Page 121 of Conquering Oz

She knew she was breaking her promise to Chris. But Oz, Sal, and especially Tom were no threat to Madalyn. Chris may not have seen it that way, but she knew these men. They’d never hurt her. If anything, they’d protect her at all costs.

Madalyn stepped inside the doorway, and Elodie looked over at the two blacked out SUVs parked a few feet away.Theymust’ve given Oz the heads up. This was her new life. Every movement would be accounted for. Maybe it should’ve scared her. It didn’t.

She clasped her hand with Madalyn’s as they walked up the stairs. When they reached the door, her friend tugged at her hand, and Elodie turned.

“I’m sorry, I’m just really…”

Elodie refused to let her finish. Pregnancy hormones were real, and so were all the emotions and feelings. It was no joke and shouldn’t be downplayed. Just because a bodycoulddo it didn’t mean it was easy. While Elodie wasn’t in the depths of pregnancy, she knew enough to respect the process. The sacrifice of putting another life before her own. The pressure of doing all that was expected. The responsibility, knowing there were things beyond her control. All that and her friend still found the beauty in carrying a child. A queen in every sense of the word.

Don’t you dare apologize for anything!

“Stop. Come meet Oz.”

“I’m a mess,” Madalyn whispered, dragging her sleeves under her eyes.

Elodie glanced back, smiling. “You’re perfect, Madz. So fucking perfect that I’m a little pissed. You’re setting the bar real high for seven months pregnant. Gah, you suck.”

Madalyn ducked her head, but Elodie caught her smile and heard her muffled chuckle. She threaded their fingers as they walked toward the living room. All the men stood.

“Gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to my very best friend, Madalyn.” She squeezed Madalyn’s hand and pointed with the other. “This is Tom, Sal, and Oz.”

Not surprising, Sal was the first to advance with a warm, welcoming smile. “Madalyn, it’s so nice to meet you.” He offered his hand, which Madalyn immediately shook. Tom was next in line and just as eager. He mentioned her pregnancy and made simple talk with an overabundance of enthusiasm.

Madalyn turned eyeing Oz. “Hi. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Oz’s features softened in a way usually reserved just for Elodie. Oz extended his hand, and Madalyn immediately grasped it.

“I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Madalyn furrowed her brows, looking at Elodie before turning back at Oz. “Well, she lies a lot. Can’t believe everything she says.”

Oz’s lips twitched. “She’s said only good things.”

Madalyn burst out laughing. “Well, then she’s definitely lying, or she’s just leaving out the really good parts.”

Elodie chuckled while Tom and Sal burst out laughing. Oz was more reserved, but she caught the soft muffled rumble of his laugh and endearing smile aimed at Madalyn.

“Sit, honey.” Sal waved to the couch.

This was good.

*

It had gone smoother than she’d expected. An hour later, and Madalyn was in the throes of a conversation with Sal and Tom as if they’d known each other for years. For the first few minutes, Elodie waited for her friend to piece together Sal being Sal Caruso. Madalyn never did. Someday she’d share.I think.Or maybe she wouldn’t.

Elodie was walking down the hall from the bathroom when Oz met her halfway. They were about twenty feet from the others when he smiled, leaned in, and brushed his lips against her ear.

“You haveanothervisitor.”

Elodie pulled away slightly and cocked her head. “Now who?”

Oz straightened, and his jaw tightened. “Herhusband.”

Elodie’s panic was instant. Her heart rate spiked, and her blood raced through her veins at rapid speed.

“Chris is here?”

Oz gave a sharp nod.

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