Page 10 of Faith

She was just stepping out of the car when Serenity came running out of the house and practically slammed into her. The attack hug took Nicola by surprise, causing her to stumble back into the car. Serenity Jones was small, but she was mighty.

She hugged her friend back as fiercely as Serenity hugged her. She was the only person in the world that Nicola completely trusted, and vice versa. Well, until Serenity had found Adam and Mick.

“Okay, that’s enough,” Nicola said with a laugh, as she untangled herself from Serenity.

Just a shade over five-foot-four, Serenity looked like the girl next door. Big brown eyes, blonde locks, along with that dimpled smile, she fooled everyone. Nicola knew there was a world class and quite devious mind that operated in her cute head. The darkness that she had seen in her all those years ago when they’d first met was no longer there. Now, only joy sparkled in her eyes. Her whole body practically glowed with it.

“God, you look happy.”

“That’s because I am,” she said.

She glanced back at the house and blinked. For once, the guys weren’t standing there.

“Where are the guys?”

“They’re out back on the lanai drinking beers. Rice is cooked, and salad is made. Mick said he would wait for our special guest.”

“Oh, how fancy. I’m a special guest.”

She looped Nicola’s arm with hers. “So, how was the trip?”

“Long and boring. Jensen was a pain, but that is nothing new.”

“One of these days, you are just going to drop that man, and he isn’t going to know how to function.”

She shrugged. “Truth is, he has barely spent any time in my presence. I think he might be getting ready to fire me.”

“Really? That’s odd.”

“You just can’t think of anyone wanting to fire me, but believe me, it happens.”

She smiled. “No, just something the guys said. But, before we go in there and talk to them, I have something to tell you.”

“Okay.”

“We’re pregnant.”

For a long second, Nicola’s mind blanked. Then, delight spilled through her. “Oh, I am so happy for you, girl.” She pulled her back into her arms for a hug. “You are going to be the best mom.”

“I am, and well, I have double the help, so it will be easy.”

Nicola shook her head as she pulled back. “I’ve never seen you so happy or confident. It is beautiful.”

“Oh, no,” Serenity said. Tears welled up in her eyes.

“What did I say?”

“Nothing, just you made me even happier.”

The screen door opened to reveal Adam. He was the epitome of what a blond surfer would look like, with a hint of danger. He was in a tank top and board shorts.

“She’s crying again,” he yelled back to Mick. He smiled at Nicola and kissed her on the cheek. “She cries all the time these days.”

“How long have you known?” Nicola asked.

“Three days,” Serenity said as she sniffled.

“Three days and you just told me?”

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