Page 126 of Love Is: Two Bodies One Soul

‘I’ve got eyes in my head. Besides, the dressmaker told me she had to make a few strategic changes to your wedding dress this last week. You are blooming.’

‘That’s what happens when it’s twins.’

‘Twins!’ Elizabeth Scott sprang up. ‘You’re having twins too?’

‘Yes.’ Lexie nodded, smiling at her mother’s excitement. ‘We had the scan last week, and it confirmed twins. Baby boys, due in October.’

‘Oh my, oh my, sweetheart. That is so wonderful, and they will be autumn babies just like you and Xander.’ Lexie’s mother sighed happily; then, on a fresh thought, she added: ‘But hard work, my darling. Believe me, you never get a moment’s rest with two babies.’

‘I’ll have Owen to help me,’ Lexie replied, and seeing her mother’s sceptical reaction, she added, ‘He did all the baby care for Emi in the first two years of her life. Anyway, enough of this baby talk.’ Lexie swung her legs out of bed. ‘Time for me to get up.’

‘I’ve run a bubble bath for you already. Kate insisted last night that I use Badedas. Do you know it?’

Lexie grinned. She did sometimes wonder what world her mum lived in. ‘Of course, I know it, Mum. Kate uses it all the time. It is very nice.’

‘I’ll take your word for that.’ Elizabeth collected the empty teacup from the bedside and headed for the door.

‘Does Dad know?’ Lexie asked.

‘That you’re pregnant?’

‘Yes.’

‘No, I thought ignorance would be bliss where your father was concerned. Once you’re married, he’ll hardly bother to count the months. He’ll be so delighted to be a grandfather for the second time this year. You and your brother, parents in the same year. I suppose it is only following a long-established tradition – you always liked to do what the other did.’

‘Mum?’ Lexie stopped her mother from leaving the room. ‘Are you … have you been happy with Dad all these years?’

The finely tweezered eyebrows on Elizabeth Scott’s brow shot towards her hairline. ‘Lexie! How can you ask such a question? Of course, I’m happy. Your father is the man of my dreams. He always has been and always will be, even if he can sometimes be a little trying.’

* * *

Lexie had only just sunkbelow the sweet-smelling suds of her bath when there was a knock on the door, and it sprang open.

‘Sorry!’ Kate waddled in. ‘Sorry. Pregnant woman emergency. I need the loo, and your dad is in the other bathroom.’

‘Be my guest.’ Lexie waved a bubble bejewelled hand, and Lexie headed for the lavatory, where she settled with a sigh.

‘My bladder was going to burst. George and Georgina inside are resting very heavy on my vital parts.’

‘That’s because they will not be inside for much longer.’

‘I know. Twenty-first of July. I can’t wait!’ Kate stood up to wash her hands. ‘Can’t come a moment too soon for me now, just as long as you’re back from honeymoon.’

‘Thank you for looking after Emi while we’re away.’

‘No problem … not so sure about the puppy, though.’

‘What’s wrong with Poppy?’

‘Nothing, except she’s a dog. What on earth possessed the pair of you to get a dog now? You’re getting married, going on honeymoon and moving to a new house … all in the same month. Do you two enjoy stress?’

‘The puppy needed a home – someone Owen knows has had a cancer diagnosis and was desperate to find somewhere suitable for their little dog. Emi wanted a dog. Poppy is a sweet black cocker spaniel with a gentle nature. It all seemed to fit.’

Shaking her head, Kate dried her hands. ‘I predict chaos.’ Then heading for the door, she added. ‘Happiness but chaotic. See you at breakfast.’

‘Xander’s making pancakes,’ Lexie called after her.

‘OMG!’ Kate squealed from the corridor. That man and his fads! I didn’t tell you he’s taken up cooking. Thinks he’s going to be on Master Chef. We’ll be lucky if he doesn’t burn the house down.’

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