Page 35 of The Wish List
They’d been close as kids, united in resenting Beth, but they’d lost touch in recent years. Trinity had wanted to blame that on Freya’s career. In truth, it was more because of Trinity’s life choices than Freya’s.
“We’ve been over this. I’m excited to be an aunt,” Beth said, and Trinity no longer had a problem believing that.
“Me, too,” Freya added. “I’m going to spoil your little girl so rotten.”
Trinity smiled even as tears filled her eyes. She didn’t want to think about being alone again.
“What’s wrong, Trinny-bug?” Freya asked, using the childhood nickname she’d given the baby of the family. “We’ve had enough strife and sadness recently. This is a happy moment.”
“They’re happy tears. I promise.” Trinity lay on the exam table, waiting for the ultrasound technician. “I don’t know how I thought I was going to raise a child on my own.”
“You’re not on your own now,” Beth said. “You’re not on your own ever. We’re your sisters.”
Trinity nodded. “I’m grateful for you both.”
The technician entered the room at that point, and her eyes went wide as she recognized Beth.
“What are you doing here?”
“This is my little sister,” Beth said brightly, patting Trinity’s arm. “She’s come back to town to help with our mom, and she’s having a baby. I’m here to support her.”
“Great,” the technician said, quickly schooling her features. “How far along are you?” She eyed Trinity’s belly. “I’m guessing five or six months?”
“Seven,” Trinity told her and felt a little embarrassed when the woman looked shocked. “I’m taking good care of myself. I just didn’t pop until recently.”
“Must be nice.” The woman appeared to be in her early forties with dark hair piled high on her head. “I have three teenage boys. During each pregnancy, I got asked questions about whether I was having twins. No twins—I simply grew big healthy boys, one at a time.”
“I’m having a girl,” Trinity told her. “Maybe that’s part of it.”
The woman smiled. “Let’s take a look at her then.” Trinity gasped as the woman squirted gel under her belly. “Sorry, I know it’s cold.”
“That’s okay.”
The monitor began to make noise, and Trinity heard the swish of her baby’s heartbeat. It comforted her to listen to the rhythmic sound.
“I assume this isn’t your first ultrasound?”
Trinity shook her head. “I had one at fourteen weeks.”
Beth squeezed her hand. “Doctor Brennan ordered another one since Trinity is new to the practice.”
The technician smiled. “You’ve moved back to Magnolia to help your mom?”
Trinity kept her eyes on the monitor. “I was thinking I might stay awhile.”
She sensed both Freya and Beth’s surprise but didn’t make eye contact with either of them. She couldn’t explain how and why she had left behind her life out West. Not without having to talk about Dave.
“However long you’re here, Dr. B will take good care of you. Plus, you’re in great hands with your sister.”
“Both of her sisters,” Beth clarified. “The three of us are taking care of each other now.” It was a huge thing for Beth to offer.
The technician pointed out the feet, hands and the chambers of the heart, then she paused. Or at least it seemed to Trinity that she paused. Was there a problem?
Beth leaned forward, squinting at the monitor. “Trinity, did you say you thought you were having a girl?”
“I’m definitely having a girl.” Trinity nodded, trying not to sound as panicked as she suddenly felt. “I had an ultrasound at a clinic when I first moved to Colorado. They said it was a girl.”
The technician gave her a tight smile. “They were wrong.”
