Page 47 of Prospecting

“Good,” Sheridan said. “Will you continue after you have this one?”

“Calli has four,” Mia said. “She works. She says I can. Tappn says it’s up to me. I think I want to. Mother says I shouldn’t.”

“What do you want to do,” Sheridan asked.

“I think I’ll go back,” Mia said. “Calli said if I don’t want to get pregnant right away like she has, we should put in a fertility block the day I have the baby.”

“It’s my understanding Sinivite men become get very amorous when the baby is in your arms,” Sheridan said.

“Tappn loves to watch me cuddle with Frannie. When I sing to her at night, he watches. There are times he keeps me up all night,” Mia blushed. “I love it.”

“Is he too bossy,” Sheridan asked.

“I like it,” Mia said. “He makes me feel safe. No one’s ever made me feel safe.”

“I’m glad he makes you feel safe,” Sheridan said.

“Tappn tells me I need to pick a name for our little one. He says its traditional,” Mia said. “I haven’t any idea what to pick. Mom picked Frannie’s name.”

“It will give you a chance to choose a name you like,” Sheridan said.

“I asked Calli about the Sinivite names,” Mia said. “Mom was furious when she found out. She thinks we should call her Margaret with Maggie, like Francis and Frannie.”

“You don’t like the name Margaret,” Sheridan said.

“No. I asked Tappn. He didn’t seem to like it but he’s trying to stick with tradition,” Mia said.

“Perhaps you should find out from Calli about the Sinivite names,” Sheridan suggested. “I’d be happy to have you bounce some off me.”

“I like Ziaren,” Mia said softly. “Mother did not like it.”

“I think it’s beautiful,” Sheridan said. “Perhaps you should suggest it to Tappn to see what he thinks.”

“I will,” Mia said. “Mother’s been very difficult lately. Does she ask you for credits still?”

“No,” Sheridan said.

“She asks me every week,” Mia said. “She says father takes her paycheck and won’t let her budget anymore. Do you think he does?”

Sheridan struggled with whether to tell her sister the truth. “I think she had some difficulties,” she said. “Maybe you should ask Tappn about it. Do you give her money?”

“I did until Tappn explained all the budget things we have to think about,” Mia said. “I didn’t realize how careful you have to be. I tried explaining to her how many expenses we have but she said I didn’t love her. I do but I don’t have any money to give her.”

“Mother has all the money she needs,” Sheridan assured her sister.

“Should I tell her to talk it over with dad,” Mia asked.

“Yes, you should,” Sheridan said.

***

“A girl,” Cade said, he waved at Frannie, made faces at her. “Are you happy?”

“Yes, I think it will sooth some of her nerves about me leaving if I don’t get a son,” Tappn said.

“Hazel finally stopped asking Sheridan for money,” Cade said.

Tappn bounced Frannie on his knee. “She’s started asking Mia,” Tappn said. “I can always tell when she asks. Mia gets very upset and asks about the budget.”

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