Woven Wishes (Whispered Wishes Book 4) (18 page)

“Well,” Ben began, “when a man and a woman love each other—”

“Stop.” Shaking her hand, Ava put her hand up. “I know
how.
And don’t forget there are children in the room. I just thought …”

“It happened naturally. Before the accident, when we stopped trying. Go figure,” Holly said, laughing. “We’re just as surprised as anyone. And it looks like we made it past the first trimester this time. I’m not surprised. If this little peanut could survive all of the stress I’ve been under so far, she …”

“… or he,” Ben added as he shuffled his feet.

“Or he, is a real fighter. Just like his or her daddy.”

“Wow, Holly! First the news about Ben and now this! I’m so incredibly happy for you,” Tessa said, hugging her. “For both of you!”

“You have no idea how hard it was to keep my mouth shut about all of this. I was going crazy. Ben’s parents were the only ones who knew. They didn’t tell you, did they?” she asked, looking at her parents.

“No,” her mom replied, looking stunned with tears rolling down her face. “We’re so surprised. In a good way, of course.”

“Indeed,” her father added as they all embraced. “A very, very good way.”

“Amazing news, truly,” Nicholas said, getting in line to hug Holly next. “And, Ben, I never doubted for a moment you’d be out of that chair. In fact, this time next year, I expect to see you running marathons.”

“I don’t know about that,” Ben replied, “but I do know we really have you to thank. I can’t imagine being up and around like this without the team you brought in. Holly and I are truly forever indebted.”

“Nonsense. We’re family,” he replied. “It’s like Max said. There’s nothing more important. We do whatever we can to help each other.”

“This is all so fantastic,” Ava said, waiting patiently for her turn to hug her sister and brother-in-law. “I really think I’m in shock.”

Chapter 38 - Ava

“Are you okay?” Holly asked as Ava stepped back.

“Yes. It’s just … this is all so unbelievable,” she said, looking around the room. “A star studded night for Tessa, a new daddy for Sophie, Ben’s walking and going to be a parent along with you, and Max is here. This night is incredible.”

“It’s not over yet,” Max said, taking Ava’s hands. “There’s another surprise.”

She noticed that her sisters were surrounding her now with the goofiest smiles on their faces. In fact everyone in the room, except for the kids, who were back to flower sorting in the corner, had weird expressions.

“What’s going on here?” she asked. “This isn’t one of those crazy interventions or something, is it?”

“Actually, it kind of is,” Max told her.

“Okay, you guys are making me a little nervous. Can we just go back to celebrating everyone else’s good news? And Tessa. Let’s not forget this is her big night! Can’t whatever this
thing
is wait? I promise I won’t skip town or anything.”

“Av,” Tessa said, “you don’t understand. What Max is about to tell you is part of the celebration. I
wanted
him to tell you tonight. You deserve this after everything you’ve done for me. It’s what I was trying to tell you before. You give to Holly and me and the kids and Max not stop, but especially to me, I think. So, it’s an honor to share my celebration with you. What Max is about to tell you … well, it’s just the most amazing thing. You’re just not going to believe—”

“Um, Tessa?” Ben finally said after several unsuccessful throat clears.

She looked at him and started laughing. “I’m doing that thing, aren’t I? Where someone has big news, and I keep talking and talking and almost spoil the surprise?”

“Yes,” Max and Ben both answered together.

“Okay, fine,” she muttered, backing away. “Go ahead, Max.”

“Thanks,” he said, bringing his attention back to his wife. “Tessa’s right you know. You give so much to everyone else. And in the process, you’ve given up so much.”

“No,” Ava said, “we already talked about this. It’s what we agreed to.”

“I know we talked about it, but—”

“It’s what was best for the kids.”

“Ava Haines Wallis!” Holly exclaimed, taking a step in. “Will you stop interrupting and just listen to your husband?”

“Fine,” she said, rolling her eyes at her. “I’m sorry, Max. I don’t want you to think I regret anything, because I really don’t.”

“I know that, Ava. I also know that when I took you to the gallery, there was a sparkle in your eyes I hadn’t seen in years. A sparkle I greatly miss.”

Yes, there was no denying that being surrounded by art again brought out a passion she’d tucked away years ago. But it didn’t mean anything. She could easily tuck it back away anytime she wanted.

“So I enjoyed our date,” she said, her defenses getting the best of her. “It just means we need to go on more of them.”

“That I agree with,” he said, smiling. “Do you remember during our date when Jenna called you, and you stepped outside to take the call?”

“Yes,” she replied, tilting her head. Just what did that have to do with anything?

“Well, Gene, the owner of the gallery, began talking to me. Gushing is more like it. It seems he thinks you’ve got quite an eye for gallery work.”

“Oh,” she waved him off in a dismissive manner, “I just made a few simple suggestions when I stopped by on my own one day. It was no big deal.”

“I don’t know about that,” Max said. “He asked me if you were looking for part-time work … said he could really use someone like you around.”

“Well, I’m sure he was just being nice,” she said. “Besides, I have the kids to look after. I wouldn’t be able to work there.”

“That’s what I told him,” he said.

“What?” It was one thing for her to turn a job offer down, but for Max to tell him no? He had no right! Hurt and anger began to set in.

“Well, I told him that if he asked you directly, you’d say you couldn’t take the job because of the kids. However, I told him not to worry, that we’d find a way to make it work. After all, Jenna and Logan are in school all day, and Ryan can go with Mrs. Connelly three days a week. I hope you don’t mind—I already asked her. Congratulations, Ava. You’re officially back in business. If you want the job that is.”

“Are you serious?”

“Completely,” he responded. “This is what you want, isn’t it?”

“Yes! I just had no idea. I was only on the phone for a few minutes,” she laughed, giving him a hug. “Thank you for doing this for me.”

“I really didn’t do anything,” he said. “I just want to see you happy. There is a slight problem, though.”

Sighing, she hung her head down. Why did there always have to be a problem? “What is it?” she asked, afraid of the answer.

“Gene doesn’t want you to start right away.”

“Um, okay,” Ava said. It was an odd request, but he was the boss. “Did he say why?”

“Well, he said he wants to wait until you get back from Paris,” Max said, a coy smile slowly appearing.

“From … Paris?” She turned to her sister. “Did he just say Paris?”

Holly nodded.

“But—” she started.

“Yes, Ava, Paris,” Max interjected. “Don’t you remember? When I proposed to you? I promised that one day, I would fly you to Paris so we could visit your favorite art museum, the Musée de l'Orangerie, to see Monet’s
Water Lilies
in person. I know how much you adore them. Well, I had hoped it wouldn’t take me twelve years to make it happen, but you know what they say, better late than never.”

“But the kids …”

“Are staying with us.” Tessa jokingly shook her finger at her sister. “And if you start another sentence with
but,
I’m going to kick your butt. You’re going, Ava, whether you want to or not.”

“I want to!” she squealed, throwing her arms around Max. “I want to!”

As Ava stepped back and glanced around the room, she noticed that for the first time in a very long time, every person had a smile on their face.

“I told you this was going to be a great night,” Holly said, taking Ava’s hands.

“The best,” Tessa added, breaking in to form a circle of three.

“No,” Ava told them, “the best is yet to come. For all of us.”

THE END

ENDNOTES

It’s hard to believe I’m saying good-bye to the Haines sisters. They’ve been a part of my writing life for so long now, they feel like family. As always, there are many gracious folks who helped bring this book and the entire series to life. First, to my family and friends, thank you for your everlasting love and support. I’m truly a lucky lady to have you all in my life. To my beta readers, Kathie and Megan, thank you for your thoughtful comments and critical eye. You have no idea how helpful you both are to me! To my editor, Melissa Ringsted, See what happened was … I’ll never be able to write those words in another book again without laughing! Thanks for not only being a great editor, but also for being a great friend. To my amazing cover designer and team at Najla Qamber Designs, you all are amazingly talented. I loved working with you! And to Author A.B. Shepherd —thank you for naming my series! You’re the best!

And to my readers—you’re the reason I do this, so thank you for believing in me and for your overwhelming support. Feel free to drop me a line - I love hearing from you!

[email protected]

~xo Karen~

EXCERPT: MERRY WISHES - A WHISPERED WISHES NOVELLA

 “Were you surprised?” Ava asked.

Carly sat on one of the boxes in what would eventually be her living room. She knew she should be unpacking, but at the moment, even the simplest task seemed overwhelming. She’d much rather chat with her old college friend over the telephone. They hadn’t seen each other in what felt like forever, but when they talked it seemed as if only days had gone by since they’d last been together. It was the mark of all good friends. “You knew about it?” she asked.

“Of course I knew about it. Parker called me. I was even planning on being there, but Jenna got sick, and Max had to work. She didn’t tell you?”

“No. She must have forgotten. Now that would have been some surprise. It’s been ages since we’ve seen each other. Too long.”

“Agreed. Let’s make plans after the holidays. So, how’ve you been holding up? You’ve been on my mind a lot lately.”

“I don’t know,” Carly told her. “I have good days and bad days. I’m glad to be done with that idiot, but at the same time, I can’t believe the life we built together is gone. All those years together—poof—vanished into thin air like they never even existed … like I never even existed. Some days I want to strangle him. Scratch that. Most days I want to strangle him.”

“Personally, I think you’re showing remarkable restraint. And strangle isn’t exactly the word that comes to mind in your situation,” Ava said.

“That sounds like something I would say. After all this time, have I finally worn off on you?”

“I’m just looking out for you. The same way you’ve always looked out for me. The Carly I know is a no nonsense go-getter with a heart of gold. That jerk took advantage of your heart. It’s only natural you’d be feeling the way you’re feeling. Take some time to heal. Find what makes you happy.”

“Friends like you make me happy … and painting. Oh! Did I tell you I’ve been commissioned for a big job? A designer wants my work for her fabrics. This could be my big break. Wouldn’t that be something?” She jumped up, excited to be telling her good friend about her news. They’d been art students together at Wolfenson. If anyone would be thrilled for her, it would be Ava.

“Well, I’m not surprised. You’re amazing. I’m so excited for you!”

“I’m pretty excited, too. I should start unpacking, though. I need to find a spot in this mess to set up shop until I have a real studio. The great Marilyn Keyes has me on a tight deadline.”

“Marilyn Keyes? You forgot to mention that part! That’s huge, Carly. Okay, I’m going to hang up now. You need to get to work. Have I told you I’m proud of you?”

“No, but thanks, I appreciate it. Love you, Ava. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Love you, too.”

Carly hung up the phone and let out a long, deep breath while looking at the unending piles of boxes. “Focus,” she whispered to herself. “You can do this.” Walking to the far corner of the room toward the set of windows that overlooked her expansive gardens, she began to carve out a space she could potentially be comfortable in … temporarily at least. She slid furniture and other large pieces out of the way, as she imagined the placement of her easel and other painting supplies that would eventually wind up there. For the moment, those items were tucked away amongst all of her boxes and other random items. She hadn’t been the most organized in her packing efforts.

Smiling, Carly looked forward to the day when she’d finally have a real art studio. She could have chosen to use the spare bedroom on the second floor of her home, but wanted use of a larger space and instead chose the unfinished attic that made up the third floor. That way, she could have more control over the direction of the incoming light. That must be it. She had a vague recollection of labeling all of the boxes that held items for her studio “third floor.” The movers probably put everything in the attic. As she began to climb the stairs, she heard a knock.

“Crap,” she muttered, turning back around. I really don’t have time to play meet the neighbors right now. “Who is it?”

“Anthony Conly. Here to give you an estimate. You did say two o’clock, didn’t you?”

“Right,” she lied and made her way over to the door, swinging it open. She’d completely forgotten he was coming by today, but he was the one person she actually did have time for. “Yes, hello, come in.” An older man, with thinning hair and weathered skin who reminded her of her father, stood in her doorway. “I’m Carly Cater. Thanks for stopping by. The room I want to renovate is on the third floor. Follow me.” She started up the stairs for the second time with Anthony behind her.