Page 28 of A Cowboy's Trust
The gift was safe to open but also hilarious. Petra had made a T-shirt that had an image of a flag planted right where Julia’s belly would eventually push out the fabric. The flag was emblazoned withThis territory claimed by baby Sorenson. Touch at your own risk.
“I need one,” Kelli muttered. “I never realized exactly how many people assume it’s okay to come in too close and pat my belly.”
“Are they still doing that?” Lisa asked in amazement. “I thought they would’ve stopped after you accidentally slugged Mrs. Wilson.”
A burst of laughter danced around the room. Marina eyed Kelli with admiration. “Good for you. I want to know how to accidentally slug someone. Sounds like a skill we need to learn.”
“Twirl rapidly and lift your elbows, and that’s all I’ll say about that,” Kelli offered with a wink.
“Wonderful advice.” Lisa cleared her throat. “This seems an appropriate moment to announce I’m on the baby brigade again.”
Everyone paused for a moment, then a cheer went up.
“Congratulations,” Julia said. “When’s your due date? I’m April fourth, which means cousins who are close together in age.”
“August fifteenth, so I’m past the first trimester. Which means I am no longer waiting in dread for the moment my sister Tamara always threatened would come. You know, the vomiting your guts out twenty-four seven.”
Tansy snickered. Too funny. Poor Tamara had dealt with morning sickness that lasted until she gave birth. “Did you get away scot-freeagain?”
“Except from the wrath of Tamara, yes,” Lisa said with a smirk. “Although, I don’t know if the fact I don’t get morning sickness but do have the labour from hell is a trade-off win.”
The only one of the ladies not leaning forward and offering their heartfelt congratulations was Sydney. She eyed Lisa. “You really okay with the barefoot and pregnant for years on end routine? Or do I need to suggest a little snipping to a certain obviously viral male?”
“It’s hardly been years on end. That’s my cousin Jaxi, although it looks as if she’s finally stopped at six kiddos.” Lisa settled back in the couch, lifting her soft drink in the air. “I know, it shocks me too. Not the fact that I’m pregnant again, because I do know how that happens. And the happy cause of getting me pregnant occurs often, with great enthusiasm, thank you.” She leered at Tansy, who couldn’t help but grin in return. “But Zoe and Mason are so much fun, and Josiah’s like the dad of the century with them. I always wanted three or four kids, so these two will be spaced out like dominoes, one year after the other.”
“As long as it’s your plan, I’ll celebrate,” Sydney assured her. She took a glance around the room. “Onward from babies. Because as awesome a topic as they are, it’s time to discuss what’s keeping all of us busy these days, including the ones who haven’t bred.”
“Busy, or entertained.” Petra grabbed a wine bottle off the table and topped up her glass. “The busy for me is High Water, and entertained is Tansy and allherexcitement.”
What the hell? Tansy shot Petra a look. “You make me sound like a walking circus.”
“If the clown shoes fit,” Petra teased.
Tansy threw popcorn at her.
Across the coffee table, Julia smirked. “I think what Petra means is that you seem a little distracted lately.”
Kelli raised a brow. “Do tell. Luke and I just got back into town after visiting my grandfather for most of January. I’ve obviously missed some exciting news.”
This time Marina lifted a hand as if an eager student. “Oh, oh. Pick me. Pick me.” She leaned forward on her elbows. “Tansy’s smitten.”
A snicker escaped Kelli. “Tansy’s always smitten. She’s always got a flavour of the week or two lined up for dancing and other enjoyment.”
“Oh, no. This is totally different.” Petra ignored the evil glare Tansy shot her way, lips twitching into a grin. “Tansy is serious about someone.”
“Wait—serious?” Kelli sat up, suddenly very interested. “I was gone for three weeks, and I missed a serious Tansy?”
Tansy groaned and buried her face in her hands. “Why do I hang out with you people?”
“Because we’re your best friends,andwe’re fascinated by this rare phenomenon.” Lisa jerked the bowl of popcorn away from Tansy’s hands to avoid getting showered with it. “Now spill. What’s going on with you and Jake?”
“Yes, details. I thought you’d be done with him by now,” Julia added. “According to everybody, two weeks is your max.”
“Then everybody is wrong.”
Lisa leaned toward Marina, dipping her chin knowledgeably. “The sex must be out of this world.”
Before she could stop herself, Tansy shot that idea down. “We haven’t had sex.”
