“Positive.” I couldn’t be any further along than thirty-two weeks at the most.
“You’re measuring a little bit bigger than thirty-two.”
My stomach dropped. “Is that bad?”
“Not really. Your cervix is closed up, tight as a drum. And the heartbeat is strong and steady. You’ve probably just got a little bit too much amniotic fluid.”
“Is there anything to do about it?”
“If you start swelling, get a headache, or any other odd symptoms beyond the normal pregnancy tiredness and achiness, call me immediately. But I think you’re fine, and so will be your babe.”
She began packing her instruments back into her bag while I covered up. “And the pelvic rest?”
Chuckling low in her throat, she snapped her bag shut. “Enjoy your vacation. Your pelvic rest is lifted.”
“Wahoo!” Without any advanced medical equipment, it was the best news I could hope for. “Thank you, Healer Rakesha.”
“My pleasure, girl. I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
Just a few weeks to go. Excitement bubbled up my throat until I wanted to squeal. I refrained and rolled off the bed so I could get dressed.Vacation time, baby! Yeah!
CHAPTER TWO
RILEY
Elias and Anthony carried our bags, of course, while I stood beside them in a sundress and big floppy hat. We waited in the back garden. Cindy, the witch who helped our family with portal travel, twirled her arm clockwise, then counterclockwise while muttering words in a language I didn’t know.
Anthony bounced a little onto his tiptoes then settled. “You ready, Coya?”
I nodded. We were due a little rest and relaxation. The kids were lined up so I could kiss them goodbye, including Elias and Anthony’s brood. They had warmed up to me, except for Stephen. He regarded me with cool disdain, too old for a stepmom, I supposed.
It didn’t help that we were very close to the same age, but he was viewed as a child, and I was his stepmother. It would take time, but I was confident I’d win him over.
Stephen stepped up first, holding Jaime. “Well, see ya,” he said.
Jaime held her arms out for me to pick her up. “I’ll miss you, Riley.”
Anthony grabbed her and I snuggled close. “I’m sorry I can’t pick you up right now. As soon as I have this baby I will.” After getting a kiss from me and her dad, and a pat on the head from Uncle Elias, Anthony put her down and she ran across the yard to a swing set to wait on Kohbi.
She stepped forward next. “Why can’t I go?” Her lower lip trembled.
“I’m sorry, sweetie,” I said, feeling like the worst mother in the world for leaving her. “We’ll all take a vacation soon. Wouldn’t that be fun?” I’d make sure it was the best vacation ever.
She shrugged, still sad, and I didn’t know what else to say.
Anthony crouched down beside her, and she turned her big heterochromatic eyes on him. “We won’t be gone long, then we’ll do something together, princess. I promise.”
“Can we go to the beach?” she asked, blinking.
“Of course,” Elias said as he crouched down beside Anthony. “Now go play with Jaime and we’ll be back before you know it.”
Charlie ran up and threw his arms around me. “It’s okay, Riley. I know you gotta go. My dads have to go places all the time. It’s part of being Supay.” He took off to play with the girls.
I threw them a dirty look. I didn’t care what the Junta had expected of them, or how much they’d felt like they had to be around me in the past, our children would learn they could depend on us.
David and Daniel were the only two left. “Boys,” I said.
They smiled, and Daniel mimicked Charlie, running forward for a hug. “Have fun, Mama!”
