Page 90 of She’ll Steal Your Heart
She watched as the ashes drifted with the breeze, light and wispy, almost like smoke. It reminded her of the dragons Craig had drawn to illustrate her stories, with plumes of smoke coming from their nostrils. She waved the bag gently back and forth until all the ashes were gone, dispersed into the air.
Maybe the oak tree would absorb some of Craig’s essence where bits of ash settled on its roots. In a way, that would make him as powerful as the knight in her stories. She put the empty bag back into the urn, and Mia pulled her wordlessly into her arms, holding her tight as she cried.
When she lifted her head, a ray of sunlight met her face, warm and bright, and she felt peace.
* * *
Dragonfly glowed with fairy lights,but instead of the usual white and lavender, today the lights were shaped like little golden stars to go withMeet Me at Midnight’s theme. Stacks of books were displayed at each end of the bar, and the room was filled with people who’d come to help Lauren celebrate. She’d changed into a shimmery aqua blouse and black jeans for the event, and she glowed almost as brightly as the fairy lights overhead.
Mia couldn’t take her eyes off her. She kept her phone in hand, snapping photos of everything so neither of them would forget a single moment of this day. Josie had opened the bar early for the party, and it was theirs for the afternoon. Quinn, Sarah, Fatima, and Ashleigh were here, as well as a number of other friends from theIn Her Defensefandom.
Wendy and Jordy from the café had come, along with some of Josie and Eve’s friends, and even a few of Mia’s new clients. Since January, she’d been working at her new office Monday through Thursday, finishing out the week with Fridays at the café. Lauren had really blossomed in her role as manager, and Mia had found her passion again in private practice.
She and Lauren spent their weekends at home together and saw each other a lot during the week too. Lauren had moved back into Mia’s apartment permanently last month. It wastheirapartment now. Mia was happy and fulfilled in her new law practice. Now that she had an equally satisfying life outside the office, she no longer felt driven to work herself to death.
“You’re staring at Lauren with hearts in your eyes,” Josie said, startling Mia out of her thoughts.
Mia smiled, watching Lauren as she chatted with several fandom friends. “I suppose I am.”
“I’m happy for you,” Josie said. “And I have some happy news of my own to share.”
Mia whirled to face her, suddenly aware of the blush on Josie’s cheeks and the extra sparkle in her eyes. “Oh my God. You’re pregnant?”
“Actually, no,” Josie said, and Mia’s stomach dropped that she’d jumped to the wrong conclusion and blurted out something insensitive, but Josie was still beaming, gesturing toward Eve, who stood nearby, talking to her friend Kaia and her new girlfriend. “Eve is.”
“Oh.” Mia exhaled, excitement replacing embarrassment. “Wow…oh wow. That’s wonderful news!”
Josie bounced on her toes. “We’re so excited, you have no idea. Last year was really frustrating. I was inseminated five times, and it just wasn’t working. Eve finally convinced me to let her try, just once…and boom, she’s pregnant.”
“Why did she have to convince you?” Mia asked.
“Because she’s—”
“If you say I’m old…” Eve had turned to face them, eyes narrowed as she tuned into their conversation. She wore a formfitting gray dress, looking as slim as ever, but maybe there was a bit of a glow to her complexion, now that Mia was paying attention.
“You’re olderthan I am.” Josie kissed her wife’s cheek. “And you have fused vertebrae in your spine.”
“The doctor says I’ll be fine.” Eve brushed a hand reflexively against her stomach.
“So…we’re having a baby,” Josie gushed, tears on her cheeks.
“And I’m going to be an uncle.” Adam stepped between Josie and Eve and slung an arm over both of their shoulders, answering Mia’s unasked question about whether he was still their donor.
But now that Eve was carrying their baby instead of Josie…Mia’s lips twitched at the implication.
Eve pointed a finger in her direction, obviously having guessed the source of her amusement. “Don’t you dare make an Adam and Eve joke.” But she looked like she was fighting a smile too.
“I wouldn’t dream of it. I’m just so happy for you both,” Mia said. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” There was something different about Eve, and it wasn’t just the glow of pregnancy. She looked…radiant. Happier than Mia had ever seen her, and if anyone deserved this kind of happiness, it was Eve.
Warmth bloomed in Mia’s chest, as well as a tug of longing. After her divorce, she’d thought she had missed her chance to start a family, but maybe…maybe she’d get a second chance too.
Lauren walked over to join them, looking absolutely thrilled for Josie and Eve when she heard their news. They talked for a few more minutes, and then Josie glanced at the clock. “I’d better get up there and officially start this event. Lauren, you ready?”
Lauren nodded with a nervous smile.
Josie crossed the room to stand in front of the bar and clapped her hands together, drawing everyone’s attention. “It’s time for our favorite new author to read us a scene from her book, and by the way, the copies you see here on the bar are available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will benefit my kitten rescue, and Lauren will sign them for you too.”
