Page 65 of Scorched

The others grinned.

“Let’s leave poor Maggie alone,” Rayna said. “She and Declan can figure things out just fine without our interference.”

“Thank you,” Maggie said. She ran a line of glue around the rim of a vase, then pressed the jute into it.

“Fine,” Tara sighed. She tied a bow around her vase, gluing it in place. “So, did everyone have their final dress fitting?”

There was a chorus of yeses around the room.

“You should probably try your dress on one more time for me,” Rayna told Tara. “Your belly grew.”

Tara ran a hand over her extended stomach. “Tell me about it. They’ve been more active, too.”

“Your mid-term ultrasound is tomorrow, isn’t it?” London asked.

“Yes.” Tara grinned. “I’m so excited.”

“Are you going to find out what you’re having?” Macy asked.

“If they cooperate. I want to decorate and buy clothes.”

“What do you think you’re having?” Maggie asked. She was so happy she got to experience Tara’s pregnancy with her this time. And that it was going well. After the way her first one ended, Tara deserved to have things go smoothly.

“I honestly don’t know. Because there are two, I’m carrying differently than I did with Lucy. I feel different, too. I can’t tell what’s because I’m having twins and what’s because of their gender. It’ll be a surprise to us all.” She filled a vase with some stones and stuck some flowers in it as she talked.

“Do you have a preference?” London asked.

“No. I just want healthy babies.” She blinked hard a few times.

Maggie’s heart lurched, knowing her sister was thinking of the baby she lost. “That’s what we all want. I can’t wait to spoil my little nieces or nephews. Or both.” She chuckled.

Tara smiled. “The rest of you need to get busy on having your own, so my kids have playmates.”

Maggie glanced around, noticing the red spots on London’s cheeks. She sat a little straighter. “Wait. London?”

London’s head shot up. “What?” The redness bloomed brighter.

“No way!” Rayna exclaimed. A bright smile lit her face. “Are you really?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, whatever,” Macy said. “That right there tells us you are. And it also explains your untouched wine.” She pointed at London’s still full glass. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

London’s shoulders dropped, and she sat back. “We were waiting until after the wedding.” She looked at Tara. “We didn’t want to steal your thunder.”

“I wouldn’t care, you know that.”

“I know, but you deserve to have your day after what you’ve been through.”

“The sentiment is appreciated, but no secrets, remember?”

“Yeah,” London sighed. “I remember.” She grinned. “So, yes, I’m pregnant. The baby’s due in July.”

Tara squealed and clapped her hands. “Excellent. Oh, this is so exciting!”

The group fell into an animated conversation about baby names and nursery themes. Maggie’s mind wandered some, imagining what it would be like to have her own child. One with Declan’s deep blue eyes and easy smile. She sighed. She had to convince him they were a good idea first.

“What about you, Rayna?” Tara asked. “Have you and Thomas talked about kids?”

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