Page 28

The next evening, I drive over to my brother Madden and his wife’s apartment. His wife, Odette, and I became quick friends after their precipitous marriage. My brother somehow convinced Odette to marry him to help his chances of getting elected to Congress… and the only people who were surprised when they fell in love with each other for real were Madden and Odette. My brother is now a congressman for the 4th district of Kansas, so they’re out of town a lot, and I miss them dreadfully.

Pulling up to their luxury apartment complex downtown, I park in one of the designated parking spots. Samantha and I walk inside hand in hand and take the elevator up to the top floor. We enter the small hallway that leads to Madden and Odette’s penthouse apartment. It's not as fancy as something New York City would have, but it’s a great space. The hallway has marble floors, dark textured walls, and brass door handles and wall sconces. It has a 1920s feel that I love. If they didn’t have such a cool apartment, they’d probably buy a house in the suburbs. Especially now that they’re expecting their second child.

I knock on the door and my very pregnant, very sweaty sister-in-law opens it after a minute passes.

“Hey Soph, come on in,” she pants, wiping her brow with one corner of the apron she’s wearing.

We give each other a quick embrace, which is hilariously awkward with her large, round belly.

“Oh my gosh, I missed you guys! How are you?” I ask with hesitation, glancing at her disheveled appearance. Before she can answer, my adorable nephew, Oliver, barrels into me and Samantha.

“Olly!” Samantha exclaims, then they happily run off to play in the living room.

Odette walks toward the kitchen, but glances over her shoulder at me briefly. “Thank goodness Samantha’s here to keep him company. He’s been so bored. I’m at the stage of pregnancy where I’m exhausted, but can’t sleep. Am boiling hot, but can’t seem to cool off. And I’m extremely grouchy, but can’t have a glass of wine to relax.”

I chuckle to myself, remembering the misery of the third trimester. As I follow her into the kitchen, I take in their apartment. It's been over a month since I’ve been here.

The entire apartment has the same marble floors as the hallway outside and elevator, but the kitchen changes into a herringbone pattern. It’s modern with a subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances, but has the lovely brass trimmings that make the apartment look more glamorous than others I’ve seen.

Trying to suppress a smile, I bite the insides of my cheeks. “I’m sorry, the last trimester isn’t much fun—“

I’m cut off as my oldest brother stomps into the kitchen.

“What are you doing on your feet?” He demands, his hands on his hips.

Odette doesn’t even bother to look at him, but answers, “I’m just putting together a charcuterie board. Don’t get all misogynistic on me.”

“How come when a doctor tells you to stay off your feet he’s not a misogynist, but if your husband says it, it is?” Madden asks in an annoyed tone.

She lifts the tray off the countertop to carry it to the living room, but after a few steps, Madden gently takes the tray from her and carries it the rest of the way to the coffee table.

Finally, he turns to me. “Hey Soph. Sorry to ignore you, just trying to keep my wife—” he glares at Odette. “—from going into preterm labor.”

I pat him on the shoulder as he walks by me. “That’s okay, someone’s gotta keep Odette in line.”

“Hey!” Odette protests.

Samantha rushes over to Madden’s side.

“Uncle Maddy!” She squeals as he grabs her and throws her into the air then sets her back down on the ground.

“I missed you, Sammy girl,” He says as he ruffles her curls.

“Samantha, Aunt Odette needs a hug too!” Odette says, pretending to pout.

Samantha grins and runs over to pounce on her, but Madden catches her just in time.

“The doctor said to stay off your feet as much as possible and not to lift over twenty pounds.”

“You’re being ridiculous.” She rolls her eyes and pulls Samantha into a hug.

I wrinkle my nose at her. “Samantha is well over twenty pounds…”

Odette groans before slumping down onto the large leather sectional.

Taking a seat next to her, I pat her knee. “Only two more months.”

Madden tickles Sam, pulling high-pitched giggles from her. “Thank goodness. I can’t for the life of me get her to follow the doctor’s orders.”