Page 4 of Pierre
Raised in the island mansion, once haunted by little Claudette, she and her siblings, as well as their cousins, all triplets, lived on the island together. Twelve children, all born within three years of one another. Twelve. Nine boys and three girls. Her Uncle Christopher and Aunt Ramey had two sets of triplets. It didn’t take Ambry long to decide a few things.
One. She would never, ever have children. The risk of triplets was so high, it was mind-boggling.
Two. She would never marry a SEAL or a Ranger. Their possessiveness and desire to constantly protect were just too much.
And three. She would go away to school and not come home.
So far, she’d been able to keep two of the three promises she’d made to herself.
“It’s good to have you home,” smiled Bailey. “I’ve missed you. It’s hard being around all the guys, all the time.”
“You could have gone away to school, like me,” she said, smiling at her sister.
“I know. I thought about it, but it made me cry every time I remembered that feeling of being away from family. I don’t know how you stood it.”
“Just like you. It’s what I wanted, so I did it. Nursing seemed a safe occupation, and I’ve been able to focus on trauma and emergency room nursing. That’s paid off well for me. I like being on the hospital ship. I get to help people all over the world and see things I wouldn’t see in a regular hospital or clinic setting.”
“Well, I’m really proud of you,” smiled Bailey. “You look great. You must still be running.”
“I am. Not as much as I used to, but my hours are so erratic it’s hard to keep a schedule. You look great too,” she grinned.
“That’s because I look like you!” laughed Bailey. It was true. They looked identical, and had Cole been a girl, he would have been identical as well.
“We can’t help that,” she chuckled. “I guess Cole didn’t make it home, huh?”
“No,” frowned Bailey. “Don’t tell Mom or Dad, but I have this awful feeling in my chest about him. You know that triplet thing we get.”
“I know,” she nodded at her sibling. “I’ve had weird feelings as well. Dad said he spoke to him a few weeks ago, and everything was fine. I guess we just have to trust that it is.”
Ambry watched the eyes of her sister cross the dance floor. They’d both come home for the wedding of Wyatt and Ulani. Although Wyatt was a few years older, Ulani had been closer to their age group, and the girls considered her an honorary sister.
“He’s so handsome,” whispered Bailey. Ambry frowned at her sister.
“Pierre?”
“No! I mean, yes, he’s very handsome. But I’m looking at Joey. He’s like this perfect blend of rugged, handsome, sexy, and just oozing with masculinity.”
“Not that you’ve noticed,” smirked Ambry.
“I’ve noticed. Just like you’ve noticed Pierre,” said Bailey. Her sister said nothing, just looking down at the table. “Ambry, don’t wait forever. I know you’ve had a crush on him for years now. He was worth waiting for, and don’t embarrass yourself, I know you’ve waited. But don’t wait any longer. You’re plenty old enough for the two of you to date now.”
“I don’t want to have a crush on him,” she said resolutely.
“Yes, you do. I don’t know why you won’t admit it. I know that Cole chased away all our prospects in school, but we’re not kids any longer, and Cole’s not here. And if he were, he’d approve of Pierre and of Joey. You like him, I know you do, and you can’t run from something like that. You may not have a choice. He’s a good man. Solid. Kind, intelligent, a body to die for.”
“Why are you looking at his body?” her sister snapped. Bailey laughed, shaking her head.
“That tells me everything I need to know. Oh. Speak of the devils and here they come.” Ambry followed her sister’s gaze to see Pierre and Joey walking toward them.
“Hi, guys,” smiled her overly friendly sister. “How are you?”
“We’re great,” grinned Joey. “Care for a dance, Bailey?” She nodded and left her sister seated at the table.
“Hey, Ambry.”
“I hope you’re here to ask me to dance,” she smiled, standing as he held out a hand.
“I am.”
