by Melody Anne
“Nieces, darling sister. I was just kidding at the wedding, but since we both have the same due date, you may be running back and forth between our delivery rooms,” Lia said as she sat down on Rachel’s other side.
“It would be much easier if the two of you just had them in the same room,” Rachel said.
“That would be far too much screaming to listen to,” Shane said, unwisely. All three women glared at him. “I was just kidding,” he added, and he stepped away with his arms raised in defense.
“Oh, girls, I almost forgot to tell you. I finished reading the journal of your Civil War ancestor. When you come out into the world, you’ll have to read the story with me. It’s magical,” said Ari, a sigh escaping her lips.
“Why, what happened?” Lia asked as she propped her feet up.
“Their story is just heartbreaking. I refuse to tell you what happens, though. You have to come stay with Rafe and me and read it then. I’m telling you, you won’t be able to put the story down. ”
“It can’t be nearly as exciting as our own lives,” Rachel said with a laugh as she looked over at Adriane. Her husband, along with Rafe and Shane, had a drink in his hand.
“Yeah, as much drama as we’ve all gone through, I understand why you’d think so, but really, their story is unbelievable,” Ari insisted.
“OK. You have me intrigued. I want to learn about our great-a-million-times-over-grandparents,” Rachel said with a giggle.
“They didn’t live that long ago. Only about a hundred and fifty years. ”
“That may as well be a million years,” Lia said. “Kind of like how long this pregnancy is taking. ”
“I know the feeling,” Ari said, rolling her eyes with a grin.
“Neither one of you gets to complain until you carry two of these little things inside your body,” she said, but there was no heat to her words.
“Is it possible to be any happier than this?” Ari asked as she looked across the room and her eyes connected with Rafe’s.
“I don’t think so,” Lia said, as she smiled at Shane.
“Agreed,” Rachel added, her arms aching for one of her babies. As if Adriane could read her mind, he brought over her daughter and rested her in Rachel’s arms, then leaned down and kissed his beloved wife’s lips.
They’d all gotten their fairy-tale ending, and, of course, their happily ever after.
THE END