Page 72 of Power Move

I snickered. “Oh, he heardallabout that. To my surprise, shewas much nicer to meaftershe found out I was pregnant with her grandchildren than she was with her son.”

“Better that way,” Mom glared at Dad. “Better than having your mother-in-law become distraught at the news of any of your pregnancies.”

“My mother wasn’t happy to hear about either of you,” Dad snickered. “I always had to protect your mom. Hopefully Richie Rich takes that approach to protecting you, too.”

“I think he will,” I agreed. “Whether I like it or not.”

It felt good to finally hop in the pool on a hot, humid August evening without a care in the world. I didn’t have to cover anything. I felt free as I lounged in a bikini, my stomach on full display. Every day, it grew slightly—further fucking up my back. As I floated on a pool float, Ellie’s head popped up the steps.

“I brought sparkling alcohol-free wine,” Ellie said.

I laughed. “Don’t tell me you drank the water.”

“Hell no. We’re done,” Ellie said. “Mike is perfectly happy the way we are, and I think that’s beautiful. Speaking of beautiful?—”

She poured two glasses. “You areglowing, Eva. And that belly! What a difference a week makes!”

“I exploded. I am so relieved I could finally say something,” I sighed. “Not without issues. And I am sure Brooke will shit a brick. I’ve asked Mom and Dad not to tell her. I want to wait a few more weeks until after her baby ‘sprinkle’ or she’ll lose it.”

Ellie waded over, handing me a cup with one hand. “So, how did it go? I mean, after you fell?”

“My left hand is the only one that works. I’m sore and my back hurts. Tomorrow, I get to see what I’m having. It’s a hot mess.”

“But the baby is fine?”

I sipped and took a beat. “Well, don’t freak out but it’s actually twins. The ultrasound blindsided us.”

“Twins?”

“Identical twins.”

“The man’s swimmers work!”

“Oh, stop!” I said. “It was my eager ovulation that did the work. Honestly, I cannot believe it. For months, I struggled to conceive, but a one-night stand and a broken condom finally made my dreams come true.”

She snickered. “Eva, that’s terrible. Give him more credit. It’s been more than a one-night stand. He’s stood by you.”

“I am not giving him credit for doing the bare minimum,” I said. “However, he’s going above and beyond to support me. Also, there was a thing on a boat.”

“A thing on a boat?”

“We sort of lost control and shagged on his family’s yacht.”

“Evangeline!” Ellie screeched, smacking my bad arm.

“Fuck! Ouch!” I said as my wrist vibrated in pain.

“Oh, shit, I’m so sorry, sweetie. Well, fuck! So, when is the wedding?”

“Never,” I said. “How are the final things coming along? Are we still on for shoes on Wednesday?”

“I will be there with bells on,” Ellie answered. “But you?”

“I will be. Of course, tomorrow night, Dad is insistent we go car shopping. The minute I texted Davey about it, he agreed. The men are conspiring against me. Although, at this point, I would say Dad just wants to vet him.”

“There’s nothing to worry about. He’s gorgeous, rich, and falls all over himself around you.”

“He does not!”