Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 69330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 231(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 231(@300wpm)
“I’ve already organized entertainment for the children and babysitters for when us grownups have our night out,” Asia said.
“That sounds wonderful.” Maya nudged Tim with a knee. “Being back in South America will bring back memories of Costa Rica, won’t it, love?”
“Mm.” He looked deep into her eyes before stealing a chaste kiss. “Looks like Deon and Zola are having fun.”
The three-year-old twins, Maya and Tim’s adopted son and daughter, were the youngest of the children. The oldest was Khwezi, Sara and Wayne’s son, who was eight.
An alarm buzzed on Cain’s wrist pad. “Excuse me.” He got up and made his way to the house.
Joss, who could never seem to keep his hands off Clelia, pulled her onto his lap. “You worked hard today.” He motioned at the spread on the table. “You should relax tonight. I’ll take care of Laudren’s dinner and bath.”
She put her arm around his shoulder. “You’re too sweet.”
“He just loves spending time with that baby of his,” Bono teased.
“Not so baby anymore.” Joss looked over at the children, a rare smile lighting up his face. “They’re growing up too fast.”
“They’re good kids,” Ivan said, his legs stretched out in front of him. “You’re lucky.”
“Any news from Alice?” Sara asked.
Ivan sighed. “Damn, I miss that girl. Her recording finishes tomorrow. She’ll be on tomorrow night’s flight.”
“I would’ve been happy to fetch her,” Bono said.
“Nah, she wants you to spend time with your new family. You’re still on honeymoon.”
“I’ll go check if the kids want a drink,” Wayne said. “They’ve been running so much they’ll get dehydrated.”
Sara’s husband wasn’t a big talker, but he was one of the most sincere people Sky had met.
“You’re overprotective,” Kat said with a laugh. “They’ll ask if they’re thirsty.”
“Sometimes they play so hard they forget.”
“I’ll help.” Maya took the tray with the plastic glasses and gave Kat a wink as she passed, whispering, “Overprotective alpha males.”
“Drinks, everyone,” Maya called, placing the tray on the table with the cake. “Who wants what?”
Wayne was already twisting open bottles of soda, which were reserved for special occasions only.
“Me, me,” Laudren called, jumping up and down.
“In a minute, sweetheart. The birthday boy first,” Maya said, reaching for one of the cups. “Ouch.”
“What happened?” Wayne asked.
Tim was already on his feet.
“Calm down.” She held up her finger. A tiny drop of blood pooled on the tip. “It was just a thorn from the rose bush.”
Laudren reached for her hand. After inspecting it with a cute, serious expression, he stuck her injured finger in his mouth.
Maya gasped. “Oh, my God. Is it possible?”
Clelia jumped from Joss’s lap, almost tripping in the process, with Joss following suit.
“Joss,” Clelia said, taking his hand. “Do you think…?”
Laudren released Maya’s finger and tilted his head. “Maya is going to have a baby.”
Maya paled. She placed one hand over her stomach and grabbed the table at her back with the other. “What?”
In a few long strides, Tim was at her side, his arms going around her.
“Look,” Khwezi said, pointing up at the sky. “It’s getting cloudy. It’s going to rain.”
Thomas grinned. “No, it’s not.”
Keeping a concerned eye on Maya, Kat took Thomas aside and said, “What did we say about messing with the weather?”
“I’m sorry,” he said, casting his eyes down. “I don’t want my party to rain out.”
“It won’t,” Wayne said. “Those clouds are only passing by.”
“Joss,” Clelia said, pushing him toward Maya and Tim.
He walked to where they stood and held out a hand. “May I?”
Maya offered a shaky finger.
Joss took a utility knife from his pocket and caught the fresh drop of blood that had formed on the tip. He brought the blade to his mouth and tasted it. He didn’t have to say a word. His face said it all.
“Babygirl.” Tim pressed her body to his. “It’s a miracle.”
Just then, Cain exited the house, his face an unreadable mask. “We found Mrs. Reid. Get packing. We’re going to Brazil.”
* * *
~ THE END ~