Page 6 of Amber: Deja Brew

“The Pumpkin Spice Latte sign!” Julian cries.

“What?” I frown.

“I’ve been getting up early to work on the Pumpkin Spice Latte sign,” Julian says, talking fast. “I’ve been practising the spell in the mornings ever since the cafe opened. I knew you were busy downstairs, and you weren’t expecting me to be up, so it was the perfect time.” Julian gives me a lopsided grin—the kind that has made my heart race and my belly do flips since the day we first met. “I wanted to surprise you.”

“It was the perfect surprise.” I smile dreamily.

“My little boy, getting up before nine to surprise his girl.” Julian’s Mom sounds as dreamy as I do. "A lot of things are changing, aren't they?"

"Nope. Nothing’s changing. Nothing at all,” Julian says quickly.

Which is the furthest thing from the truth. My entire life’s changed in a span of a day. Julian’s too. We’ve finally started dating, after years of just being friends but wanting more. We met Chase and Wes, my two shifter mates. The four of us agreed to make our unique relationship work. And we saved Jewels Cafe from Minerva Evil Montgomery! How can Julian possibly think that nothing has changed?

“Of course things are changing, Juli,” his mom says, echoing my thoughts. "Now tell me about last night... and no, not the grandbaby-making part!”

Julian’s cheeks take on a red hue, as do my own. My mind drifts to last night—and how little it had to do with actually making babies—and I feel a mix of arousal and embarrassment. Not over what happened so much as because Julian’s mom is the one asking.

“You know, Juli,” Mrs. Wade adds wistfully. “Now that Kris broke up with that Noland boy, you and Amber are my best shot at grandbabies!”

"Mom!” Julian cries. “We only just started dating! We’re not having babies!”

"Don’t you want kids?" his mom cries. “Amber, please tell me you want kids!”

“I—”

"Amber doesn't want kids?" I recognize Julian’s sister Taylor's voice in the background.

"Of course I want kids!" I say quickly, shooting a glare at Julian.

"Amber says she wants kids," Julian's mom relays.

"Amber and Juli are having a baby?" Erin squeals.

"No, we're not!" Julian shouts, but no one seems to hear him over the cheering that erupts on the other line.

"Can I talk to Juli and Amber?" Erin begs. “Please, Mom?”

"I was actually thinking we could all go down for a visit. Talk to them in person. What do you say, girls?"

“No!” Julian shouts. I don’t think anyone hears him.

"I've always wanted to see Silver Springs," Erin squeals.

"Me too," Taylor chimes in. “Wait ‘til we tell Kris. She’s been so down since she broke up with Jack.”

“You’re right, dear.” Mrs. Wade adds. “This will be good for her.”

“What will be good for me?” Kris asks. “If it’s another blind date, I’m not interested.”

“Kris!” Erin squeals. “It’s not a blind date. It’s so much better!”

“What is?” Kris asks.

“We’re going to Silver Springs,” Taylor cries.

“No, you’re not!” Julian shouts.

“And Juli and Amber are having a baby!” Erin squeals.