Page 71 of The First Love Myth

Robin has kids, but they are grown and married, if I understand correctly, and there’s certainly no room in the townhouse for any of them.

“Oh, stop it, Pat. You’re freaking her out,” Robin says, and I can only assume I look concerned. “I have two grumpy old cats and a kitten.”

“Lenny is going to be so jealous,” I say with a grin.

Pets. Real pets.

“I don’t know,” Dad says. “I think he’ll rather enjoy the company and the cat food.”

Max and Robin stare at us, completely lost. I laugh out loud, and a few heads turn our way. How do you explain that you named the squirrel that lives on your balcony?

“Lenny is a squirrel.” Dad dabs at his eyes with his napkin.

“Who I feed because I’m pet deprived,” I say with a grin.

“Well,” Robin says, a smile warming her face, “pet deprived you are no more.”

Someone to take care of Dad and a kitten. The night has taken a surprising turn.

Across the restaurant, I see Liz making her way toward us. She looks fabulous in a wrap dress that hides her growing bump. We decided to have Liz come for dessert only, so that I could meet Robin before the whole family descended. And after Dad’s news, I understand why. I catch my sister’s eyes as she sits down, asking an unspoken question—Cecilia? She gives a slight shake of her head before taking a sip of water.

It’s not unexpected, and I refuse to let it ruin this night. Good things are happening. It’s Cecilia’s loss. It’s always been Cecilia’s loss.

“How are you feeling these days?” Max asks Liz, handing her the dessert menu.

“Kind of like a hobbit.”

“Swollen feet?” Robin asks.

“Eating seven times a day,” Liz says with a laugh. “Breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses...” She trails off, and her eyes focus on the door, her mouth slightly ajar in shock.

I follow her gaze, as does the rest of the table. Across from me, Dad stiffens, and Robin reaches for his hand. Max takes mine, and Liz pulls me into her. Standing by the hostess stand is Cecilia. She notices us in the crowded restaurant and offers atight smile before making her way over. She stops at the head of the table. Tears well behind my eyes, and I let them come.

“Is there room for one more?” Cecilia asks, her voice tentative and shy and a little scared.

“Of course, dear.” Dad stands and offers her his chair before flagging down the waitress. I know he wants to hug her, but he won’t. Small steps. Against the wood, his hands shake. “Did you just get in?”

Cecilia sits down and takes a sip of the water the waitress swiftly brought over when she saw a new person arrive at our table. “No, I arrived yesterday. I would’ve been here sooner, but I got caught up making an offer on a cute little condo over in Asbury.”

“You’re moving back?” Liz asks incredulously.

“Yes.” Cecilia fixes her gaze on me. “I thought it was about time I spent some quality time with my sisters.”

Epilogue

Zoey

Late February

Igrab for my phone, wanting nothing more than to stop the incessant buzzing, but quickly pick up when I see the caller ID. “Jules?”

“It’s time,” Julian says, his voice harried.

“What?” I roll over, my arm slamming into Max, who is still passed out. “Now?”

“Well, last night technically. Her water broke around two. But the doctor says it’s almost time to try pushing again.”

Pushingagain. Which means there’s already been pushing and no one called me. “You are only calling me now?”

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