Page 25 of Wolves & Watercolors
“Are you coming to the baby shower?” I ask.
He takes a sip from his mug and sets it down. “I think I’ll leave it for the young people.”
“You aren’t exactly old.”
“Sometimes I feel it.” He chuckles. “I already gave her several gifts, so I’ll leave the partying to you guys. Besides, I’ve got something I’ve got to handle today.”
“I’ll come back with a full report for you on all the baby shower shenanigans.”
“I look forward to it.” He leans back and crosses his ankle over his knee, looking utterly relaxed.
Perhaps someone would stop to retrieve me, but I don’t wait to find out. My pride couldn’t handle it if it was Cedarassignedto me again. It’s a bright morning outside, so I pick my way along the familiar trail to Hazel’s house like a capable adult, clutching my trio of paintings to my chest.
Marigold buzzes around inside, adding individual cut flowers to bud vases scattered across the dining table, tucked between plates of food.
“Wow, this looks great!”
Her head pops up. “Aurora!” She squeezes me in a tight hug, rocking me back and forth enthusiastically. I’m not really a hugger, but today, it makes me feel better and I hug her back with one arm.
“What can I do to help?”
“Oh, I think everything is pretty much set. The games are prepped, food is out, and I think all the decorations are up.” She props her hands on her hips and rotates to survey the room. Two gift bags perch on a side table so I add my offering to the collection.
Hazel descends the steps, gripping the railing for balance. Her belly has visibly dropped, slinging low on her hips. Marigold and I spin, both opening our mouths, but she raises a hand. “I know and I don’t want to hear about it. At least I don’t have heartburn anymore and I can breathe again.”
“See? It’s a good thing!” Marigold claps her hands together.
Hazel scowls but heads straight for the snacks. She piles chocolate covered strawberries on her plate with abandon and then heads to the armchair.
“Ready for us?” Vibrant pink hair grabs my attention as a petite woman slips through the front door. Cedar’s twin walks behind her, his hand straying to her waist as they pause just inside.
“Ember!” Hazel says, pushing herself out of the chair awkwardly. Ember closes the distance between them and pulls her into a gentle hug. Pulling away, she runs her hands over Hazel’s belly, murmuring a greeting to the baby.
Marigold frowns at Onyx. “I thought you couldn’t make it.”
“Heath and Hawthorne took my place.”
“Very thoughtful of them.”
“Something about a game I didn’t want to miss?”
“Oh, you’ll see.” Marigold’s grin is devious.
Slate and Jasper follow Ember and Onyx into the cabin, some friendly argument fading away as they survey the room. Slate moves to my sister, planting a kiss on her forehead and wrapping an arm around her. Jasper moves to Marigold and performs a similar ritual. I find my eyes straying to the door.
The couple I met the first day arrive next. Cassia and Lazuli. Cassia balances a baby on her hip. As everyone eats, I inch closer. Maybe it’s my upcoming status as an aunt, but I’m drawn to her.
“Hello, Aurora, how’s your visit?” Cassia says with a polite smile.
“Good! Your baby is so cute!” I offer my finger and she grasps it eagerly. Her fist is wet with drool.
“Sorry, she’s teething. This is Poppy. Our son, Oliver, is with the babysitter.”
“Two kids?” I cover my mouth with my free hand while Poppy yanks my finger back and forth.
“So far.” Lazuli says, kissing his wife’s cheek.
“That’s plenty!” She laughs and swats at him.
