An hour later, the sugar rush settles into a comfortable buzz. The group disperses.
Maisie has conked out on the beanbag chair with Rosie, “reading” to her quietly. Jude, Ryker, and Dorian are debating BBQ smokers near the window. Wren and Norah are cooing over the baby again.
I find Amber on the balcony. She’s leaning against the railing, her hand rubbing slow circles on her back.
“Hey,” I say, stepping up beside her. “You okay? You look tired.”
“Just big,” she says, leaning her head on my shoulder. “And hungry. Again.”
“I can get you something.”
“No. I’m fine.” She links her arm through mine. “I’m just happy. I look around and I can’t believe it’s real.”
“It’s real,” I say, pressing a kiss to her hair.
“I know.” She turns to face me. “I have something for you.”
“Me?”
“All of you.” She reaches into the pocket of her dress and pulls out a small, velvet box.
I take it, frowning slightly. “What is this?”
“Just open it.”
I lift the lid. Inside, resting on a bed of cotton, are three tiny plastic four-leafed clovers.
“What am I looking at?”
“They’re considered good luck charms. You can all attach them to your key rings. I know this is cheesy, but I think the four leaves represent the four of us. Our pack.”
My throat tightens. “Amber...”
“I had them made,” she says, her voice trembling. “I want to have more babies with you. Whenever they come.”
“T’es...”I have to stop and clear my throat. “You’re too good to us.”
“I love you,” she says, simply.
“J’t’aime aussi,”I whisper. “I love you too.”
We stand there for a long time, just holding each other while the party winds down inside. The noise of Jude laughing and Stella’s animated voice floats out to us, wrapping us in a blanket of normalcy I never thought I would have.
“Ready to go back in?” I ask.
“Yeah.” She sighs, rubbing her belly. “My feet are swelling.”
I scoop her up into my arms. She squeaks, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“I can walk, Knox!”
“I know. But let me carry you.” I nuzzle her neck. “It’s good practice for later.”
She laughs, resting her head on my shoulder.
I carry her back inside. The room feels warmer now. Fuller.
I set her down gently on the sofa. Fallon immediately claims her feet, pulling them into his lap to massage them. Eli sits beside her, handing her a glass of water.
