Page 39 of Fighting for Family

CHAPTER 14

Bryanna set the cake on the kitchen bar. The women gathered around it, holding their breath. She always made such wonderful creations.

She pulled back the box to reveal her first masterpiece of the weekend. A two-layered cake appeared with lavender flowers, a gold moon sitting behind a teddy bear. Stars and pearls adorned the confection, representing both sexes.

“Oh, Bryanna. You’ve outdone yourself,” Kassie said as she removed the cardboard box and placed it in the laundry room.

“Wait until you see the scones,” Lizzy said as she carried a second box. We have cranberry for a girl and blueberry for a boy. I’m voting for one of each, then I can have both.”

“Oh, I already smell them,” Samantha said, entering the kitchen. “You did a great job on the decorations.”

“Thanks,” Kassie said. “Maddie directed us. She has all the games planned. The grans can’t wait to have another grandchild.”

“Why wouldn’t we? They’ve all turned out perfect,” Carol said as she set a bouquet of flowers on the table.

“Where do you want me to put the quilt?” Tess asked, walking slowly.

“Why don’t we keep it in the office and surprise her with it at the end?” Kassie suggested getting Catherine more water.

“I wish you’d let me help,” Catherine said, sitting on the couch.

“I did,” Kassie retorted. “I let you put the napkins and plates on the table.”

Catherine rolled her eyes.

“Don’t give me any attitude,” Kassie said, sounding like Victoria. “I have ways to punish you.”

The women laughed at her mimicking the missing gran.

“Did we miss anything?” Annabelle said, carrying the presents inside with Addyson.

“Only Kassie’s rendition of Victoria,” Catherine quipped.

“I brought the tea trays,” Carol said.

“Let me help you get them set up,” Edie volunteered.

“I’ll help,” Gabby added, taking the boxes from the bar to the table.

Kassie added strawberries, mint, and lemon to the mug and brought it to Catherine. “Drink it. We don’t need you dehydrated. How did the night nurse work out last night?”

“Grace loved her. She helped with baths, and I woke up this morning to all the laundry done and breakfast on the table,” Catherine said. “I’ll admit, she has helped make things easier. I don’t have to feel guilty about you and Mom coming every night.”

“Good,” Kassie said. “You have the means to keep her for as long as you need her. You’ll need your rest when this one decides to enter the world. Won’t you find out the sex? Then Aunt Kassie can plan a shower?”

Laughing, Catherine rubbed her tummy and smiled down at it. “I have four children. I hardly need a shower. We have everything we need except one thing,” she said softly.

Kassie handed her a tissue from the table.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound selfish. I don’t want to blubber through this shower,” she whispered.

“Hey. You can retire to my room anytime you need a moment to yourself,” Kassie assured her. “We all miss him. You can be happy for Claire and still feel sad about Leo.” Kassie stood straight, put her hand on her hip, and spoke like Victoria. “If anyone has anything to say about my bestie, they can chat with me and my little knives.”

Catherine giggled. “You sound more like her every day.”

“I wish she’d call me. I’m worried about Katie. She assured me they’d handle everything. It doesn’t make me stop worrying,” Kassie admitted. “Stay on the couch. I’m putting Claire in the chair in front of the fireplace.”

When everyone arrived, Kassie placed the call. “Hi Claire, it’s Kassie. We have a situation at the hospital. I prefer not to discuss it there. It’ll seem weird if both of us show up there on a Saturday. Can you come to the house?” She waited as Claire said something. “Then, I’ll see you in half an hour.”