Everyone laughed.
“Well, there’s a big difference between watching one adorable little baby girl and watching a whole gaggle of kids,” Frankie said.
“That’s true,” Ellie said. “And…that’s the point.” She smiled and her whole face glowed. “He offered to watch them all because he wants to practice handling more than one kid at the same time.”
Suddenly, everyone in the room was staring at Ellie.
“Um, Ellie, sweetie, do you have something to tell us?” Stephanie asked.
“I do!” she squeaked. “I’m pregnant again!”
“Oh my God!” The room exploded in cheers and laughter and clapping.
“Ellie, congratulations!”
“That’s awesome!”
“Oh, that is fantastic!”
“Thank you. We are both over the moon. I’m two months along already. This one’s almost an Irish twin to Star. We started trying for another one right away. We both want a big family. And obviously we’re not waiting on it. So I won’t be drinking any adult beverages tonight.”
“That’s fine by me,” Arden said. “I’ve got the makings for virgin piña coladas and margaritas, too.”
“And I can attest, they are great,” Maren said.
“I’ll join you if you want so that you’re not the only one who isn’t drinking tonight,” Arden said as she got from the couch to head for the kitchen.
“You don’t have to do that.” Ellie waved her off.
“No, it’s okay,” Arden told her. “With all the excitement around here, my nerves have kind of been playing havoc with my stomach. I should probably keep going easy on the alcohol.” She rolled her eyes.
“Um,” April started, her face turning bright red. “Better make that three virgin piña coladas.”
Arden stopped and turned. “April, are you saying you’re…”
Wren suddenly bent at the waist and doubled over in her chair. She held up her pointer finger. “Bartender, make that four. Just got confirmation today that I, too, am preggo.”
“What? You guys!” The room exploded again.
“Is there something in the water?” Gina asked.
“Nah. We just all hang out together enough that our periods are synched,” April told her.
“Locked in orbit,” Ellie added.
“And apparently, so are our sex lives.” Wren cackled.
“Well,I’mcertainly not knocked up,” Stephanie said, smoothing back her silver-white hair. “Even though my sex life is glorious, thank you very much. Pour me a big glass of whatever booze you’ve got.” She looked over at Gina. “You with me?”
“I’m with you all the way. Wine, please.”
“Same,” Maren said, admiring her engagement ring. “I’m not ready for a baby. I’m still getting used to the idea of getting married.” She bit her lower lip. “And of Juni calling me Mama.”
Jodie scrunched her head into her shoulders. “No chance of me being pregnant unless I’ve been gestating a baby for the last year.”
She clapped her hands over her mouth. “I can’t believe I just told a room full of people that little tidbit.”
“Ayear?” Stephanie said, looking shocked. “Arden, make Jodie’s a triple shot, STAT.”
