Fire Bound (Sea Haven Sisters)(4)
“Most likely the puppy will be sleeping in your room along with the children,” Lissa said, keeping a straight face.
Airiana groaned and covered her eyes. “So true. Just remember that if any of you are thinking about having children. They are exhausting.”
“Not me,” Rikki said. “I’m going to be the favorite auntie.”
“That’s my job,” Blythe objected. “I’ll be the old spinster with five cats.”
Judith snorted. “Like you have a chance of that happening.” She paused. Took a breath. “I didn’t think I’d want children, but Stefan is so wonderful and he’s going to be one of those hands-on fathers that helps. I like having Benito hanging around the house doing art with me. Nicia and Siena are darling children. Even Lucia, although she rarely comes over, is sweet. Stefan and I decided to try.”
There was a shocked silence.
“Really?” Blythe asked. “That’s wonderful. I love the idea of children growing up happy here on the farm.”
“That’s a good thing,” Judith said, “because Airiana is pregnant. I have no idea when she was going to confess, but I can clearly see that she is. Her aura gives her away.”
Airiana looked shocked. “I am not.” She sat up straight, put her teacup on the table and glared at Judith. “I have four children. That’s plenty. I couldn’t possibly have a baby, I’m too tired all time.”
“That’s why you’re tired, silly,” Judith pointed out. “Didn’t you know? Really?”
Airiana scowled at her. “As long as I didn’t take a test or say it out loud, I thought I could dodge the bullet. We weren’t exactly careful in the beginning. And sometimes we aren’t all that careful now.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it,” Judith said. “The horse left the barn and there’s no need to close the doors.”
“That ship has sailed,” Blythe said.
“I hate you all,” Airiana said. “Stop laughing at me. Now, Gavriil has this puppy that I’ll end up having to take care of right along with crazy Benito and the girls. I’m so not looking forward to the next few months. Puking and wishing I could sleep.”
“Lucia will look after the puppy,” Lexi said. “She’s learning already to care for them and she’s very good at it. She has a natural talent. I think it will be good for her, and you should tell her you’re pregnant, she’ll help you.”
Airiana shook her head, sudden tears welling up. Instantly the laughter was gone from their circle.
Blythe reached out and took her hand. “What is it, honey? You’re complaining, but you love the children, and you know Lucia needs the puppy. You don’t object to that. Are you really ill?”
Airiana shook her head and then shrugged. “I have morning sickness, but it isn’t bad. I just am careful what I eat in the morning. It’s Lucia and the others. I want them to feel loved. To know they have a home. They’ve been through so much. Losing their parents in a car bombing. Their little sister murdered. That awful ship. The things that happened to them on it. They need to feel as if they have a secure home with Max. With me. That we’re going to love them and be their parents.”
“Of course they know that,” Blythe assured gently. “There will be an adjustment, but they’ll accept and want the baby too.”
Airiana shook her head. “I don’t want them to think for one moment that by having a baby, we’ll push them aside. I want this baby. Max’s child, but I love all four of those children as if they were mine. I know Lucia in particular has a difficult time. They need time. I haven’t said anything because I think the longer they have with us without a new baby, the better it will be for them, but then I think if they get used to the idea, the better it will be that way.” She threw her arms into the air. “I have no idea what to do.”
“What does Max say?”
Airiana bit her lip.
Lissa gasped. “You didn’t tell him? Are you nuts? Max will kill you for withholding that kind of information. What were you thinking?”
“That he’ll get even more protective than he already is. He can make me crazy, Lissa. They all can make me crazy, and lately I haven’t had the tolerance and the humor I need to deal with him turning into a macho protective nutcase. All I want to do is cry or throw things.”
“Honey, you’re pregnant,” Blythe said. “That’s to be expected.”