Page 81 of Welcome Home to Ivy Falls

‘Smart woman. Tell a few souls in Ivy Falls and by sundown the whole damn town will know,’ Tessa snickered.

‘Ford did say she was doing better.’

‘Ford, huh?’ Tessa grinned. ‘You two did look cozy at “Music in the Square”.’

‘We’re spending a little time together.’

Maisey nudged my shoulder. ‘Told you so.’

I waved away her gushing. ‘It’s casual. He’ll be gone by October anyway.’

‘Training wheels,’ Maisey said in a singsong voice only I could hear.

I gave her a playful jab with my elbow and she poked my side.

‘Hey, don’t make me break you two up like I do my girls,’ Tess said, even though her stare stayed fixed on the bathroom.

‘Where are Iris and Rose? Aren’t they flower girls?’ Maisey said like she knew Tessa needed a distraction.

‘Their dresses came in last week and fit perfectly. Manny took Lou and the girls to see the horses over at Breyer’s farm so I could have this time with Torran.’

She stood like she was ready to go pound on the bathroom door, when it opened. Old Mrs V held on to Torran’s arm as they walked our way. Torran’s red-rimmed eyes had me squeezing the side of the chair. Shit. I knew it was bad.

‘Girls, Torran needs to tell you something.’

Torran rubbed a hand over her mouth. Looked at the floor and pulled in a deep breath. She started to speak when Maisey said, ‘Oh fuck. You’re pregnant!’

‘Maisey!’ Old Mrs V squawked. ‘You never could hold your tongue.’

Tessa approached Torran. The tentative glance they swapped said Maisey was right.

‘How many weeks?’ Tessa said in a soft voice.

Torran bit into her lip. ‘I don’t know. Haven’t seen a doctor yet. I took my first test, confirming it last week.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me?’

‘Because I wanted to be sure that it was real, which all the morning sickness is surely proving.’

‘Are you happy?’ Tessa asked.

Torran’s chest heaved up once. She bobbed her head, a tear sliding down her cheek.

Tessa burst into sobs and pulled her into a hug. ‘How’s Beck doing?’

‘He’s happier than a pig in mud. In fact, he’s mad right now because I told him he had to stay quiet until I was ready to tell everyone.’

Maisey put a hand on my shoulder and squeezed. ‘You’re getting a new sister and becoming an auntie!’

Fat tears soaked into my cheeks too. I shoved Baby at Maisey and went to Torran, who pulled me into her hug with Tessa.

‘Well, that explains the big boobs and butt,’ Maisey cackled. ‘Joe always said that was an added pregnancy bonus!’

Old Mrs V stood back and watched us all. The pleased-as-punch smile she wore made my heart light. Once I slipped away from Torran’s hold, I went to her side.

‘Another Ivy Falls baby.’

She slid her hand into mine and squeezed. ‘Another miracle.’