“Would you believe it? I know the answer this time,” said Tessa. “In mid-May, just as Christian did. But we will do everything differently this time, won’t we?” She kissed Christian’s furry head. “Papa will be here, Mama will know what she’s doing. And we’ll have a big brother to help.”
“Brother!” said Christian, and the women laughed. Tessa clamped a hand over his mouth. “Shh, Dollop. But can you keep a secret until tomorrow?”
“Secret brother!” said Christian.
Sabine sat back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. “Right you are, Christian. I just love a secret baby, don’t you?” She winked at her friend.
“Not as much as we love strangers who marry and part ways,” said Tessa. She raised a brow. “Only to meet again.”
Sabine narrowed her eyes.
“Meet again!” parroted Christian, hoping to elicit another laugh from his mother and her pretty friends.
Which they did.
All except for Sabine, who merely smiled and looked away, fingering the sealed letter tucked beneath her skirts.
