Page 117 of Emerald Vices

“I thought Andrey would be the one itching to get me to this appointment, but…” I stare down at my conservative swimsuit. It’s a bodysuit more than anything. The three-quarter zip is open, revealing the cleavage nursing has given me, but otherwise, I’m covered from neck to wrist.

“But what?” Mila prods.

I eye her tiny red bikini with no small amount of envy before gesturing to my own body. “I don’t exactly look my best.”

“For God’s sake, Nat!” Mila cries. “You just had twins!”

“Right. Which is why Andrey basically pushed me off of him two nights ago.” I put on a new lingerie set, sure I’d be able to seduce him. But he barely looked at me.

Kat waves me off. “You’re crazy, girl. He wants you; he just doesn’t want to impose on your body before it’s ready.”

“But it’s ready. I’m ready!” I frown down at the pooch of my stomach. “Well, mentally, I’m ready.”

“You’re being ridiculous.” Mila reaches for the sunscreen. “You’re sexy as hell. Say the word and I’ll take you to bed.”

“Get rid of this tent you’re calling a swimsuit and break out the cheeky bikinis. Andrey won’t be able to help himself.”

“You’re one to talk. Why aren’t you in a bikini?”

Katya never misses an opportunity to jump in the pool. But today, she’s opted for sitting in the shade with her shorts and an oversized t-shirt I assume is Shura’s.

She gives me a secretive smile. “Ah, well, funny you should ask… I have a little something to tell you two.”

She continues smiling at us until I shake her shoulders. “Now is not the time to get good at secrets, Kat. Spit it out.”

“I’m pregnant!”

I’m still dripping wet, but that doesn’t stop me from throwing myself into her chair and bear-hugging the hell out of her while I scream.

“You’re dripping on me,” she gripes, though I can hear the smile in her voice.

Mila joins us in the huddle, squeezing us both. “I can’t believe this!”

Katya finally manages to push us back to our own chairs. “I’m almost three months along. I didn’t find out right away. I thought some of the symptoms were because of—” She cuts herself off. “Whatever, it doesn’t matter. I’m so happy!”

“Why wouldn’t you be?” Mila sighs. “You’re having a baby with the man you love. What could be better?”

Katya shrugs. “I just never saw myself with a family. I fantasized about promotions and Stella McCartney suits. Not babies and white picket fences.”

“Our kids won’t be that far apart in age.” I squeeze her hand. “This is gonna be so much fun!”

She laughs nervously. “I just hope I don’t ruin this kid.”

“You’ll be fine. And if you need help, I’m here for you.”

“We all are,” Mila adds. “How does Shura feel about this?”

“He was thrilled. You know him—he’s already drawing up the next twenty years of our lives.” I hold my heart and Mila starts to get all misty-eyed. “Apparently, we’re going to have a ton more kids. He wants a baseball team.”

“And I’m sticking by it,” Shura interrupts.

The three of us whip around to see our men coming down the stairs. I rush over and give Shura a huge hug. “I’m so happy for you two.”

Gentleman that he is, Shura makes no mention of his damp shirtfront as he sits down beside Katya and drapes an arm around her shoulders.

Leonty nudges Mila. “We should get started. I want competing baseball teams.”

Mila chokes on her orange juice. “Excuse me, but this body can’t handle a baseball team. It’s gonna be one and done for me.”

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