Polly grinned. "That's funny. Were you a good student?"
"Not nearly as good as Nate. He's a natural at this. I'm going to be lost when he has to go to work."
"So, everything has changed because you have two babies. I didn't even think about that. Do you need another crib?" Polly asked.
"No. They sleep together. It's the cutest thing. Sometimes they reach out and touch each other while they sleep."
"Oh, you're killing me," Sal said. "That's almost cuter than even I know what to do with."
Mark took her hand. "I need to get you around more babies so you can find out how wonderful they really are. Maybe I'll take you with me when the cows are calving."
A snort burst out of Sal's mouth. "No, I'll figure it out on my own. I'm not ready for that either.
"Lydia and Andy are going to flip out when they discover you have twins," Polly said.
Joss looked over at her. "Please tell me that can wait until tomorrow."
"It can definitely wait, but you're going to have all the babysitters you need."
Polly held the baby back up to her daddy, who took Sophia and cradled her in an arm. "I think we should make a toast," she said. "To the newest and youngest residents of Bellingwood.
Mark and Henry poured wine into the glasses and Sal chuckled. "Not too many new moms get to drink. It looks like adoption is a great way to do this baby thing."
Joss smiled at her. "It's been wonderful. I wanted a houseful of children and starting with two right off the bat is perfect."
They passed around the glasses and Polly held hers up. "Welcome home Cooper and Sophia. Your family has been waiting for you and there are so many people who can't wait to meet you. We're glad you're here."
Glasses clinked together around the table and little Cooper Oliver gave a big yawn, settling back into his mother's arms.
"Your family keeps growing, Polly," Henry said, his eyes twinkling.
"It really does." She smiled down at Cooper. "I hope it never stops."
"Hear, hear," Henry replied, his words echoed by their friends.
THOUGHTS AND THANKS
For a book that was never intended to be, this story brought changes to Bellingwood that were a little unexpected … at least they were before I wrote them. Then, it was if they had always been part of the story. A new (and she's gonna be fun) character, a semi-regular character who gains more of a foothold, and two wonderful little babies.
The readers who keep Bellingwood vibrant helped choose the names of Joss and Nate Mikkels' babies and I couldn't be happier with the choices.
Cooper Oliver's name came from suggestions by Sandy M. Gardiner, Marci Abel and Robin Miller. Sophia Harper's names were proposed by Bonnie Roupe-Lazuka, Sue Wigand, Ruth Slaughbaugh and Jeanne Baenen Benck.
~~~
I could never stay on track without trusted friends who read my manuscript and remind me that life isn't lived in a bubble. There are so many different perspectives through which we read books. As these wonderful people edit, fix and comment through the process, I learn about writing, Bellingwood, myself … and what friendship is truly about. They are extraordinarily unique individuals who offer themselves to me for a period of time to make my writing better.
Thank you to Rebecca Bauman, Tracy Kesterson Simpson, Linda Watson, Carol Greenwood, Alice Stewart, Fran Neff, Max Muir, Edna Fleming and Nancy Quist for all they do to make these books happen.
~~~
This book had one – almost – blooper. I caught it one night and when I did, I sweat and panicked and then laughed and laughed. I wrote it, proofread it, my readers read it, I edited through several times and none of us noticed it: a boy with a broken arm can't (shouldn't) play Twister. But, I tossed a fun scene up in the air and hoped it came back down without breaking apart. Whew. But I had to tell you – what fun would it be if I kept it to myself?
THANK YOU FOR READING!
I’m so glad you enjoy these stories about Polly Giller and her friends. There are many ways to stay in touch with Diane and the Bellingwood community.
You can find more details about Sycamore House and Bellingwood at the website: http://nammynools.com/
Join the Bellingwood Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pollygiller
for news about upcoming books, conversations while I’m writing and you’re reading, and a continued look at life in a small town.
Diane Greenwood Muir’s Amazon Author Page is a great place to watch for new releases.
Follow Diane on Twitter at twitter.com/nammynools for regular updates and notifications.
Recipes and decorating ideas found in the books can often be found on Pinterest at: http://pinterest.com/nammynools/
And, if you are looking for Sycamore House swag, check out Polly’s CafePress store: http://www.cafepress.com/sycamorehouse
Tomorrow's Promises (Bellingwood Book 7) Page 27
