Harlequin Special Edition November 2016, Box Set 1 of 2 by Allison Leigh

Author:Allison Leigh
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781488027291
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

Even though Josh had outdone himself with the decorations—without even a hint of man-grousing, bless his heart—something had clearly shifted between them. Again. And it was probably not much of a stretch to pin that “something” on what they both obviously now knew about Dad’s will. Of course, they could get the whole thing out in the open and simply talk about it, like actual grownups. Then again, what would be the point—?

“Ohmigosh,” Val said from her perch by a garland-swagged window when Deanna pulled out an adorable, ruffled-bottom sleeper from one of the many, many gift bags stacked at her feet. “I’m hearby putting y’all on notice, if I have another girl, I want one of those. And no, I’m not pregnant, so you can lower the eyebrows already.”

But the twinkle in the blonde’s eyes said she and Josh’s twin were doing everything they could to make that happen. And, yes, Deanna had to tamp down the spurt of envy, at how freaking adorable the newly married couple was, their happiness whenever they were together spilling all over the place like glitter.

Not that she wasn’t grateful for the outpouring of affection—and gifts, oh, my, goodness, the gifts, including a bassinet to tuck right beside her bed—this little group was showering her with today, Annie from the diner and Billie and Josh’s two sisters-in-law. Or soon to be, in the case of Zach’s fiancée, Mallory. But honestly, she didn’t even know Val except for that one conversation in the diner. And Mallory not at all. Still, being made to feel like she was actually one of them, even if only for this little while, warmed Deanna’s heart. So the green-eyed monster could go screw itself.

As could the unexpected heartache from missing her mother far more than she thought she would. After all, she’d had thirteen years to reconcile herself to the fact that Mom wouldn’t be around for any of those milestones a girl expects to share with her mother, and she’d managed just fine up till now. More or less. But something about opening presents for what would have been Katherine Blake’s first grandbaby was doing a real number on Deanna’s head. That her father wouldn’t see little Katie, either…

Hell. It was a wonder she wasn’t blubbering into a wad of pink tissue paper by now.

Sitting beside her, Billie squeezed Deanna’s wrist, as if knowing what she was thinking. Deanna clutched the tiny pajamas to her chest, her breath hitching when it hit her that in a few weeks the tiny person inside her would be wearing the pajamas.

Her eyes burning, she smiled for Annie. “This is so stinkin’ cute—thanks so much.”

The menfolk—yes, this was a forward-thinking bunch—were scattered throughout the house, refilling munchie trays and tending to assorted small children, keeping the mayhem in reasonable check. Except for Josh, who’d had to go into Albuquerque for reasons he hadn’t made entirely clear, either because baby showers really weren’t his thing, or he was simply trying to avoid her.

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