Page 89 of V-Day

“You live in the most peaceful medical center in the world up there,” Calli pointed out. “Nothing could go wrong.”

“Except I don’t know how to raise babies! I’ve never even held one,” Carmen admitted in a rush.

Duardo laughed and put his arm around her. “I’ll have Minnie teach you.” He looked over her head and waved again.

Minnie joined the group, her hand on her extended belly. She glowed, as usual. Carmen sighed again.

Duardo drew Minnie around to his side. “Carmen is pregnant and worried.”

“Really? That’s wonderful!” Minnie said. “You’ll love being a mother.”

“That’s fine for you to say,” Carmen shot back. “You’ve had fifteen kids already.”

“Three,” Minnie countered gently. “This will be four.” She shook her head. “I didn’t think I was ready, either. It just works out.” She frowned slightly. “Although, I’m surrounded by kids and mothers all day, so there’s that.”

“You’re still working with war survivors, Minnie?” Cristián asked.

Minnie gave a small smile. “As long as there are survivors who need help, I’ll keep working with them and kicking Duardo’s butt to get the right services in place for them.”

“Playgrounds is the latest,” Duardo muttered, looking stressed.

Minnie rested her hand on Carmen’s wrist. “You’ll be fine. You’ll see.”

“I suppose I will,” Carmen said. “There’s no going back now.”

Garrett laughed and kissed her temple. “I do know how to change a diaper,” he reminded her.

Carmen looked thoughtful. “Hmmm…”

Cristián frowned. “Where are Danny and Olivia? Are they here tonight?” he asked Duardo.

“My new Foreign Minister is in Europe with her husband,” Duardo said. “A diplomatic tour.”

“I guess that’s the classic euphemism,” Cristián said. He looked around the group as everyone smiled. “Come on. Daniel’s ‘something’ in government and follows Olivia everywhere. You’re telling me he’s not running Duardo’s intelligence department?”

Duardo gripped his shoulder. “It’s good to have you back home, prodding everyone out of their complacency.”

A chime sounded and Calli looked up. “Dinner in ten minutes,” she called, lifting her voice so it would travel across the big room. “Everyone but Duardo needs to find their seats.”

Cristián rolled his eyes. “You get to make an entrance, big brother?”

“Believe me, it isnotmy idea,” Duardo breathed.

Cristián met his gaze. “You’ll be fine,” he murmured.

Chloe slid her hand into Cristián’s. “I’m not quite fine, though,” she whispered into his ear.

Cristián glanced at her, startled.

Chloe nodded. “April,” she said softly.

Cristián drew in a slow, slow breath, and let it out. “God, it’s so good to be home.” He pulled her into his arms. “Think we can figure out how to raise a child?”

Chloe considered for a moment. “If he or she is anything like either of us, we’re in deep, deep trouble.”

*

NICK DREW CALLI OUT ONTOthe slender balcony at the top of Government House. It overlooked Pascuallita and the lowlands. The sea was a dark curve on the horizon. “The view here really is spectacular,” he said, sliding his arm around her waist. “I’m glad Minnie insisted it be put in the design. The perspective is humbling.”