Page 60 of Intertwined Hearts

I turned away from the door to find Nikki feeding her insatiable sweet tooth, licking the icing off one of the cupcakes. “Nikki, look. It’s your brother, Gary, and Carla.”

She turned around with a mouthful of the cupcake that had been stripped of every bit of icing.

“Wow. This is just too crazy,” Carla said. “I knew Nikki was pregnant, but didn’t realize you were too, Jackie.”

“I’m six months. When are you due?”

“I have one more month to go, and I can’t wait. This heat is really taking a toll on me.”

The doorbell rang and I could see one of the mothers from Elisa’s class. She had all five of the children with her. Elisa had run out, and as soon as her friends got through the door, she told them all to follow her. They disappeared into her bedroom. I noticed Hunter, Jeff, and Gary escape out the back door.

“Hi, Anna, come on in.”

“I’m feeling like I need to take an anti-pregnancy pill or something.”

We all laughed. It did feel like a pregnancy convention instead of a birthday party. Within a few seconds, Sky and Hope arrived with Gracie. When they came in, we all gaped at Hope. Sky took one look at all of us, waved, and then made a bee line to the back door.

“Okay, what are you all drinking? I want to make sure I don’t drink any of it,” Anna said, followed by a chuckle.

“Another one? What are the odds,” Debbie said. “How far along are you, dear?”

“I’m seven months.”

“It’s time for me to leave. I love babies, but I’ve had all I’m having. If I stay and listen to you all, I might just be tempted to have another one. And that might get me divorced. I’ll see you all later. Have fun.” Anna waved at us, and left.

We sat around and talked for a few more minutes, and I promised everyone a tour of our house after the party. We called the kids in to begin playing some games. When it came to hide-and-seek, we told them we were going in the back yard.

Time flew. Elisa had opened her presents and we were all eating cupcakes when Anna made it back to pick up the five classmates. Once they left, the kids went back to playing, and I hosted the tour of the house. Everyone said they loved the layout. It wasn’t huge, but it was perfect for our growing family.

“Hey, Jackie. Weren’t you the one who said you’d never have another child?” Nikki asked.

I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. I remembered that. “Yeah, that’s what I said. What can I say? Hunter is very persuasive.” We all laughed.

“Oh, by the way,” I said. “Did I tell you all I’m having twins?”