Heart's Blood
Page 23
No, thanks, I won’t be long. I have to head over to the pub for…
Lassi squinted, straining to make out the rest of the words. She shook her head, signing, Repeat, please.
Siobhan pulled a notepad from her purse and scribbled, I have to head over to the pub for sign language lessons. It’s grown. Now, the whole town stops by every Monday for pints and lessons. It’s fun yet hectic. And, it was all Sixpack’s idea.
Lassi nodded. Losing his two best mates had been hard on Sixpack. Rallying the town to learn how to communicate with Siobhan had given him more to do than drown his sorrows in Guinness. It gave him purpose.
Siobhan reached out to pat Lassi’s tummy. How are the twins?
They’re fine. Lassi held out her hand for the notepad. Some things were still too hard to sign. They kick and squabble all the time. I think the girl is in charge. She’s bossing her brother around.
She’s probably like you, Siobhan signed, while the boy takes after Cillian. She grinned. Good for you for taking the last month off.
Bres forced my hand, Lassi signed, chuckling. He said he’d fire me. She scribbled, Twins tend to arrive early, and we need to give them time to develop. Especially their wee lungs.
Siobhan smiled. I’m paying close attention. A huge smile spread across her face.
Lassi’s eyebrows drew together. Why? She signed.
I’m pregnant. Siobhan’s smile broadened.
Oh, I’m so happy for you! Lassi returned the radiant smile.
And guess who wants to play fairy godmothers? Siobhan waggled her eyebrows.
Who? Lassi leaned forward, bubbling with excitement. Lady Freddie?
Both her and Petra. Now that they’re a couple they’re like two mother hens fussing over me.
They’re a couple? How did that happen? Lassi had been so focused on her own life and pregnancy, she failed to track the town gossip.
I don’t know. Lady Freddie tells me it was love at first sight. They’ve been secretly hooking up for months. They finally decided to make it public.
Lassi focused on Siobhan’s rapidly moving hands. I thought they were acting kind of odd the last few times I stopped there for lunch. Making goo-goo eyes. She didn’t know how to sign goo-goo, so she batted her eyelashes and widened her eyes.
Siobhan laughed.
I’m so happy you forgave Petra. She’s actually kind. A laugh escaped Lassi’s throat, too. She scribbled, Your fairy godmothers can knit unisex booties while consuming copious amounts of gin.
Yes, Siobhan signed. She glanced at her wristwatch. I’ve only got a few minutes before I have to go. When will you be moving?
We close on the house next week. Lassi’s hand moved to Crusty’s side. She petted his soft fur.
His purrs increased.
Oh, and Ryan has accepted his role as the twin’s godfather, she signed.
Siobhan nodded. That’s great. And how are you and the twins doing with your magic?
Lassi shifted her weight as one of the twins began to kick. She pointed to her belly. There’s your answer. They’re draining me dry, sucking it all up for their own mysterious purposes. I hope my magic comes back to me after they’re born. She let out a deep sigh. I kind of miss it. It became as natural as breathing.
Again, Siobhan nodded. Have you thought of names for the twins?
Lassi shook her head. That’s the real mystery.
Siobhan rose. I’ve got to get going. Don’t get up. You and Crusty look comfortable.
Thanks. It’s hard to get this huge beast of a body up and down.
Siobhan said her good-byes and headed toward the door, leaving Lassi to her now-cold coffee.
“Oh, well,” she said to Crusty. “A good cuppa tea or coffee could never replace a good friend.”
Crusty opened his eyes and fixed them on her face. He rose to his feet, stretched, and meowed.
“What? Like you have all the answers?” Lassi smiled, certain he nodded.
He curled up in a little ball next to her and resumed his slumber.
Maybe Crusty McKitty did have all the answers. She wouldn’t be surprised to find out he did. But for now, he could keep his own counsel. Deep contentment settled in Lassi’s heart. Her life was good. She had Cillian, her dear friends, and the village of Ballynagaul to care for. Soon she and Cillian would have twins. What more could she ask for? Nothing, absolutely nothing.
Except maybe for evil to stop camping out in Ballynagaul.
The End. To be continued...
The last adventure in the Bloodstone Trilogy, Iron and Salt, will be available soon. Make sure you sign up for the newsletter, so you don’t miss the release! http://www.calindab.com/newslettersignup.html
About the Author
A New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author, Calinda B writes kick-ass heroines who don't know their own strength. When she's not writing, she's been known to fall off ice cliffs; fire walk with Russian fire officials; or wake up from a six weeks coma, wondering how she got there in the first place. She’s been stuck in deadly currents at Deception Pass in her kayak, and loves to swim with sharks. She greets every day with a smile and an openness to what might be around the next corner.
SERIES:
The Bloodstone Trilogy:
Grave Stones: Book 1
Heart’s Blood: Book 2
Iron and Blood: Book 3
The Charming Shifter Mysteries:
Storm Shift: Book 1
Power Shift: Book 2
Blood Shift: Book 3
Soul Shift: Book 4
Bad Boys Need Love, Too:
Looks Like Trouble to Me UNCUT
Trouble Times Two UNCUT
Tracked by Trouble
Point of Contact:
Blurred Lines – a 3 Part Military Romance
Sassy Aphrodite and her Sweet Dirty Mouth
Riding the Edge of Darkness
Standalones:
Night Whispers (Also in Audible)
Red Rex: Blood Echoes (Also in Audible)
Headspace
Meeting with My Maker (Also in Audible)
Fire from the Diamond Club World (Also in Audible)
The Remingtons: Crazy Love
The Remingtons: A Twist of Love
All books can be viewed on this page: http://calindab.com/books.aspx
With umpteen books roaming the universe and more in her head, you can find her at www.calindab.com. Or, if you want to stay connected, join the exclusive mailing list! http://www.calindab.com/newslettersignup.html