Page 138 of Take My Kiss
Sam loves his new school, and Lily looks forward to attending the on-site daycare center a couple times a week when she doesn’t have preschool. It’s wild how fast time is flying and how quickly my kids are getting bigger. But I can say with full confidence that being here in Willow Branch Mountain, surrounded by Colton and his family, is the happiest I’ve ever seen them.
And the happiest I’ve been in my entire life.
For the next few weeks, my focus will be on the holidays, decorating the house, and making our first Christmas together unforgettable.
Now that I get a long break before my next semester, I can’t wait to spend more time with my friends and family and catch up on sleep.
But since everyone’s always so busy this time of year, I’m hosting a girls-only Friendsmas party so we can actually enjoy an evening hanging out together and catching up without children or partners to distract us.
Colton’s staying with the kids at his parents’ for the night, but his mom and Aunt JoJo came over early to bring food and baked goodies. I’ve loved getting to know his family over the past six months, and even more amazing, watching them accept my kids as part of theirs.
“Okay, time for drinkin’ games!” Delilah announces, holding up a gameboard and some dice. “Well, except you, Amelia. You get juice.”
“How fun,” I deadpan. “First time in years I don’t have my kids glued to my ankles, and I can’t even have alcohol.”
“I’ll drink juice with you,” Raven offers.
“Nah, no need to spoil your fun just ’cause I’m unable to have any.”
She visibly reacts, but then quickly grins when she realizes I’m looking at her.
Hm, something’s off.
She’s been coming up to visit me every month since I moved here, sometimes twice a month, so I hope she’d tell me if something was wrong.
Within the hour, everyone with the exception of Raven, Mallory, and me are tipsy. Everyone’s crashing over tonight anyway, but it’s hilarious watching them topple over each other while they attempt to play the Twister game.
Mrs. Langston and Aunt JoJo stayed for the white elephant gift exchange but left after the first round of drinks. Something about how they’re not as young as they used to be and can’t stay up past eleven.
Hell, I’m twenty-nine and fighting to keep my eyes open at ten-thirty.
“I’ll be right back,” Raven announces, and it’s the third time in thirty minutes she’s gotten up to use the bathroom.
Yeah, something’s definitely going on.
Once she’s out of view, I get up with my empty glass of water and tell everyone I’m going for a refill. They’re all talking loudly and laughing, so no one notices me anyway.
“Raven?” I tap on the bathroom door, then hear what is undeniably throwing up. “I’m comin’ in.”
She’s hunched over the toilet, face flushed and sweat along her hairline.
“Oh shit, are you okay?” I kneel beside her, pushing her hair out of her face and touching her forehead. “You sick?”
“Mhm.”
“What?”
“It’s sorta the nine-month-long sickness.”
My eyes bug out of my face. “You’repregnant?”
“Seems to be that way.”
Bellamy crashes into the vanity, giggling as she attempts to right herself. “Sorry, I got lost.”
“Where’re you tryin’ to go?” I ask, confused.
“Um, well…” She pinches her brows, then hiccups. “I can’t remember.”
