Page 63 of Weather the Storm

I drop my eyes to his. “N-no way, you think?” I keep my voice low so our conversation stays between us.

Simon nods. “Yup. Look at how she keeps cradling her stomach.”

Discreetly, I take in the picture Myla Rose and Cash paint. Much in the same position Simon and I are in, he’s whispering in her ear while they both palm her flat belly.Huh, maybe she is.

Apparently, I’m not as discreet as I thought, because Myla Rose rolls her eyes, stands from Cash’s lap, and announces, “Yes, I’m pregnant. Surprise!” She throws her hands up in the air, and we all cheer.

“Do you know how far along you are?” Azalea asks, moving over to Myla so she too can rub the nonexistent bump.

This time it’s Cash who speaks up. “Ten weeks. We just had our first doctor’s appointment a couple of weeks ago.”

Azalea wraps her arms around Myla and bounces her around. “Sister-girl, this issoexciting! Does Brody know?”

“No,” Cash says. “We’re waiting until after the first trimester to tell him.” The back door opens and both kiddos step out.

Simon laughs. “Talk about good timing.”

Once the excitement dies down, Drake walks over to Myles and Cash to congratulate them before wrapping his arms around his wife.

He and Azalea finally tied the knot last year in a beautiful, over-the-top beach wedding. Azalea looked like a goddess in a strapless white tulle dress. They have no plans for children any time soon—they’re far too busy enjoying life as newlyweds—but they sure do love watching our little ones from time to time.

Sitting here, surrounded by our friends, I can’t help but reflect on where we all are now versus where we started. So much has changed, and yet so much is still the same. While there’s not much in this life I’m sure of, one thing I know without a shadow of a doubt is this: no matter what comes our way, I’m blessed to be able to call Dogwood—and these people—my home.

In fact, I’d be hard-pressed to think of a single better place to plant my roots.

THE END…AGAIN

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