Page 137 of Family Bonds: Coy & Angel

“Spencer can’t get mad at me anymore,” Coy said, coming over and putting his arm around her. “I’m giving his sister everything she’s ever wanted and I’m getting the same in return.”

If Coy hadn’t added that last part, she might have gotten annoyed over his comment. But he was learning. Even if it was on the slow end.

“Very sweet of you to say,” she said, kissing him.

“I know you want your dessert,” he said. He turned to the room. “My wife has a crazy sweet tooth and can’t wait any longer. Come help yourselves before she grabs it all.”

She slapped his arm. “That wasn’t nice,” she said.

“Just stating the truth,” he said, reaching for a plate and putting a cupcake and cookie on it. Then adding some chocolate caramel pretzels.

“Thank you,” she said, reaching for the plate.

“This is for me,” he said, moving past her. “Get your own.”

She laughed and did as he’d said. After all, hadn’t she complained enough that he was babying her in the past and waiting on her hand and foot?

An hour later, most were taking their leave. Angel thanked everyone for coming and was ready to sit down.

Everything on her hurt more than normal. She shouldn’t have eaten as much, as her stomach was bothering her too.

“Everything was lovely,” Ava said, coming over with her kids. Coy was talking to Ava’s husband, Seth.

Last month Ava had returned to work after her maternity leave and she’d had her first appointment with her. She needed to meet with all the doctors in the office because anyone could deliver when she went into labor if it was after hours.

“It really was,” she said. “Your kids are adorable and so well behaved.”

Ava laughed. “It helps that Adele keeps Brayden in line. Sometimes. Are you okay?”

“Yes,” she said. “Why?”

“You’re grabbing your back a lot. I noticed it.”

“I’m sore,” Angel said and then grinned. “And I ate too much. I need some antacids.”

Coy was close by and moved over. “I told her not to eat that third cupcake.”

“I only had one,” she said, laughing, but it made her grab her side. “But maybe I shouldn’t have had that. Everything was just so good.”

Ava reached out and put her hand on her lower back and then her side. “Take a few deep breaths. Feel anything?”

“Just pressure,” she said. “My lower back has been more sore the past few days, but I’m still working out and being on my feet for work and today might have been a lot.”

She turned to see Coy look as if he was going to growl but held it in. Still learning and working on it. She’d give him credit for that.

When the next pain came in her side, Ava frowned. “How often is that happening?” Ava asked.

“What?” she asked.

“That pain you just got,” Ava said.

“How did you know I just had a pain in my stomach?” she asked.

“Come have a seat,” Ava said, looking at her watch.

“What’s going on?” Coy asked.

“Just relax,” Ava said. “I’m checking on something.”

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