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“I love seeing you guys and Mom and Owen so happy,” Cindy said.
“We want it for you, too, Goose,” Katie said, evoking Cindy’s childhood nickname, given to her because she was supposedly a silly goose.
“Haven’t heard that in a while,” Cindy said, grimacing.
“Because you’re not silly like you used to be,” Katie said gently. “You don’t laugh and joke and tease, and before you say anything, we know why.”
In front of a crowd of family and friends, her father had told her to stop acting like such a goddamned fool. The memory of shame and humiliation brought tears to Cindy’s eyes all these years later.
“Don’t do that,” Julia said. “Don’t give him even one more minute of your time.”
“I wish it was that simple,” Cindy said, dabbing at her eyes with a paper napkin.
“I know,” Julia said. “Believe me. I get it.”
“We all do,” Katie added, “but how about some good news?”
Cindy nodded. “Yes, please.”
“Shane and I are trying for a baby again, but I’m only telling you guys. Just in case.”
“Aw, Katie.” Cindy hugged her sister. “I’m so glad you’re doing that.”
“Part of me wants to skip the whole thing after the miscarriage, but Shane convinced me that would be silly. We need to keep trying until we get it right.”
“And the trying isn’t awful, right?” Julia asked with a grin.
“Not at all. It’s wonderful. I just wish I could shake the anxiety. I had myself convinced I was done with having babies when we’d only just started. Thankfully, Shane was super patient and helped me come around to trying again. He said at least we know now that we can. We just have to keep trying until we get the baby we were meant to have.”
“He’s so sweet,” Cindy said.
“I love him so much,” Katie said.
“I hope you guys know that you’ve inspired me, too,” Cindy said. “It’s not just Mom. It’s you two and Owen and even Charlie. You were all able to get past stuff that should’ve ruined you forever to have your happily ever after.”
“You’re going to get yours, too, Cin,” Julia said, squeezing Cindy’s hand. “I just know it.”
“I agree,” Katie said. “It’s been a long time since you were moony over a guy like you are over Jace.”
“I’m not moony over him,” Cindy said. “What does that even mean?”
Her sisters made faces that had Cindy convulsing with laughter.
“If I ever look that stupid, take me out and shoot me, will you please?”
Before her sisters could reply, the front door opened, and Jace strolled in, stealing the breath from her lungs as she watched him come toward her.
“Morning, ladies,” he said.
“You remember my sisters Julia and Katie, right?”
“Of course. Nice to see you again.”
“You, too.”
“Anyone need a coffee refill?” he asked, going to the pot.
“I was getting ready to go to work for a couple of hours to catch up,” Julia said, giving Cindy a look, “but why would I leave right when things are getting interesting?”
