by Paula Kay
“Okay, don’t worry. I’m alright.” It was a lie but Jemma didn’t want Blu worrying about her when she was right in the middle of a big event.
“I love you, honey. Talk to Bella and the others—tell them what’s happened, and I’m sure Douglas can help you find out what’s going on.”
“Okay, yes, that’s a good idea. Bye, Mom.”
Jemma felt her daughter’s hand on her arm as she hung up the phone.
“What’s wrong, Mommy?” It was Chloe, always so sensitive to feelings that were swirling around her. Sometimes Jemma actually wondered if the young girl had some kind of psychic ability—she was often that much in tune to the emotions of others.
“Nothing’s wrong, honey. Are you girls almost ready for some lunch?”
“Mommy, don’t fib.”
Jemma laughed despite her still worried thoughts. “Honey, I’m not fibbing. Why do you say that, silly?”
“I can tell. I can always tell when you’re not telling me the complete story.”
Jemma leaned in to kiss her daughter on the forehead. Chloe was repeating the very same words that her father had used with her days earlier when he’d caught her lying about something that had happened between her and Daisy.
“Honey, there’s no story to tell. Go tell Daisy and Ari that it’s time to clean up now. And I’ll go get those delicious sandwiches you helped me make earlier.”
“And the fruit salad?”
Jemma smiled. “Yes, I won’t forget the fruit salad.”
Chloe, seemingly satisfied enough to forget the grilling of her mother for information—for now, anyway—ran off to join the other girls.
Jemma watched her run off and then saw Chloe put her arm around her sister, her worried thoughts momentarily interrupted by the physical love she had for her daughters. Twins. She still marveled at it. It seemed impossible that they’d gone through her whole pregnancy without the knowledge that there were two little girls vying for attention in her womb.
She had panicked only for a second when the doctor had told them the news during the delivery—only for that very brief second, before she saw the tears in Rafael’s eyes. He’d leaned down to kiss her, squeezing her hand and telling her that everything was going to be just fine—that two babies were just perfect for their family.
First there was Chloe—a name they’d chosen quite easily—followed by her sister. Jemma had gazed down at her with wonder as Rafael held their firstborn and just like that, the name Daisy had come to her and seemed to suit their little surprise daughter perfectly.
Now that they were four, it seemed that every day Jemma noticed the distinct differences between her daughters. Chloe, the eldest by mere seconds, was always the big sister—slightly bossy, and with a watchful eye that seemed to always be on her sister. She was definitely the more vocal of the two.
Daisy was quieter than her sister, but had an equally loud voice when it came to expressing her displeasure over something. She was intensely loyal, never one to tattle, a trait that Jemma found especially endearing. Daisy could play outside for hours; Jemma would often find her under the big tree outside with a favorite book in her hand. Daisy also loved to paint, and while trying not to be biased, Jemma felt that there was definitely some natural talent there.
Yes, their daughters had brought great pleasure to their lives.
Jemma felt the jolt of panic once again as she looked down at her phone screen. Raf, please text me. 12:30. Lia and Gigi would be there in a half hour and Isabella was likely to be up before then. She’d just busy herself with the girls and their lunch and try to put any worrisome thoughts out of her mind.
Rafael would be fine. He’d be home for Christmas just like he’d promised Jemma and the girls. Everything would be fine. Jemma recited the words inside her head as if it was a mantra of positive thoughts she could will into fruition.
End of the preview.
Get “Christmas in Tuscany (A Legacy Series Reunion, Book 1) here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ1OGYF
Dear Reader,
I can’t express to you just how much I’ve loved writing the Legacy Series and A Map for Bella.
I hope that you will continue on this journey with me and the family in the new Legacy Series Reunion books.
You’ll find a preview for the next book in the following pages.
If you’ve enjoyed the series, “A Map for Bella,” I’d really appreciate it if you would take a moment to leave an honest review here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQ497EV/
I’m also hard at work developing new book/series ideas which I will be so excited to share with you.
If you’ve not done so, please be sure to sign up at the mailing list link below to be notified as soon as I have more information regarding my next book.
I’m excited about that and I hope you are too.
Thank you so much for your support. It means everything to me.
** I have a FREE book for you! **
The Golden Gate Bridge, the world famous icon that spans San Francisco Bay, means so much to the people of that community.
It's much more than a beautifully crafted morass of metal and concrete, it's the beating soul of the city. Travelers know they are home when they catch sight of the bridge, people pay a King's ransom to buy homes that have a view of it.
In times of happiness, people turn to the bridge to celebrate their life's successes, proposals are made, love is declared, relationships that last forever start on the bridge.
For others, it's a place of solace, a place of last resort. The soulful mother of the city that wraps her arms around you when you are in crisis.
Join with me and listen to the stories of The Bridge.
Click the link below to download your copy.
http://PaulaKayBooks.com
Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Paula
All titles by Paula Kay Can be Found Here (Author Page)
http://www.amazon.com/author/paulakay
The Complete Legacy Series
Bundle Set Now Available!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0153HL7SS
Buying Time
In Her Own Time
Matter of Time
Taking Time
Just in Time
All in Good Time
A Map for Bella
Bella’s Hope
Bella’s Holiday
Bella’s Heart
Bella’s Home
Legacy Series Reunion
Christmas in Tuscany
Birthday Surprise
A Summer Together
*Signing up for the free book on the earlier page, will put you on the notification list for new releases and special discounts.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.