. “You can pretend you’re not interested all you want, Jenny, but I saw the way you looked at Shane when you were here last year. Don’t tell me you aren’t attracted to him.” She bobbed her eyebrows a couple of times before stabbing more waffle.

      Jenny pictured his stubbled chin and for a second she let herself imagine how it would feel against her cheek. Then she washed down her waffle with some black coffee and met Savannah’s questioning stare. “Look, I know you mean well, girlfriend, but don’t go getting any ideas about an instant replay of you and Ryder. Shane and I are two totally different people.” She pointed her empty fork at her friend and punctuated the air with it. “It isn’t gonna happen. I’m here to enjoy the holidays with my best friend and then I’m back to Michigan where I belong.” She held Savannah’s gaze a moment and could see the disappointment before she looked away.

      What she said was true, wasn’t it? Michigan had always been her home. But when was the last time she’d been truly happy there? Especially since her mother’s death and Savannah’s move to this...this paradise. She wanted to think of it as a godforsaken place, but it didn’t ring true. Every time she thought of Montana it was a magical portrait, unspoiled by man, still populated by magnificent beasts—Shane not the least of them. If only she had Savannah’s gentle and trusting heart....

      “Where did you go?” Savannah sipped her coffee and eyed her over the rim of the china cup.

      Jenny averted her gaze. “Just enjoying the moment... being here with you.”

      “I meant to ask you before, but how did you manage so much time off around the holidays? I would have thought you’d be swamped with parties.”

      “We are, but there’s loads of college kids looking for holiday jobs. Besides, I’ve been working extra hours and freezing like mad. And I haven’t taken a day’s vacation since I left here.” She sipped more coffee and added, “The boss wasn’t exactly thrilled, but I didn’t give him much choice.” He could have asked her to leave permanently—an idea that had crossed her mind, anyway—but he hadn’t.

      “I’m sorry I couldn’t get back for your mom’s funeral. The doctor thought it best I didn’t fly—”

      Jenny reached out and touched Savannah’s hand. “Not another word. I totally understand.”

      “You must really miss her.” Savannah squeezed Jenny’s fingers.

      Did she? A wave of guilt passed through her. Of course she did. Sometimes. But in truth, most of the time she felt relieved. “You know what a bitter woman Mom was.” Savannah nodded, still holding onto Jenny’s hand. “She spent her whole life being angry with my father for deserting us. I wish she could have found some happiness before—” She heard the catch in her voice and let the words die on her lips. Savannah knew the story. There was no need to explain. And it was for this reason she had come to Montana—a friend who knew her like no other, who cared. There was a soft tap on the door and Jenny turned toward it, swiping at the moisture that teetered on her lower lashes.

      “It’s Billy,” the timid voice said. “Can I come in?”

      “You sure can,” Jenny called out, glad for the distraction.

      Billy opened the door a crack and popped his head in, shyly assessing the situation.

      Jenny turned to Savannah. “Who’s that handsome young man with all the pearly white teeth?” She winked and Billy stepped inside, moving slowly toward the foot of the bed.

      Jenny opened her arms wide. “Come over here and give me a big ol’ bear hug.”

      His grin spread from ear to ear as he ran the rest of the way. “I’m so glad you came back, Jenny Moon.”

      She held him tight and rocked him side to side. “I’m so glad I came back, too, Billy Malone.” Then she set him away from her and studied him from head to toe. “You must have grown a foot since I was here.” She looked at his tousled blond hair that was so much like his mother’s, and she ached again for the loss this young boy must have felt eighteen months ago—a loss she knew he’d always feel. “And look at those teeth. Lucky you. No braces for those perfect choppers.”

      He laughed and sat