Desire and a Bottle of Merlot: (Like Sisters Series Book 5) Chick Lit: A Romantic Comedy (27 page)

“Well, I’m not breastfeeding, so that part wouldn’t matter, but I do want to get this baby weight off soon. If I’m still carrying this weight into the winter months, it’s going to take even longer to get rid of it. I’m like a hibernating bear, packing on the fat in the winter.” She chuckled.

“Yeah… not. You’ll have that weight off in a month, guar-an-damn-teed. Okay, I’ll make sure to pick up healthy food that’s low calorie. Kind of the way you’ve been eating for the last two months, right?”

“Yep, that sounds great. So, when is the party planned?”

“I’m thinking Sunday afternoon. It’s supposed to be warm and sunny out. I won’t go nuts or anything. Just all of us together, best friends, enjoying the day on your beautiful deck. I’m bringing everything, so don’t even think of lifting a finger. Got it?”

Sasha giggled. “Yes, ma’am.”

“You look tired but content. How’s it going with Sasha and the babies?” Dan sat outside with Tina at Morey’s for lunch. He leaned over the table and gave her a firm kiss on the lips.

“Having a baby, let alone two, gives ‘tired’ a whole new meaning.” Tina laughed. “But it’s pretty rewarding. Those little ones are so helpless and totally dependent on someone else to love them and care for them. It’s really amazing and miraculous. It makes me feel good to help out. I’m really enjoying it.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I’m proud of you, Tina. You’re a good woman, and I love you.”

“Thank you for saying that. I love you too.”

“Karen, can you go with me to Walmart today and use your car?”

“Okay, I’ll bite—what’s up?” Karen had just walked out of the garage service door with a large trash bag in her hand. Today was garbage day.

“Well, my car doesn’t have any room in it, but yours has a huge trunk. I want to buy a wading pool.” Mia giggled.

“You’re nuts. Is there a particular reason you need a wading pool? Is Reggie going to lounge in it with a cocktail in his paw? Because I know for sure the twins are too tiny to play in it.”

Mia gulped down her Diet Coke. “It’s a secret, but you’ll know soon enough. It’s just for fun, so what do you say?”

“Sure. I’ll be over in a half hour. See ya.”

Mia kept the wading pool in her garage until the day of the party. Luckily, it was a glorious afternoon with a bright-blue, cloudless sky. It would be perfect. Aaron loaded the pool in the trunk of his car. The lid was held down with a bungee cord as they drove to the Victorian.

The food was already set up on the deck in the shade by the sliders when they arrived. Vic and Karen had been there since noon, preparing the meal. Sasha and Josh were caring for the babies nonstop. Tina and Dan arrived at one thirty and pitched in by setting up the gift table and bringing out plates, glasses, and utensils.

Mia instructed Aaron to set the wading pool along the side of the house where the hose was. Nobody would notice it there for the time being. The ten best friends sat on the deck, laughing, talking, and checking on the babies. They reminisced about the last year, telling stories and trying to update Dan on their crazy group as they ate. There would be enough food left over for Sasha and Josh to snack on for days. The couples sat in a circle on the deck, fully enjoying the remarkable weather that early-September day. Mia excused herself and disappeared around the house.

“What in the heck is that noise?” Sasha asked as they heard bumping and banging along the side of the Victorian.

Mia popped her head around the corner and laughed. “It’s only me. I got this—just stay put.”

She came around the corner with the hose wrapped around one arm and a wading pool—catching the breeze, which made it difficult to hold—in the other.

“Have you lost your mind?” Vic asked.

“Not really, but I’ll explain in a minute.” Mia dropped the pool on the deck in the center of the group. She turned on the hose, filling it to the top so that it was ten inches deep.

They all laughed, shaking their heads from side to side, as they watched her antics. Yet they all happily removed their shoes and placed their feet in the refreshing water.

She sat down and joined them with a huge grin on her face.

“Okay, Mrs. Daniels, aka Cheshire-cat-faced nutcase, what’s up with the pool?”

Mia huffed at Vic’s remark as they sat in a circle, ten pairs of feet relaxing in the water together. “I’m glad you asked, smarty-pants. I remember a conversation you and I had last summer when you were just a little lost and insecure.”

“Mia…” Vic felt anxious and sat rigid as she listened. Max took her hand and held it.

“Shush… let me continue. I remember saying how someday we would all be coupled up with someone.” Mia looked at each person as her voice cracked. “I also said we’d all live in Tarrytown and raise our kids together. We’d have barbecues every weekend and pool parties.” She brushed at the tear slipping off her right eyelid. “You, the goof that you are, said with a huge pout, ‘Who has a pool?’” Mia laughed as Vic blushed, remembering that conversation. “I responded, saying nobody had a pool yet, but in a few years, somebody might. Well, damn it, Ms. Victoria Alonso, I’m true to my word, and here’s the friggin’ pool.”

Vic laughed as she brushed at the tears streaming down her own cheeks. “I guess this wasn’t the type of pool I had in mind.”

“Yeah, but you know what? It’s still pretty damn sweet.”

“I know something else that’s pretty sweet.” Sasha got up and walked over to Tina. Kismet lay on Tina’s lap, sound asleep and basking in the afternoon sun. “I think it’s time to replace this pup for something a little more appropriate.” Sasha picked up the sleepy Kismet and placed her on the rug by the bassinets. “Do you have a preference?”

Tina laughed. “Nope, I love them both the same.”

“Good on you, sister.” Sasha carried little Alexander to Tina and placed him in her arms. She carried sweet sleeping Arielle and laid her in Dan’s waiting arms. With her hands on her hips, Sasha assessed them both. “Now, that’s what I’m talking about. Girl, you couldn’t look more beautiful than you do right now. I think it’s time to toast us, the best friends anyone could ever want. Weren’t we saving that 2008 bottle of Merlot from Paradigm Winery you gave me as a wedding gift for after the babies were born? We’ll I think it’s time to crack that puppy open. Josh could you bring it out here, please?”

Josh ran inside and came back a few minutes later with the wine bottle. With plastic picnic cups in hand, each person was poured a few swallows of the wonderful Merlot. Sasha raised a cup to her guests. “To my husband, my beautiful babies, my sisters, and the loves of their lives. Cheers.”

They splashed their feet in the pool, raised their picnic cups, and toasted to the best group of friends Tarrytown had ever seen.

My love, thanks, and deep appreciation go out to all of the people who have supported me from my initial dream of becoming a writer to reading the words “THE END” when I finished my very first novel. There were no scoffs, laughs, or negativity. Family and friends continue to help me with constructive criticism, high fives, cheers, and words of encouragement. From my editor and cover designer to my formatter in a faraway country, you have made my journey so much easier. Erik, I appreciate you more than you could imagine. You have been there for me since before I wrote the very first word. Rochelle, you’re the best promoter I could ask for. Photographer Karen Nelson made the “About the Author” photo of me look great. Plus she is an avid supporter and my fun-loving sister.