Page 10 of Pulling Heartstrings

Epilogue

ASTRID

One year later …

I stand in Star’s bathroom waiting for one of the freaking pregnancy tests to show me something. These are the longest two minutes of my whole life.

“I can feel it this time, Astrid. I swear it.” She slips her hand into mine.

She’s standing with me, hovering over the seven tests we have laid out before us. It might be overkill but I really don’t care. I’d peed in a cup so Star could help me dip them all as fast as we could to lay them out so they could all read at once. Nothing says best friend more than that. No, sister. She's my sister.

I had no idea when Star married my brother I'd be getting a sister of my own. It’s always been Nick and me. I was a bit worried when they got married, but happy for them of course. Nick deserved a good woman and Star is more than that. She lit up his whole world and showed him life isn’t only about work.

When you grow up with nothing like Nick and I did, sometimes you forget that. He’d always been so focused on making sure we never went without that he didn’t realize the joys in life he was missing out on. She gave that to him.

I’d really hoped that we’d get pregnant together. I guess I thought since she’d gotten pregnant so quickly the same would happen to Cupid and me. We go at it like freaking bunnies since we were once upon a time virgins. It’s like we’ve been making up for lost time.

At first every month I’d take a test and they’d come back negative. Cupid said I was putting too much pressure on myself and the doctor said the same thing six months ago. Nothing is wrong with either of us, so I know it will happen when it happens. I’ve been enjoying the ride and being newlyweds.

In this last year so many of my dreams have come true. From marrying the man of my dreams, to working at the best restaurant in the city, to getting a handful of awards for my desserts. Even last month I signed a contract for two cookbooks. I have it all except this one small, yet very big thing. A baby.

“I’m pretty sure I haven't had a period since before Christmas.” I’ve been racking my brain, but my periods have never been regular. Often I never even get them or it’s only a few drops.

I think with the holidays and the whole book deal, it dropped off my radar for a moment. Then there were those two weeks we’d spent in Fiji for my birthday after the holiday madness. Now it’s our anniversary and I woke up not feeling so hot. Star and I already had plans to get together and dress up for Valentine’s knowing our husbands have plans for us tonight.

Not wanting to get Cupid’s hopes up, I’d kept my mouth sealed all morning. I think he knows something is up because he’s way too good at reading me. It’s almost scary how much he pays attention.

“They’re going!” Star screams as the tests start to pop. One by one “pregnant” shows on the sticks and tears slide down my cheeks. “Oh my god!” she squeals and Nick comes rushing into the bathroom.

“What the hell is going on?”

“I might be pregnant,” I whisper.

“Might?!” Star waves her hand at all the tests.

“I’m scared. I need to see a doctor.” I look to my brother. “Right now.” If anyone can pull that off besides my Cupid, it’s my brother.

“Alright.” He pulls out his phone.

In a matter of seconds he’s got Star’s gynecologists on the line and within twenty minutes he has me on one of her exam tables as she gives me a sonogram. She did tests of her own already that confirm what I know. She’s sure I’m pregnant but now she’s going to tell me how far along I am.

Star stands beside me, holding my hand. “Oh,” the doctor says, tilting her head as she moves the wand she placed inside of me around a bit more. With how early I probably am, she said this would be the best sonogram to do.

“Oh? What’s oh. You can’t just say oh!” I practically shout, getting worked up. I should have called Cupid after she did her test and confirmed it too, but the sonogram machine was right here and I was debating telling him tonight.

What could be a better Valentine's Day and wedding anniversary gift than this? We both want a big family and it’s something we’ve always talked about. It’s why he built that giant house for us.

I know we can always adopt and I have a feeling we will one day with how I grew up in the system and know so many sweet children need homes, but I so badly wanted to experience all the parts of motherhood.

“Right here.” The doctor smiles at me. “And here.” She runs her finger back and forth to show me. Both Star and I lean in.

“Is that twins?” Star asks.

“No,” the doctor responds.

“It’s triplets,” I say in utter shock.

“Yep,” the doctor confirms.

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