Part 314 (1/2)

Emma mused.

”Babies change you.” Bev sat on the arm of the sofa watching Samuel

sleep. ”I've been wanting to talk to you alone.”

Automatically Emma lifted a hand to the bruise on her temple. ”There's

nothing to worry about.”

Noting the gesture, Bev nodded. ”I wanted to touch on that as well, but

there's something else. I'm not sure how you'll feel about it.” One

deep breath, and she plunged. ”Brian and I are going to have another

baby.”

Emma stared, lips parted in surprise. ”A baby?”

”I know. It surprised us too, though we have been trying.” She lifted a

hand to her hair. ”After all this time-I suppose it's crazy. I'm

almost forty-two.”

”A baby,” Emma repeated.

”Not to replace Darren,” Bev said quickly. ”Nothing could. And it

isn't that we don't love you as much as it's possible to love a

daughter, but-”

”A baby.” With a laugh, Emma dragged Bev up and hugged her.

”Oh, I'm so glad. I'm so happy for you. For me. For all of us. When?”

”Near the end of summer.” She pulled back to study Emma's face. What she

saw had tears rus.h.i.+ng to her eyes. ”We were afraid you might be upset.”

”Upset?” Emma brushed the back of her hand over her own cheeks. ”Why

would I be upset?”

”It brings back memories. Brian and I have had to deal with ours. I

didn't think I would want another child, but, Emma, I want this one so

badly. I want it so much, for me, for Bri, but-I know how much you