Page 25 of Tiny Precious Secrets (The Brothers of Calloway Creek The Montanas #4)
Allie
There isn’t a dry eye in the room. All my friends are here. And with the exception of Mia, they’re all shocked to the core at my admission.
Telling them about Christopher has been difficult. But I’ve had a bit of practice breaking the news. I told my brothers and their wives a few days ago when Asher was here.
Marti was beside herself. She had no idea she and I shared such similar experiences.
While Marti didn’t know she was going to lose her infant girl, it still hit her just as hard as my loss hit me.
Somehow, it’s strengthened our sisterly bond.
She’s been calling us double sisters as we’re marrying each other’s brothers.
At least I hope that’s how it turns out. So much is riding on Bug’s acceptance of this whole situation, which so far, hasn’t been what we’d hoped. It is, however, what I expected.
“So that’s why you never wanted to talk about your time in Australia,” Ren says.
I nod. “Never set foot on the continent.”
Maddie and Ava are speechless as they grip each other’s hands.
Sophie is sitting silently, still in tears, shaking her head in disbelief. This happened before she moved to town to become the nanny for Quinn and Amber’s kids, but it’s still hitting her hard. As it is all my friends.
Regan and Ellie already knew, having heard my news the other night along with Marti, but that doesn’t mean their eyes are any drier.
Addison McQuaid pulls me in for a long hug. “You underestimate your friends, Allie. I hope you know we’re here to support you through thick and thin.”
“I’m actually glad to hear you say that,” I say with the hint of a smile. “I might need a little support.”
Mia’s grin grows as we share a look. My sisters-in-law also begin smiling.
Addy looks from me to the others. “What is it?” she asks, confused by the sudden shift in our behavior.
“There’s a reason I chose now to tell you about Christopher.” I can’t contain my full-on grin when I turn to the side, press my shirt flat against my belly and showcase my small bump with hands gripping it above and below.
Jaws drop. Mouths open. Gasps are audible.
“You’re pregnant?” Maddie squeals, jumping up from her chair.
My eyes fall on Ava, then Serenity. Both have been trying to get pregnant, and I know every time someone they know and love has a child, it’s just one more reminder of their failed attempts.
I’m closer with Ren than I am with Ava. Ren and I have been friends practically our whole lives.
She’s already a mom, having adopted Cody years ago, but she and Cooper have been trying for a biological child for at least a year.
Still, she looks nothing but happy for me and she’s crossing the room nearly as fast as Maddie.
Ava is trying to show excitement over my news, but I know the tears in her eyes are both happy and sad.
She and Trevor have been trying for a child forever.
He’s a military doctor, stationed overseas for the past seven years.
Every time he’s on leave, they disappear for days at a time.
And if her cycle doesn’t match up with his leave, they freeze his sperm through a local lab and she self-inseminates when she’s ovulating.
It’s been painful to watch her roller-coaster of emotions every time she thinks she could be pregnant and then isn’t.
After Regan and Lucas had Mitchell earlier this year, Ava and Trevor decided that when he’s permanently back home next year, they’ll move on to more aggressive measures.
Ava gives me her best attempt at a smile, but I can tell it’s forced. I don’t hold it against her. She’s had to watch her two very best friends—Maddie and Regan—have babies in the past year. I truly can’t wait for the day she becomes a mom. No one deserves it more.
“There’s more,” I say, after accepting all their hugs.
“You’re getting married!” Ren shrieks.
I shake my head. “No. I mean, maybe in the future.” I touch my bump again. “It’s twins.”
For the third time today, I’ve shocked my friends. Hell, I’ve shocked myself. Every time I say the word twins, or even think it, my heart flutters.
I’m being squeezed by Serenity as I look behind her to Ava, who is putting on a brave face but is obviously conflicted by my news. She can’t get pregnant and here I am accidentally having two. It makes me feel guilty.
But I also can’t help feeling oh so happy, because this time I get to enjoy it. Times two!
My ultrasound pictures get passed around the room.
Marti comes up by my side and slips her hand around my waist. “Do you have any idea how happy you’ve made my brother?”
I’m still trying to come to terms with the whirlwind that’s been this week.
Asher and I are in love. We’re moving in together.
We’re having babies. It’s a lot to wrap my mind around in such a short period of time.
But sometimes, in the back of my mind, I wonder if, when the dust settles, either of us will have a change of heart.
I push aside the intrusive thought and return Marti’s hug, reminding myself to bask in this newfound happiness for as long as I possibly can. Because I know as well as she does that nothing in life is guaranteed.