“Technically, the guys didn’t have to take the kids out of the house at all. We thought it’d be nice to get a little break for a couple of hours.” Sage said.
“The holidays are long with all three of them home,” Tabitha added. “Without them underfoot, we had the entire main floor cleaned in under an hour. We’re having a coffee break, then we’re going to focus on the playroom. Can I get you a coffee?”
“Nellie’s a tea drinker,” Sage interjected before I had a chance to reply.
“Oh, no worries! I’ve got green tea and English Breakfast.”
“English Breakfast sounds good,” I answered, pulling out the stool beside Sage. I’d been trying to limit my caffeine intake, but the odd cup of caffeinated tea wouldn’t hurt.
While Tabitha put on the kettle, I took in my surroundings and studiously ignored Sage—who was trying to catch my eye. The kitchen was beautiful—with green-painted cabinets and marble countertops. Big windows overlooked the backyard, framed by casework that extended to the countertop. “I love your house, it’s beautiful,” I told her.
“Thank you! We’ve had a lot of fun renovating it,” Tabitha smiled at me over her shoulder. “Did you want something to eat? We’ve got fresh croissants Nix and Sage brought from Tout de Sweets.”
“I’m addicted to the cheddar croissants,” Sage admitted, sliding the box toward me.
“Fine, twist my arm why don’t you,” I joked, taking one. Even though I’d had some toast earlier, I was feeling a little hungry again.
Sage smiled, her eyes bright and excited. The kettle finished boiling, and Tabitha poured the hot water into a cup, placing it in front of me and leaning against the counter. “So, I have something I wanted to tell you both.” Sage announced once I’d started chewing the delicious croissant.
“Oh?” Tabitha asked, feigning surprise. “And what’s that?”
“I’m pregnant.”
“I knew it!” Tabitha screeched.
Sage’s announcement caught me by surprise, and I swallowed the bite of croissant I’d taken a little too quickly. I wasn’t full-on choking on it, but it got caught in my throat enough to make me have a bit of a coughing fit.
Concerned, Sage patted my back while Tabitha grabbed a glass of water, passing it to me so I could wash it down. Once I’d finally caught my breath, I whirled on her. “You’re pregnant, too? How far along?”
“About eight weeks,” Sage said sheepishly. The same as me. My jaw dropped, astonished, all I could do was stare while Tabitha raced around the counter and gave Sage a congratulatory hug. “Pretty sure we conceived the night of the Witches’ Ball. Things got a little heated afterward, and we weren’t as careful as we usually are.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I demanded.
“You had so much going on already,” Sage replied, taking my hand. “I was going to tell you at dinner the other day, but then the Hartley triplets came in and, well.” She shrugged.
I nodded, remembering. They’d arrived after Emily brought our meals to us, and we stopped talking about anything we didn’t want them to overhear. Which meant the topic of pregnancy—both of ours, apparently—was off the table.
“Wait, too? Who else is pregnant?” Tabitha asked.
“I am,” I said, still in shock.
“You’re pregnant, too?! Oh my gosh! This is amazing!” Tabitha gave me a hug. “How far along are you?”
“Apparently, we might have both conceived on the same night,” I answered.
“Isn’t that the night you went home with my cousin?” Tabitha tilted her head, studying me. “Oh my god, is Noah the father?! Does he know?”
My stomach twisted with anxiety. I hadn’t meant to spill the beans on my situation, but I’d been so thrown off by Sage’s, it hadn’t even registered that I’d blurted it out.
“I don’t know for sure if he is, but no, he doesn’t know I’m pregnant. And I’d like to keep it that way. For a bit, anyway. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.”
“Understandable,” Tabitha nodded, pulling out the third stool and sitting down. “Woah. This is a lot of information to take in, ladies.”
“Yeah, it is,” Sage giggled. “I’ve been dying to tell you both, but I was trying to wait until the twelve-week mark. I managed to avoid drinking at Christmas, but I knew tonight was going to be difficult. I figured I’d tell you both now, and Nellie and I could drink the alcohol-free champagne Nix picked up for the kids. He grabbed us a few extra bottles.”
“Oh, that’s good.” I eased up a little. I’d been worrying about that, especially if Noah showed up like he’d mentioned. The last time we partied together, I tossed back shots like it was my full-time job and ended up going home with him. Surely he’d get suspicious if I didn’t drink this time.
“Dammit, that’s right. I thought we were all going to get drunk tonight,” Tabitha pouted a little.
