by Bria Marche
“Okay, Mrs. Daniels, aka Cheshire-cat-faced nutcase, what’s up with the pool?”
Mia huffed at Vic’s remark as they sat in a circle, ten pairs of feet relaxing in the water together. “I’m glad you asked, smarty-pants. I remember a conversation you and I had last summer when you were just a little lost and insecure.”
“Mia…” Vic felt anxious and sat rigid as she listened. Max took her hand and held it.
“Shush… let me continue. I remember saying how someday we would all be coupled up with someone.” Mia looked at each person as her voice cracked. “I also said we’d all live in Tarrytown and raise our kids together. We’d have barbecues every weekend and pool parties.” She brushed at the tear slipping off her right eyelid. “You, the goof that you are, said with a huge pout, ‘Who has a pool?’” Mia laughed as Vic blushed, remembering that conversation. “I responded, saying nobody had a pool yet, but in a few years, somebody might. Well, damn it, Ms. Victoria Alonso, I’m true to my word, and here’s the friggin’ pool.”
Vic laughed as she brushed at the tears streaming down her own cheeks. “I guess this wasn’t the type of pool I had in mind.”
“Yeah, but you know what? It’s still pretty damn sweet.”
“I know something else that’s pretty sweet.” Sasha got up and walked over to Tina. Kismet lay on Tina’s lap, sound asleep and basking in the afternoon sun. “I think it’s time to replace this pup for something a little more appropriate.” Sasha picked up the sleepy Kismet and placed her on the rug by the bassinets. “Do you have a preference?”
Tina laughed. “Nope, I love them both the same.”
“Good on you, sister.” Sasha carried little Alexander to Tina and placed him in her arms. She carried sweet sleeping Arielle and laid her in Dan’s waiting arms. With her hands on her hips, Sasha assessed them both. “Now, that’s what I’m talking about. Girl, you couldn’t look more beautiful than you do right now. I think it’s time to toast us, the best friends anyone could ever want. Weren’t we saving that 2008 bottle of Merlot from Paradigm Winery you gave me as a wedding gift for after the babies were born? We’ll I think it’s time to crack that puppy open. Josh could you bring it out here, please?”
Josh ran inside and came back a few minutes later with the wine bottle. With plastic picnic cups in hand, each person was poured a few swallows of the wonderful Merlot. Sasha raised a cup to her guests. “To my husband, my beautiful babies, my sisters, and the loves of their lives. Cheers.”
They splashed their feet in the pool, raised their picnic cups, and toasted to the best group of friends Tarrytown had ever seen.
THE END
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My love, thanks, and deep appreciation go out to all of the people who have supported me from my initial dream of becoming a writer to reading the words “THE END” when I finished my very first novel. There were no scoffs, laughs, or negativity. Family and friends continue to help me with constructive criticism, high fives, cheers, and words of encouragement. From my editor and cover designer to my formatter in a faraway country, you have made my journey so much easier. Erik, I appreciate you more than you could imagine. You have been there for me since before I wrote the very first word. Rochelle, you’re the best promoter I could ask for. Photographer Karen Nelson made the “About the Author” photo of me look great. Plus she is an avid supporter and my fun-loving sister.
Table of Contents
AUTHOR’S NOTE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
