Page 115 of Samuel

“Of course you can. One brownie before bed won’t hurt anything.”

Addie threw her arms around Emma’s neck. “Thanks, Mom. I love you.”

“Love you too, kiddo.”

“I’ll be right in to help you cut one, okay? Wait for me in the kitchen,” Sebastian directed.

“Okay.” Addie bounced back out of the room in the same energetic fashion she’d entered with.

“Sprinkles.”

Emma stood and rushed into Seb’s open arms.

“Is everything okay?” Evie leaned over and whispered to Grace.

“I think that might be the first time Addie has called them ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’. I know they had a conversation with her a while ago, about using whatever terms she felt comfortable with. I guess she was ready,” Grace replied, clearly choked up with emotion.

“I didn’t realize she was adopted,” Evie admitted.

“By Sebastian, yes. But Emma… it’s a really long story, and not really my place to share. If you ask her about it, I’m sure she’d tell you. Emma isn’t shy when it comes to telling her story. But it is hers to tell.”

Evie looked at the scars covering Emma’s arms as she wrapped them around Sebastian’s back.

“I understand. You’re a great friend, Grace.”

“I’m just happy to have friends that are my family. You included. We pregnant ladies have to stick together.”

“Yes we do. On that note, do you need anything? Another drink? Another brownie?”

“Don’t even think about getting up, Evie.” Daisy stood. “I’m happy to grab whatever the guests of honor might need.”

“I’m good for right now,” Grace replied.

“Me too.”

“Okay, now that I’ve pulled myself together, maybe we could open presents?” Emma walked behind the couch and started pulling out gift bags and boxes wrapped in beautiful paper.

“You guys didn’t need to do all this.” Grace smiled as Daisy handed her a bag.

“Nonsense. Our new niece and nephew deserve to be celebrated. A sprinkle for Grace and a shower for Evie!”

“Oh gosh. I’m going to pee my pants if I keep laughing like that!” Grace tried to hoist herself off of the couch, reaching for Abby’s outstretched hand when she started to struggle. “I need to use the?—”

She stopped, grabbing her belly and looking down at the floor. She must have dropped something off her lap, but Evie couldn’t see anything on the ground.

It didn’t register until Emma and Daisy jumped up from their seats.

“Grace, was that your water?” Abby asked.

She nodded, her eyes going wide as Daisy stepped up beside her. “Emma, can you go get Jackson?”

“Of course! Oh my God. Crazy things reallyarealways happening at girls’ night.”

“Are you okay?” Evie asked as Grace grimaced and held on to her belly.

“Yes. I guess it wasn’t practice contractions today. Oh shit.I’m not ready at all.” She turned to Daisy. “We don’t have the car seat in for him yet. And I didn’t put together the bassinet. I don’t even have a hospital bag packed. Where is Jack going to stay? I don’t know?—”

“Gracie!” Jackson’s voice boomed as he ran into the living room. His hands slid up to her face, cupping her cheeks as he smiled. “Are you okay?”

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