Page 3 of Shattered Dreams

“Oh. That?”

Don’t cry. Don’t let them see.

“I was trying to open something and when I got it free, I busted my fist into it.”

“Look, Jo, he’s not good for you.” Vivi gave my hand a squeeze. “You and the boys can come with us.”

I shook my head. “He’s a good husband. The boys love their dad. Stop …” I jumped in the chair and grabbed my lower back. “Whew. As I was saying. Stop worrying.”

Tension filled the air, and then Miranda cleared her throat. “I have some news.”

We all looked her way, and her face lit up with joy. “Baby Walsh is on the way.”

“Aw, that’s amazing!” Edie did a small dance in her chair. “It’s nice that we all have kids together.”

“Maybe they’ll all grow to be friends the way we all are.” Vivi looked over at Frankie, bossing the boys around. “Ugh, maybe she’ll lead the way on Wall street and not a gang?” A soft laugh erupted. “This one loves to be snuggled and eat.”

“You leave my beautiful niece, Amelia, alone.” Miranda laughed. “Babies should be snuggled and love to eat.”

Vivi shook her head. “She’s chonky.”

“She’s perfect.” I reached over and tickled her little toes.

I wanted a little girl, but I wouldn’t trade my boys for anything. Another sharp pain made me jump again.

“Ow!” I sat forward and took a couple of deep breaths.

“Jo?” Edie leaned forward and searched my face. “Are you having labor pains?”

“This doesn’t feel like labor.” I panted, trying to breathe through the pain.

“Could be back labor.” Miranda got up and crouched in front of me. “When’s your due date?”

“I’ve got two weeks.” I shuddered as the pain passed.

“Maybe we should take you in?” Her hands pressed on my knees. “Could be worth checking out.”

“I’m fine.” I brushed her off. “We’ve all been pregnant and know that sometimes you get odd pains.”

Miranda narrowed her eyes at me. “Uh-huh.”

Vivian handed me a bottle of water. “Maybe you just need to relax?”

“Maybe.” I sat back in my chair.

I felt them all staring at me while we watched the kids play. This wasn’t helping me relax at all. All I wanted was to enjoy a modicum of peace before going back home.

Miranda and Vivi talked about some of the new bottle designs that came out since Frankie, Charlie, and Dillon were born.

Edie talked about the diner and how Evelyn was a pain in the ass.

I had nothing to add. When you’re home all day, every day, there’s nothing new to say.

After we’d been there for an hour, my phone blew up. Each text angrier than the last.

Y ain’t u back yet?

Where r u?

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