Murder at the Wedding by Christine Knapp

Author:Christine Knapp [Knapp, Christine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: amateur sleuth, midwife, new england
Publisher: Gemma Halliday Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve a pregnancy after twelve months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.

Aidan, Sebastian, and Chloe lived in a beautiful Victorian-style house in Boxford, about twenty minutes west of Langford. It was referred to fondly as the "hydrangea house" because, thanks to Sebi's love of dark blue hydrangeas, rows of the plants lined both sides of the stone walk as well as the front of the house. They made a striking contrast to the building's lemon-colored façade.

I opened the screen door and heard the familiar tune of "The Wheels on the Bus." Aidan, my football star brother, danced in the kitchen with Chloe in his arms. Chloe squealed with delight while Ishmael, their golden retriever, turned in circles and barked.

"Hi, Maeve," Aidan said as he came to a stop.

"Hello, loves." I kissed first Chloe's chubby cheek and then Aidan.

"Look, angel," he said, pointing to me, "it's Auntie Maeve."

Chloe reached out for me, and I took her and held her tight. She was so beautiful, with straight black hair and light brown skin.

"She's getting so big, Aidan."

"I know, growing like a little flower. She'll be seventeen months old on Monday."

"Look, Chloe." I pulled out a tiny pink stuffed octopus.

"Oh, Maeve. Thank you. It will add to her huge collection unless Ishmael claims it first."

"This is for Ishy," I offered, pulling out a large bone.

"He'll love that."

Ishmael grabbed his bone and ran off to the living room.

"Sit, Maeve. I'll make some tea."

I sat down at a handcrafted maple farmhouse table and looked out at the garden. There were peonies, wisteria, roses, and, of course, deep blue hydrangeas everywhere. Birds were at the feeders at the garden's edge, and beyond that, there was a small pond and a blue slate fire pit.

"Aidan, your yard is amazing," I marveled.

"Says the woman with an ocean view," Aidan retorted.

"I know, but I saw what this mound of dirt looked like before you and Sebastian built the house."

"Sebi is the man with a plan. I just rake and dig. We hired Sebi's gang for a lot of the heavy lifting."

"Well, it's a work of art."

Aidan brought out hazelnut coffee and cinnamon bread. I put Chloe in her highchair and kissed her head. She held tightly to my finger.

"You and Sebi are so lucky," I said.

"We know. Gay adoption is not the easiest." Two adoptions fell through before Chloe was finally placed with them.

"Have you seen her birth parents recently?"

"No, we left visiting up to them. They are both in college now, just finishing their first year. They go to different schools, and both are in relationships. We sent Christmas photos, but we'll let them decide about contact. They know we love her and that this was a great decision for all of us."

"It's a happy beginning," I said, smiling.

"Sebi's parents are still coming to terms with the fact that she doesn't have a Cuban first name."

I continued to smile, but I could feel it was getting forced. Aidan reached out and touched my arm.

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