Page 18 of She’s Worth the Risk

“How are you feeling, dear?” Gran asks her. “You’re absolutely glowing.”

Violet snorts a laugh. “I’m perspiring. I’m not sure that’s the same thing.” Laughter echoes around the room, and Violet sighs. “Can I be honest with you all?”

“I’d be offended if you weren’t,” Gran says, and the others laugh again.

“I feel like shit.” She glances at Gran, as if wanting to apologize for cursing, but struggling to muster the energy. Gran waves her away. “I can’t sleep,” Violet continues miserably. “My ankles are twice their normal size, and Kyle still won’t keep his hands off me.” She glances at Gran in apology again, and Gran laughs.

“You’re allowed to struggle, my dear. Society teaches women they have to love being pregnant, love being mothers, but not everyone does.”

Violet glances at Poppy, who blushes. “Sorry,” she says, sheepish.

“Why are you sorry?” I ask.

Poppy lifts a shoulder. “I loved being pregnant, and even though I’m exhausted, I adore baby Rose. Wyatt has never been happier.”

Iris lifts her brows. “Does he get up in the night with her?”

“Always,” Poppy says. “I have to tell him to go back to bed. I’m the one with the breast milk.” She sighs, smiling. “He’s an even better father than I could have imagined. I can’t wait to have more babies.”

Violet snorts bitterly into her iced tea, then grimaces. “Dammit,” she mutters under her breath, glancing up. “Sylvia, could I possibly use your bathroom? This baby thinks my bladder is a trampoline.”

“Of course,” Gran says, motioning along the hall. “Take your time.”

Iris springs to her feet, holding her hands out to help haul Violet off the sofa, and we all watch as Violet waddles slowly from the room.

“I feel for her,” Iris murmurs, settling back into her seat. “I bet she misses our girls’ nights at Marco’s.”

“I know it’s not the same, but maybe we could throw her a baby shower?” Poppy suggests.

Iris scrunches her nose. “Are you sure she wants one?”

“No,” Poppy concedes, “but we could make it good. No silly baby games. Make it more about celebrating Vi. We could serve virgin cocktails, have a masseuse who gives foot rubs. That sort of thing.”

“But where would we do it?” Iris asks. “My place is too small.”

“My place is out,” Poppy adds, cringing. “I’m determined to get Rose’s sleep back on schedule. We could ask Daisy and Wes—”

“Do it here,” Gran offers, and the others glance at her. “I have this big house. It would be lovely to have you young ladies here for an afternoon.”

“That’s so nice,” Poppy says, taken aback. “Are you sure?”

“Definitely. It’s the least I can do since you won’t let me pay you for the cupcakes.” Gran gives her a pointed look, then her gaze slides to me. “Zin will help us, won’t you?”

I hesitate, taking a long sip of iced tea. A few minutes ago I’d considered packing my bags, and now they’re asking me to organize a baby shower? As lovely as these women are, I’m not sure I want to get involved. Not after what happened with Nick today.

Not when I’m already feeling that familiar itch to move on.

But before I can answer, a cry comes from Poppy’s baby monitor.

“Crap.” She rises to her feet. “I have to go.”

“Me too,” Violet says wearily as she shuffles back into the room. “I need to lie down.”

Iris stands, smiling. “Thanks for the tea, Sylvia. And we’ll take you up on your offer, if that’s okay.”

“Fabulous,” Gran says, clasping her hands.

“It was so great to meet you, Zinnia.” Poppy smiles widely at me. “We’ll pop by again soon?”