Page 124 of Already Home

“The boyfriend?” he asked.

Violet met his gaze, then looked away. She nodded once.

“Where is he now?”

“Not with me. He’s leaving town. I heard he was packed up andheading out in a couple of days.”

Dragon was silent for a second. “Was this the first time?”

She returned her attention to him. “I wouldn’t have given him asecond chance.”

“Good.”

Dragon went back outside. Jenna glanced between them, left withthe feeling that something significant had just occurred, but she couldn’tfigure out what.

* * *

Dinner was a lively meal with plenty of overlappingconversation and laughter. Serenity claimed Beth’s potato salad for the veganside and therefore won the bet of whose dishes would be finished first.

Jenna looked at everyone around the table and realized howquickly her definition of “family” had changed. Wolf and Jasmine were missing,but they would be here next time. With their baby. Beth would like that. She’dalways wanted more children and would love being a grandmother.

Jenna touched her own flat stomach and wondered what it wouldbe like to be pregnant. Longing filled her, surprising her with its intensity.She’d always wanted kids before, but usually in a more intellectual way. Thisneed burned hot inside of her, almost making her ache.

With the pain came the realization that it was time for her tomove on to that stage of her life—motherhood. That if things worked out withEllington, then great. If not, she would have a baby on her own. It wasn’t as ifshe would be raising it alone. She only had to look around to see all the peoplewho loved her and whom she loved.

“How’s Jasmine feeling?” she asked Serenity.

“Wonderful. She’s getting bigger every day. I’m hoping...” Shepicked up her margarita. “We’re all looking forward to the baby being born.”

Jenna might have imagined it, but she would have sworn both Tomand Dragon shot her looks of concern.

Serenity turned to Beth. “Jasmine is using a midwife. She’llhave the baby at home.”

Beth dropped her fork, then quickly picked it up. “That soundsvery, um, cozy.”

Jenna laughed. “Don’t pretend, Mom. I’m horrified, too.” Sheturned back to Serenity. “Isn’t it safer at a hospital, or in some kind ofbirthing center?”

“There’s no reason to anticipate any problems,” Serenity saidcalmly. “Childbirth is a natural process. The hospital is close by, buteverything will go perfectly. She was considering underwater birth, but thatwould have meant using a birthing center.”

Jenna nearly choked. “Who’s under the water?”

“The baby,” Beth told her, obviously trying not to laugh.

“What? The birth canal isn’t traumatic enough? Hello, you’reborn, try not to drown?”

Serenity shook her head. “It’s not like that, Jenna. Sometimesyou can be very dramatic.” She turned to Beth. “I believe she gets that fromyou.”

There was a moment of silence, then everyone laughed. Bethgrinned at Jenna. “I suspect she does.”

* * *

Violet was aware of Dragon sitting next to her at thebig table. Every time she glanced at him, he seemed to be looking at her.Watching. Waiting, although she couldn’t say for what. It made her feel bothuncomfortable and oddly protected.

When dinner was done, everyone helped clear the table. Violetwas aware of the family reunion going on and wanted to excuse herself.

“I’m a little tired,” she said, when the dishes were loadedinto the dishwasher. “I’m going to head home.”

There were plenty of hugs and good wishes. Marshall whisperedthat she was welcome to move back anytime she wanted. She collected her purseand walked to the door, only to find Dragon next to her.

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