Page 17 of Hot Times in Heart Falls, Vignettes Vol 3

Sasha was easier—she rested her chin on her left fist and hung her right hand out of the box, fingers curled into a C. Her best friend, Jinx, did the opposite, so when they lined the pictures up next to each other, their hands formed a heart.

“That’s cute,” Karen said. She eyed Jinx for a moment before leaning past her niece and whispering in her ear, “Is there something going on with you two? Because you make a cute couple.”

Sasha snorted. “Besties, that’s all. I’m definitely into guys, and Jinx is not into anyone right now.”

“Fair enough.”

By the time Caleb and Tamara were done, and Karen and Finn had their turns, Karen’s cheeks hurt from laughing so much.

“I’ll clean up the pictures then send them to you guys for final approval. I figured we could send Petra two or three and she can use what works best,” Karen offered.

“Sounds great.” Tamara hugged her tight. “See you…next week? Girl’s night out at my place. We’re making perogies for everyone who wants them. Plus, relaxing and chatting, of course.”

“I’ll be there.”

Multiple hugs and kisses followed from Sasha, Emma, and Tyler. Jinx gave a wave, then the whole group slipped out into the darkness of the March evening.

“The house is always shockingly quiet after your sisters and their entourages leave.” Finn caught Karen by the hand and guided her into the living room. Instead of the two easy chairs that they usually used, he headed to the couch, sitting in the corner and taking her down beside him.

Exactly what she needed. Karen settled in, leaning her back against his chest so she could stare out at the lights twinkling on the temporarily empty guest cabins. “I kind of like the noise.”

“We both do, but it's nice to say goodnight to them and get to have our own quiet place back.” He brushed his lips against her temple. “You’re really good at spending time with your sisters and then not spending time with them.”

Which was maybe a strange comment, but she understood. “We love each other very much, but we also want to live our own lives.”

“You manage it well,” Finn said. “It's clear that you enjoy each other’s company, but I don't see it as if it's out of control or something hanging over your head that you feel obligated to do. Like you didn’t have to have Julia and Lisa here as well as Tamara’s group.”

“Adding in Julia and Lisa and everyone they own makes it a horde gathering. We save those for special occasions.”

He laughed. “Like every other week.”

Yeah, he was kind of right. Still… “The fact that Julia lives across the yard and works with me every day—I guess it's kind of the same as when I lived at home and Lisa was there.” It really had never hit her before. “You know what? I have never really worked anywhere without having family around.”

“That's pretty neat.”

They sat quietly for a minute, but not in silence. The fire crackled, and from the spot where he’d curled up in the crook of her leg, Dandelion Fluff purred loudly enough he sounded like a miniature motor.

How exactly did she go about saying what she needed to tell him? Her news was big and important and yet so very ordinary.

Just tell him.

“Hey, Finn?”

Another soft kiss to her temple. “Yeah?”

The words slipped out. “I'm pregnant.”

Behind her, every muscle in his body turned to stone. His hands on her shoulders tightened and he twisted her to face him.

His eyes flitted over her as if he couldn't believe his ears. “What did you say?”

Maybe she’d had no words before, but all of them spilled out now like the flood gates had opened. “I know when nothing was happening baby-wise, we did all those tests, and nothing conclusive showed up. And I know we had a conversation about how maybe it just wasn't meant to be. I mean, I’m thirty-seven⁠—”

Finn’s mouth hung open, but there was a far too serious look in his eyes for the miracle announcement she’d just shared. “I won’t ask you if you're sure. But…”

“I’m sure. I’ve been waiting just in case, so I’m almost eight weeks along.” She swallowed hard, brushing her fingers over the furrow that had appeared between his brows. “I wasn't trying to keep it secret, but I just didn't dare hope at the start. Then I felt like I needed to wait a little longer, but I feel good. Different—very different—but good.”

“Oh my God.” Finn wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, holding her tight. He pressed her head to his chest, locking her in place. Under her ear, his heart was a horse galloping around the arena.