Page 31 of About Time You Noticed

Emily kissed Sarah on the cheek. "You’re a great friend. I want you to be our child’s godmother." She covered her mouth. "Oops, I was supposed to ask you with Ethan. But I'm sure he won't mind. We’ve already talked about it."

Sarah placed a hand on her sternum. "I'd love to be the godmother. Not that I know what one does."

Emily chuckled and slipped an arm around Sarah's waist. "I can't believe I'm going to be a mom. My gosh, Sarah. It’s too surreal."

"You’ll make wonderful parents." She glanced at Kaitlyn. "And you and Jake as well. I couldn't be any happier for you both."

Sarah could just smother them both in hugs. But a niggling emptiness remained within—her closest friends were pregnant, and she couldn't share in their experiences. Maybe when they were carrying other children, she might be married by then. To have their kids grow up together in Clear Creek County would be so special.

Kaitlyn clapped her hands. "Okay, we should tell the boys—since I've spilled my guts already." They all giggled and left to join the others.

***

TOMMY TURNED HIS VEHICLE down Anchor Street toward Sarah’s home. Silhouettes of Golden Aspen pines lined each side of the road. “This is what I love about life in the country. The starry nights.” Miles of galaxy. Countless sparkling lights in the dark sky.

Sarah sat in silence next to him. Not a peep all the way home. Emily and Kaitlyn had dominated the conversation at the restaurant, talking about their pregnancy symptoms. He sure got a quick lesson on prenatal issues.

Ethan and Jake were comforted to know they both had experienced the rollercoaster of their wives’ emotions. Emily would cry at any commercial. Kaitlyn’s sniffer abilities outperformed a Great Dane’s. Jake now must brush his teeth and gargle before she would kiss him—one drop of peppermint oil on the back of his tongue for extra freshness. Tommy took notes.

He peeked across the car at Sarah. Something was up with her tonight. He parked beside the white cottage. A porch swing sat out front. He killed the engine and faced Sarah. "You're awfully quiet this evening."

She lifted one shoulder.

"I mean, you're quieter than usual.” A woman of few words, and mostly, good advice.

"I guess tonight's news got me thinking, that's all."

Tommy gestured to the swing. "Wanna talk about it?"

She slid her necklace charm up and down its chain. "Sure."

They made their way over to the cottage. He sat first and patted the spot next to him. "Dr. Phil at your service."

Sarah shoved his shoulder, and the swing moved. "Be serious.”

She sat beside him, and he ignored the strangeness that came with being close to her. They had sat on this very swing plenty of times, so why did this night feel different?

Sarah side-glanced at him. "Does it bother you that all of our friends are married and having kids?"

He frowned. "Bother me? I'm happy for them."

"I'm happy for them too, and I can't wait to hold their babies. Emily asked me to be the godmother."

He angled toward her. "That's awesome."

"Yeah, it is." She let out a loud exhale.

He rested his elbow on the backrest and brushed his thumb over her shoulder. "But you feel left out?"

"A little. It's silly—my time will come. That's what Becca keeps telling me."

"Becca’s right. It will. You don't want to rush things and end up like Damien and Bethanie. Wait for someone who's your equal. Your soulmate. Someone who really gets who you are."

Sarah studied his face. She dipped her chin and shook her head. She mumbled something he couldn't decipher.

His hand skimmed her back. “What did you say?"

“Nothing.” She stared into the night as the cicadas buzzed. “It's frustrating, that's all. I'm frustrated with myself. Always wanting something I can't have right now.”

---