Until Robin Ortiz called and asked if he had any interest in coming back to the network—in the news division, but this time, he’d be working off camera. She felt he had the knowledge and expertise to be a segment producer. He’d countered the offer, asking for minimal travel and regular hours. Miracle of miracles, they’d agreed. So he did ultimately end up in news. Just not like he’d first thought.
“Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do?” Brooklyn asked, knowing Alec would say no. She wasn’t a great cook, although she was excellent at loading the dishwasher. They’d worked out the division of labor pretty well in their relationship. Every night after work, Alec cooked and Brooklyn watched. It was perfect.
“I think you should probably focus on the puppies for now,” Alec said, returning to his charge at the stove. “Plus, we need to start thinking up dog names that start with Chelsea. So far all I’ve come up with are Chelsea Football Club and Chelsea Market.”
“Chelsea boots?”
“Let’s just make a list.” He lifted the lid off a pot and stirred. “For the time being, dinner will be ready in about an hour.”
“Sounds great.” Brooklyn walked down the central hall, then climbed the stairs to the second floor and the guest bedroom. Dallas was on the floor next to the large cardboard box lined with towels where Connie had given birth. Virginia was seated on the bed, reading a magazine. “How’s she doing?” Brooklyn whispered, peering into the box. Connie was sleeping and the puppies were nursing. All was good.
“The puppies are eating a lot,” Dallas whispered. “It’s weird how the milk comes out of the mommy’s tummy.”
“That’s just how nature works, Dallas.” Brooklyn ruffled her nephew’s hair and took a seat next to her sister. “Is this boring for you?”
“Honestly? No. It’s sheer heaven. It’s quiet, the other mom in the room has her babies under control, and I can catch up on celebrity gossip. Plus I don’t have to watch sports with Tom and pretend to be interested. I love him to death. But it’s more fun up here.” Virginia’s husband had been stationed in the living room since they’d arrived, but it was nice because he was not only watching Paris, he was chatting up Brooklyn and Virginia’s mom. Aurora didn’t like football much, but she did appreciate the tight pants.
“Good. I’m glad you’re happy.”
“What’s with that big zit on your chin?” Virginia asked.
Brooklyn reflexively reached for the spot. It was a bad one. It actually hurt. “I have no idea why I’m breaking out. I have a couple on my forehead, too.” She swept back her bangs to let Virginia see.
Her sister’s mouth fell open. “Oh, my God.”
“Hey. They’re not that bad. I don’t make fun of your bad skin days.”
“No. Brooklyn. I broke out with both kids.” She gestured at Dallas with a nod. “Right at the beginning. Is there any chance that you’re…? You know…”
It was obvious she didn’t want to saypregnantin front of Dallas. “I seriously doubt it.” They’d spent the last year trying with no luck. All Brooklyn had learned was that she had a highly irregular cycle. “And I’m having perimenopausal symptoms. Hot flashes. Difficulty sleeping. That can come with skin issues, too. Basically, I’m a hormonal nightmare.”
“When was your last period?”
Brooklyn had to think on that one. “Mid-October? Five weeks ago? So I guess it is a little late.”
Virginia squealed, totally getting ahead of herself. “Have you thought about taking a test?”
“No. I haven’t.”
“Do you have one?”
“Yes. We bought the big multi-pack. I have a few in the cabinet.”
“Do you want to?”
Brooklyn wasn’t sure. It was always such a big let-down when it was negative. She and Alec had been through the wringer, month after month, hoping like hell, then not getting the result they wanted. Of course, as of this moment, Brooklyn had only had her hopes up for sixty seconds. And she seriously doubted her sister was right. There was deep satisfaction in telling a sibling they were wrong. It was one of the laws of the universe. “Maybe?”
“Think about it. I have a feeling about this.”
“Like a woo-woo, let’s call mom’s psychic feeling?”
“If you must know, yes. And Mom’s psychic is actually a pretty cool guy.”
“Hmm.” Brooklyn placed a hand on the mattress and leaned back. “I guess a test wouldn’t hurt.”
“You’ve been waiting so long. When it happens, I want you to be able to enjoy every minute of it. That’s all.” Virginia patted Brooklyn’s leg, then hopped up from the bed. “I’m going to go get a glass of wine and check in on Tom and Paris. And Mom.”
Brooklyn took a spot on the floor next to Dallas and stroked Connie’s head lightly. She lifted her nose slightly and pressed her head against Brooklyn’s hand. The stunning ring Alec gave her on that snowy day a year ago glinted in the light. They hadn’t tied the knot yet, mostly because she and Alec had been so busy. Yes, Cy had made Brooklyn’s load at work much lighter, and he was working out fabulously, but they’d moved the entire Posh Post operation out to Queens to save money and have more room. That had been a major undertaking. They’d done some reorganization on Aurora Beauty once they brought it into the fold, and the entire line had gone gangbusters after Brooklyn and Virginia got their marketing team involved. Their mom basically just showed up at the office every day and answered emails, went to lunch, then headed home. Which was perfect as far as Brooklyn and Virginia were concerned. But with all of that going on, then Alec’s new job, and the arrival of Connie, a wedding had taken a back seat.
