Page 129 of Renewal After Dark

“I will. It’ll give me something to do while you’re gone. One more kiss, and then I’m kicking you out.”

His kisses were always the best, but they were extra special today.

“While you’re on the boat, think about that first day and how far we’ve come from there and how much we have to look forward to.”

“Where’s Zen Abby coming from today?”

“I’m trying to stay focused on the gratitude. Remember when we thought we’d never be able to have one baby? Now we have our precious Liam and four more on the way. All that matters is getting them to the finish line. I don’t care what I have to do to make that happen.”

“I’m so freaking proud of you.”

“Aw, thanks. That means everything to me.”

“I guess if I leave now, I can catch the one o’clock boat to the island.”

“Don’t forget to call Seamus about getting the car on later.”

“I won’t.”

He kissed her one last time. “I love you. Behave while I’m gone.”

“I love you, too. Hurry back and bring me my son.”

“Will do.”

After he left, Abby rested against the pillows and released a deep breath full of angst and worry and stress that she’d had to put aside so she could convince him she’d be okay without him for a few hours. Since yesterday, she’d talked to everyone she knew—or so it seemed—as they’d called and texted with support and encouragement and plans to visit.

Despite the amazing outpouring and the best husband any girl could ever hope to have, she was scared and intimidated at the thought of being in bed for months. She was terrified of how much weight she’d gain that she might never lose again and whether she’d be up to caring for four babies after all that inactivity.

Izzy had told them that physical therapy would be brought in to keep her muscles from atrophying, but she wondered how effective that would be.

Her phone rang, and she took the call from her mother. “Hey.”

“How’re you doing, honey?”

“Hanging in there. Adam just left to make a quick trip home to grab Liam and pack up what we need for the long haul.”

“Are you sure you want to bring Liam there? I talked to Linda this morning and told her we’re available to help, too.”

“I know you are, and we so appreciate that and what Adam’s parents have already done. But we don’t want to be away from him for weeks.”

“I get it. You waited a long time to be a mommy. You don’t want to miss anything.”

“Yes, exactly. Adam is great with him. He can handle taking care of him on his own.”

“I have no doubt you two can get through this.”

“Thank you for the vote of confidence. It’s feeling a bit daunting now, but I’m trying to focus on the goal of bringing these four little boys into the world as safely as possible.”

“Four more McCarthy boys. Is the world ready?”

Abby laughed. “Probably not, but here they come, ready or not.”

“I’m proud of you, sweetie. You’ve had more than your share of upheaval and drama, and you’re handling this latest challenge with aplomb.”

“That’s nice of you to say.”

“I mean it, and Daddy feels the same way. You’re amazing, and we can’t wait to meet those babies.”

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