Page 137 of Feels Like Home

“Believe it… because the first years, like zero to one hundred, were in the first century. So, one hundredone…”

“Carly! Stopteacheringright now! We get it, okay? You’re smarter than weare!”

I’m watching the three of them with amusement. If they’re talking about this, maybe they’ll leave me alone for abit.

“I didn’t say I was smarter. I would never say that out loud. But in this case, I am. Also, teachering isn’t a word. It doesn’t even soundgood.”

“You know. You used to be nice. Before James. BJ — ha! See what I did there?” She laughs to herself. “BJ you were nice. AJ, which doesn’t have quite the same ring to it, you’re just all smart-assy and mean. My brother has really corruptedyou.”

Carly grins, obviously proud of the impact James has made onher.

I stand slowly from my place on the couch, hoping to get by with just my announcement and not needing to reveal much else. I don’t make it twosteps.

“Stop right there, chica.” I slowly spin around and look at the ladies who have become my best friends over the years. I sit down and sigh. It’s not that I’m not willing to give them more information. It’s just that everything feels so new, and I kind of liked having it in our protective bubble. Once it’s out there, it’s out there. I’m not exactly young to be having a child, so the risks we know are involved are more real. It’s terrifying. This little bundle growing inside me might not have been something we planned or expected, but we make up for it in how much we want him or her. Her, if you askAndy.

“We need more details than that. When are you due? How are you feeling? Is Andy excited? A boy? A girl? Twins?” Tessgasps.

“Uhhh…”

“Oh, my gosh. What if you have another set of twins, like hisboys?”

“Well we only heard one heartbeatso…”

“You heard the heartbeat already?” Carly shouts, standing up and throwing her arms in theair.

“Yes, you goofball, we’ve been to the doctor several times. Given the fact that I’m forty-one years old, they’re keeping a closer eye onthings.”

I don’t tell her that all three kids went with us to an early ultrasoundalso.

“Pssh, you may be forty-one in actual years, but you’re so healthy it’s more like dogyears.”

“So, I’msix?”

“What? No! You know what I mean. Stop being so literal!” Lauren laughs. “But seriously. You’re in excellent shape, and holy crap your kids are going to be gorgeous. Andy’s hot. And don’t give me that look. I love my husband, but damn, girl. Andy’s got it goin’on.”

“What would Josh say if he heard you saythat?”

“Oh, please. Like he doesn’t know. I don’t lie to myhusband.”

How can I not laugh at that? Sitting in this room, though, are three of the most faithful and loving wives ever. And their husbands are thesame.

“Well, yeah, I would have to agree with you on that. Andy is definitely hot. And…” I gulp and look away before whispering, “young.”

“Oh stop. He’s notthatyoung,” Carlyinsists.

I raise an eyebrow at her. “He’s six years younger thanme.”

“So? You think that bothershim?”

I grab the box of Wheat Thins off the coffee table, one of the things I crave and can’t stop eating. Andy and I have boxes of them scattered everywhere. I eat a couple of crackers before I continue. “No, I know it doesn’t bother him. He’s made that perfectly clear. But, it’s hard to explain. We getlooks.”

“If y’all get looks, it’s only because you two are a smokin’ hot couple and everyone is wondering if you two are celebrities.” Tess nods her head at the other ladies for theiragreement.

“You’re such a suckass.”

“I am not! I don’t lie! Right,ladies?”

“Oh damn,” Lauren says, looking around the room excitedly, bouncing in her seat on thecouch.

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