Page 85 of Finding Wonderland

2012

New Year’s Eve had ended with a bang for Isla and Vera.

Literally.

They spent the time leading up to the ball drop in New York City wrapped up in each other’s arms. Vera knew Isla was getting close to having the baby, so she wanted to get in as much sexy time with her before then as she could. Especially since Isla hadn’t been craving it as much the last few weeks. It was off for Isla, Vera knew that. But she also knew how much the body changed in preparation for the birth.

Which was why Vera was beyond glad Isla had fallen asleep not long after midnight. She had spent more time the last few nights tossing and turning in a futile attempt to find a comfortable position. Vera wished there was something she could do to make her more comfortable, but she also knew that was part of the last few weeks of pregnancy. Isla had carried both Blake and Mason to forty weeks, but Vera doubted she’d make it three more weeks to get to that point with this pregnancy.

Downstairs, she heard the backdoor open and close as the alarm system in their room chirped once. Vera hadn’t set the alarm before going to bed since she knew Mason and Eden had gone over to Maddie’s house for a party. Although most of her friends had yet to reach twenty-one, Vera wasn’t naïve. She knew there would be drinking, which was why she was thankful Eden had volunteered to go with Mason to the party.

Eden had been a Godsend to them the last few months. At first, Vera had been hesitant about her sister-in-law living with them for an undisclosed amount of time. They all had their routine and she wasn’t sure how Eden would fit into that. But every day Vera saw how lucky she was that Eden cared about her family so much to want to be with them. She was the best aunt, always making sure Ellie and Brayden were having fun if Isla and Vera had to work late. And she had really been there for Mason and Isla, which Vera loved more than she could express.

But the fact the cabinets were slamming shut downstairs did little to make her love Eden.

Getting out of bed, Vera made her way downstairs and turned on the kitchen light. Mason and Eden froze, looking at her like mice that had just been caught stealing cheese. She put her hands on her hips and tried not to laugh at them holding boxes of cereal and mac and cheese.

“What on earth are you two doing?”

“We needed supplies,” Mason quickly answered.

“She’s not drunk,” Eden added without being asked.

“Well, maybe a little.”

Vera arched her eyebrow at Mason as the smile won out. She walked over to the refrigerator, pulled out two Powerades, and directed for them to sit at the table. Which they did. Taking the box of mac and cheese from Mason, Vera began making it for them as they told her about the party.

After she got them fed and off to bed, Vera headed back upstairs herself. She snuggled back up with Isla, enjoying how she got to be the big spoon now. It made her feel like Isla’s protector, which was a role she took insanely seriously. Placing a hand on her stomach, Vera smiled when the baby kicked.

“Your hands are cold,” Isla mumbled as she cuddled closer to her. Vera kissed her bare shoulder. For weeks, Isla had forgone wearing anything but boxers at night because she always ended up sweating through it.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Isla covered Vera’s hand with hers on her stomach.

“I can’t believe you’re so close to having her.”

“I know. I’m still going to kill Eden when this kid pops out though.”

Vera didn’t have to ask why. Eden had been teasing Isla her entire pregnancy that she was having twins. They both knew Eden was just joking, and it only added to their sisterly bond as Isla pretended to be annoyed each time Eden said it.

“I can’t help it that I'm carrying this way.”

“You’re beautiful, baby.” Vera kissed her shoulder again.

Under her hand, she felt Isla’s belly get tight and hard as she shifted her position. Isla had been having Braxton-Hicks contractions more frequently, but Vera had been monitoring them. And so far, she hadn’t been concerned about them. But the one Isla was experiencing now was obviously making her more uncomfortable than usual.

“Breathe, baby,” Vera tenderly coached as she rubbed Isla’s belly and kissed her shoulder yet again. “You’re doing good.”

“Shit,” Isla sighed as she swung her legs off the side of the bed. Vera got up with her, suddenly in doctor mode instead of wife mode.

“Talk to me.”

“This one is in my back.” She didn’t have to explain what she meant. Vera knew. Getting up on her knees, she began to massage Isla’s lower back.

“Do you want me to check you?”

Isla shrugged. “I don’t know. What do you think?”

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