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surgeon, and that’s exactly how it’s going to be with Billy and me. In few short years, we’ll be ruling the coast.
     
    July 5, 19--
    Our little cottage is right off the main drag between Fairview and Springdale, and it’s in the perfect location for all the events and activities in town. Last night we sat out on the porch steps and watched the city fireworks display. I’ve been so tired lately, I haven’t felt like hitting any parties. The doctor said it’s because of the pregnancy. I just wish Lexy were here. With her gone, I don’t have anyone to talk to about how I’m feeling. Billy can’t be bothered with all this women’s business, and Mom still doesn’t know.
    Mom and I have always been close. She’s a Fairview native, which is why my parents came back here when Daddy finished medical school. It’s close to the beach and such a great place to raise a family with all the small-town charm and good schools.
    I plan on our family being the same way, only when we make it, we’re moving to Hammond Island where all the rich people live. My parents didn’t want to move once Daddy made it big. Something about the drive being too far from the hospital and them already knowing all their neighbors here.
    I think that’s ridiculous. Everyone knows the real sign of how rich you are is where you live, and Billy’s already picked out our spot on Lost Bay. The children will all go to Sacred Heart, and I’ll volunteer at only the most exclusive local charities.
    Of course, I’ll join the Fort Bowyer DAR, the hospital auxiliary, and the Krewe de Candy Stripers with Mom. That’s her Mardi Gras krewe. I might even join the Junior League, but they’ll work you to death if you let them. Mom was in the Junior League ten years, and she finally jumped off that crazy train. I prefer the Mardi Gras krewe and the DAR anyway. They’re more about parties and historical events and less about running around town like a chicken with its head cut off.
    Lexy thinks all that stuff is silly. I miss her so much now that she’s in Savannah. She might roll her eyes at my plans for future community involvement, but when I need someone to talk to, she’s always a good listener. It’s true Mom and I are close, but she doesn’t always hear me when I’m talking to her. And Billy gets tired of my little problems. He’s completely focused on the big picture.
    I can call Lexy on a moment’s notice about anything, and she’ll stop and listen or giggle. Once I called her for two seconds to tell her I found a huge palmetto bug in my tub, and I didn’t think I was ever going to be able to bathe in it again. We just collapsed into giggles.
    It’s hard to find friends like that. I had hoped we’d be having our babies together, but that’s not Lexy’s way. She’s got to conquer the art world before she’ll consider settling down with any man. I sure wish she’d hurry up and get it done. Then she can come home, and we can pick up right where we left off.
     
    Sept. 5, 19--
    I’ve been so busy setting up our house, I haven’t had time to write. But the night has come to tell my parents about the baby. I’m starting to show, and I don’t have enough billowy blouses to cover it. Besides, I’m tired of hiding. I want everybody to know I’m about to have the most gorgeous little boy this town’s ever seen. How could I not? Have you seen his daddy?
    Still, I’ve been so nervous all day today, it’s been hard to cook and prepare. Billy started school so he’s gone all the time. Then when he gets home, he’s constantly talking to Bryant. He says they’re working out the details of their plan, but I can’t imagine what details they can work out with college not even behind him yet. Those are the most focused guys I’ve ever met in my life.
    I had to call Lexy to let her know what was happening and get some moral support. “Lexy, I’m freaking out,” I said. “It’s B-day in Fairview.”
    “What?” I heard her frown. “I