Page 14 of Enduring Magic

“Is that a yes?” he asked softly.

“I’d love that. Yes.”

“It’s settled, then. When we get home today, I’ll put in my notice and start grooming my replacement.”

“Oh, Coop.”

“A baby,” he murmured his wonder as he held her and stroked her silky hair. “We’re going to be outnumbered in a few years if we keep this up.”

She laughed as he’d intended her to. Drawing back, she smiled up at him. “I think it’s time for you to learn how to magically change a diaper from my father.”

When he groaned, they all laughed. “Fine, but then I’m going to demand the Luscious Lemon wedding cake for our reception.”

“Done.”

* * *

Two weeks later,Summer was lamenting her previously thin waistline. It seemed as if her belly, along with her new little peanut, had grown overnight. The dress she’d originally decided on felt too tight and constraining.

“I can’t wear this,” she grumbled to her sisters.

“You can.” Autumn’s firm tone got on Summer’s last remaining nerve for the day.

“Fuc—”

Three of her four sisters stared in shock as the fourth laughingly slapped a hand over her mouth.

“None of that, or we’ll be inundated with mice,” Holly warned. “Oh, but of course, you’re pregnant now, so the standard curse doesn’t apply.” Removing her hand, she grinned. “Swear away!”

“Damn straight!” Summer snapped, half expecting the follow-up sneeze. It didn’t happen, and with her breath held, she waited to see if the local mouse population would make an appearance. When she didn’t hear so much as a squeak, she sighed her relief.

“Okay, so about this dress…” Winnie positioned Summer in front of the mirror and took up residence behind her. Brow puckered, she nodded. “This isn’t you, and it doesn’t flow. You need something lighter. Filmier.”

“What’s wrong with the dress?” Autumn glared her displeasure.

“You picked it, sister,” Spring said, not unkindly. “It’s whatyouwould wear, and perhaps what Summer would’ve worn prior to starting a family with Coop, but it doesn’t capture the essence of who she is today.”

Grudgingly, Autumn nodded. “Valid.”

“I don’t know what I want, but I know it’s not something this tight.” Summer shot an apologetic look at Autumn. “I’m sorry, Tums.”

“Don’t be. This isyourwedding, and like Winnie said, it isn’t you. If I’d have thought about it longer, I’d have realized it. But don’t be afraid to speak up when it comes to everything else.”

“I’m not. I won’t. I’m…” Summer shrugged and plucked at the satiny material of the dress.

Spring captured her hands and clasped them between hers. “What’s wrong?”

“Life has changed so much in such a short time. We were all together as a family unit, and now, we’re paired off, with the majority of us as parents. I miss my sisters.” Glancing up, she met their concerned gazes one by one. “I miss moments like these and times when we all sit around, eating Winnie’s cinnamon rolls and discussing the idiot Carlyle boys.”

With a wide grin and a wink, Autumn plopped down on the mattress. “Well, if it makes you feel any better, I still consider them all ‘idiot Carlyle boys.’ And I’ve no problem gossiping about them.”

“But I want family functions where all our children grow up together. They deserve to have a solid family unit like we did.”

Holly raised her hand. “Exception here.”

“Yeah, but you’re one of usnow,” Spring replied as she wrapped an arm around Holly’s waist. “And that’s never going to change.”

“You’re my favorite sister,” Holly declared and rested her head on their youngest sibling’s shoulder.

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