The lull of August

 Rylie couldn't hardly wait for Yuki and Em to come down with baby Rory. After all, Tess had settled in and they were engaged. Yes, Rylie was excited for her hometown friends to meet her fiancee. It was the first time for Yuki and Em to travel with the infant.

"Well, she's so big now, she's hardly an infant," Ryle couldn't believe how big the baby was. Of course, she didn't know how old a baby was under one. After all, she worked with toddlers who were walking during her storytime. 

"She wasn't too fussy," Em said the trip was just right. Few hours on the road.

"Of course, she rode with Rory in the backseat," Yuki reminded them that she was just the driver.

"I can't imagine what it would be like with a baby," Rylie sighed. Of course, she knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was glad her friends could make it to the farmhouse to meet Tess.

It was a party of sorts, even if it was just lunch. Tess made all her favorite dishes which was enough for the weekend. Despite a hot August, they had plenty of time to enjoy each other's company. Really, it was a slow weekend, but no one seemed to mind.

"We're excited for you," Em told both of them while Rory was the center of attraction, on her quilt playing with her toys. 

Rylie got to listen to the wedding all over again. "What kind of wedding will you have?" Em asked.

"Oh, I think we want it to be small," Tess grinned. "We have to have my sister and her family and of course, you guys along with Brandon and Declan."

Yuki nodded. "Brandon is so good with weddings."

"I haven't tried his food yet," Tess looked at them blankly. "I'm afraid I've offended him."

"Really?" Rylie didn't know. 

"Oh, you know, I'm a baker." Tess shrugged.

"No, you're not, you make fantastic meals," Rylie told them how she'd gained weight since Tess moved in.

Yuki and Em laughed. "You're as fit as you ever were."

Of course, they were all wearing sporty loungeware. Rylie said they both ran every morning. Yes, the house felt like a home now. And she did feel loved. She and Tess were both good for each other.