Page 34 of Welcome Home to Ivy Falls (Ivy Falls #3)

‘Maisey!’ Old Mrs V squawked. ‘You never could hold your tongue.’

Tessa approached Torran. The tentative glance they swapped said Maisey was right.

‘How many weeks?’ Tessa said in a soft voice.

Torran bit into her lip. ‘I don’t know. Haven’t seen a doctor yet. I took my first test, confirming it last week.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me?’

‘Because I wanted to be sure that it was real, which all the morning sickness is surely proving.’

‘Are you happy?’ Tessa asked.

Torran’s chest heaved up once. She bobbed her head, a tear sliding down her cheek.

Tessa burst into sobs and pulled her into a hug. ‘How’s Beck doing?’

‘He’s happier than a pig in mud. In fact, he’s mad right now because I told him he had to stay quiet until I was ready to tell everyone.’

Maisey put a hand on my shoulder and squeezed. ‘You’re getting a new sister and becoming an auntie!’

Fat tears soaked into my cheeks too. I shoved Baby at Maisey and went to Torran, who pulled me into her hug with Tessa.

‘Well, that explains the big boobs and butt,’ Maisey cackled. ‘Joe always said that was an added pregnancy bonus!’

Old Mrs V stood back and watched us all. The pleased-as-punch smile she wore made my heart light. Once I slipped away from Torran’s hold, I went to her side.

‘Another Ivy Falls baby.’

She slid her hand into mine and squeezed. ‘Another miracle.’

Ms Darcy flew back into the room and came to a dead stop when she saw all of us rubbing our eyes. ‘Honestly, all the paperwork shows I ordered the right size.’

Tessa put an arm around her, trying to reassure the poor woman that we weren’t upset. That what Torran had on was indeed the correct gown. She gave a confused nod and mumbled a few words about checking the thermostat again.

‘Well, now that you all know, I’m going to put my clothes back on.’

Torran turned and Maisey shoved Baby back in my direction. ‘That dress can be let out in a couple of ways. Let me tell you about it.’

She reluctantly agreed and let Maisey follow her back into the dressing room with Tessa chasing after them.

Old Mrs V let out a low breath. Her hand shook in mine as I led her to a nearby chair. ‘Getting old really bites the big one.’

It was hard not to laugh at the blunt way she saw the world.

‘Ford told me you’re adjusting well to the medicine. That’s positive.’

She gave me a pleased smile. ‘I like that you two are together. It’s about time you let a fella treat you nice.’ She leaned in and I knew I was in trouble by the mischief in her gaze. ‘Somethin’ tells me that boy is a good kisser too. Those full lips. Wow!’

‘I’m not telling you anything about how he kisses!’

She nudged my shoulder playfully. ‘Oh, honey, I’m happy that you’re letting yourself have a little fun. He’s good for you, and by the way you look at him it’s easy to tell things are mutual.’

Since Ford and I had decided on this little agreement of ours, I’d done everything I could to not build it up in my head.

Every time he smiled at me, whispered that nickname I’d come to love against my heated skin, I had to remind myself that it wouldn’t last. When he kissed my shoulder, collarbone, made me grasp his hair as he pleasured me with his fingers and his mouth, I repeated that the tender way he touched me was fleeting.

He’d go back to Africa and I’d return to my solo existence.

But in the quiet moments, when my dark room was filled with nothing but the sound of his heartbeat against my ear, I questioned if there could ever be more for us.

Whether, if I brought it up, he’d consider staying in contact.

Seeing me again once he returned. That idea was quickly squashed by the promise I’d forced him to make.

We’d agreed to part as friends and nothing more.

Old Mrs V patted my arm. ‘Where’d you go just then?’

‘Thinking about how long Maisey is going to pester Tor about the dress.’

That knowing look returned to her gaze. She knew I was lying, but she never pushed me.

Always gave me enough space to figure out my problems on my own.

In so many ways, she reminded me of my mother.

She had an instinct for when I needed a supportive word.

A subtle push in the right direction like she’d done with me and the musical.

More than once she’d told me that she’d adored my parents.

That she felt compelled to look after me and, although at first it felt all kinds of strange, now I couldn’t imagine my life without her reassuring presence.

‘Your mother confided in me once that she was looking forward to being a grandmother one day.’ She pulled Baby from my lap and gave him a gentle pat on the head.

‘That she’d spoil your and Beck’s children terribly.

She said that your father often talked about taking them to the lake.

Pushing them out on that old tire swing he loved.

They both would have been thrilled with this turn of events. ’

‘Yes, they would have. Beck has been through so much. He deserves all kinds of happiness.’

Her lips pursed. ‘The same could be said for you.’

‘Not sure I’m there yet.’

She gave my knee a reassuring pat. ‘I think you’re closer than you’d like to admit.’

I gave her a forced smile. Happiness was within my grasp for the moment, but my luck had never held on for that long.

Yes, Ford made me smile more than I had in a long time. He also made me laugh at his terrible jokes. Moan with passion when he touched me in his gentle way. Inspired me to chase my dreams in spite of my fears. But he was also a temporary gift. One I’d sadly have to relinquish all too soon.