"Right this way." I followed the hostess into the main dining area, fully equipped with tables, chairs, and, thank goodness, lights. They make restaurants so dark and dim these days, it's really quite annoying. During Mom's early days at the Independence Inn, we would go out to eat if she had some spare money. She would always go on and on about the light of the establishments. From an eight-year old's perspective, she was quite funny. 

Luckily, I brought a sweater with me today. The hostess motioned for me to sit at a table.

"Thank you" I pushed out my chair to sit it. The waiter left the two menus and left to what I think was the kitchen. I tried to imagine what the doors led to.

"Hey Rory". I looked up from my thoughts and saw Lane smiling above me.

"Hi, Lane. Thanks for coming." She sat down on her chair, and she asked what I was ordering. I responded saying that I didn't know. After that, we ordered and made small talk. As the entree arrived, Lane decided to ask why I asked her to dinner.

"So... Rory, what's the reason for this dinner? Is it the book? How's that coming along?" Oh, great. No avoiding the subject of my pregnancy now.

"Well, the book is coming along nicely. As I told you before, I outlined the first five chapters, and now I'm working on chapters five through ten." Maybe Lane would forget about the original question? I was getting cold feet about telling her.

"Wow, Rory. I feel like you were born to write this book!" Lane complimented.

"I feel like everything is falling into place. At least, book-wise...". I knew I was dreading it, but I had to bring up the subject. After a moment, it was time.

"So... Lane" I started.

"Yeah?" Wow, was this conversation really going to be similar to the one I had with mom? Hopefully Lane would have the same thrilled reaction.

"I'm... pregnant"

"Wha.. What?"

"I'm pregnant" Lane slightly opened her mouth, and I held my breath.

"Wow, Rory! Congrats!" I let out a sigh of relief. She was being supportive!

"Thanks, Lane." She smiled.

"Wait... Are you getting married? Ohmygosh, so many life-changing things happening all at once!" If only... If only I was getting married, then it would be much easier... If.

~

That night, I couldn't fall asleep. I kept hearing Lane's question in my head. "Are you getting married?" How could I get married, and Logan doesn't even know! If only he could be happy. . . If only... we could be together again. Wouldn't it be something if we got married? After about 10 years... It could happen, right?