"You're not helping," I tell him.
"I'm loving this."
Alex clears his throat. "Can we focus on actual wine tasting? Some of us have work to do."
"Right." Brennen reluctantly sets down his notepad. "We have the new Malbec ready for tasting?—"
"Emma can't taste," Sophie reminds him.
"Right. Pregnancy. Twins." He looks slightly lost. "What do pregnant women do at wine tastings?"
"Eat cheese and judge you," I say.
"Fair."
Thirty-two weeks… I’m done with the waddling already.
Monday morning, I'm walking into Preston & Associates feeling like I'm finally living a sustainable life instead of drowning. Also, I'm showing now. Like, obviously pregnant. No more "did she have a big lunch" territory. This is "she's definitely having a baby—or possibly babies" situation.
Sarah and Tom are in the conference room when I arrive, reviewing case files with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine.
"Morning," Sarah says, looking up. "Henderson contract is ready for your review. Tom already did the preliminary markup."
"Looks solid," Tom adds. "But we flagged three clauses that need your expertise."
I settle into my chair and review their work. It's excellent. Better than excellent.
"This is perfect," I tell them. "Submit it."
"Without your final review?" Sarah looks uncertain.
"You don't need my final review. You both know what you're doing."
Tom and Sarah exchange glances.
"Emma," Tom says carefully. "You're sure?"
"Positive. I trust you both." I close the file. "Besides, I'm transitioning to part-time supervision role. You two are taking the lead on most cases now."
"Part-time?" Sarah's eyes widen.
"Twins," I explain, gesturing at my stomach. "Due in less than two months. I need to prepare for that instead of working seventy-hour weeks."
"That's really smart," Tom says.
"It's survival," I correct. "But thank you."
Maggie appears in the doorway. "Candace and Joselyn are here. Something about emergency maternity clothes shopping?"
Right. I'd forgotten about that.
"Send them in."
Candace and Joselyn enter, both looking far too excited about clothes shopping.
"We're kidnapping you," Candace announces. "You've been wearing the same three dresses for weeks."
"They're comfortable."
