It had to be the most gorgeous, mind-bending day Ireland had ever seen, as Lassi prepared a pot of decaf coffee in the kitchen. The coffee maker burbled and sputtered while hot water dripped through the grounds into the glass carafe. Sunlight streamed through the window over the sink, creating patterns of light on the tile floor. It hadn’t rained in weeks. And the green hills and blue sky were as brilliant as brilliant gets.
Upon arising, she’d dressed in her tent-like purple paisley top and her biggest stretch pants. She only had a couple of garments big enough to fit over her huge belly. Her long hair held fast in a ponytail clasp. Eight months into her pregnancy, she couldn’t be bothered with much else.
Her phone rested on the counter, set to speaker. Cillian had only left the house an hour ago, but she missed him already, so she’d called him.
She stooped to get a clean mug from the dishwasher. In the process, she bumped the side of her breast against the counter.
“My boobs are the size of watermelons,” she lamented.
“The better to get my hands on them and play and suck to my heart’s content and your eternal pleasure,” Cillian said.
“Yeah,” she scoffed. “Me and my huge body. I’m as big as a house.”
“That’s why we’re getting a newer, larger house,” Cillian said with a chuckle.
“Wrong thing to say,” she shot back, sensing a hissy-fit attack about to launch from her mouth. She paused, inhaling the fragrant aroma of coffee.
“You’re not as big as a house, love. More like a garden shed,” he soothed.
“Nice try. You might want to watch what you say. Don’t forget, now that I’m on maternity leave I’ll be around more.” She lifted the carafe and poured coffee into her mug. Her mouth salivated at the thought of putting the cup to lips.
“I look forward to it,” Cillian said, his voice laced with loving concern and simmering, sexy possibilities. He rarely got ruffled by her mood swings.
Her heart swelled with love as she scooped sugar into her cup. Ever since that night in the supply closet, they’d been full-on in love, two individuals committed to creating a life together. She stepped toward the refrigerator and retrieved the cream. After pouring a dollop into her java and stirring the mixture into a heavenly brew, she picked up the phone and the coffee and waddled toward the front room.
Crusty, never too far from her side lately, trotted after her.
“When will you be back?” she said, making her way to the sofa.
“I told you, I’ll be home after church service,” he said. “I think Father Kennedy will do fine with his first sermon. We’re going to rehearse one more time, and then, I’ll set him loose on the villagers of Ballynagaul.”
“Sounds good,” she said. “I miss you already.”
“Me, too,” he said.
They both sounded as if they had a case of “teenage crush.” Lassi had never acted so goofy with a man, ever.
“I gotta go. Love you to the stars,” Cillian said.
“Love you to the moon,” she replied, clutching the cup of coffee. She disconnected the phone and set it on the end table.
Crusty leaped next to her and curled at her side.
She reached out to touch him with her free hand, pleased that he didn’t hiss and snarl at her. Instead, he started purring. She smiled, contentedly, her gaze landing on the mug in her other hand. And here comes my morning bliss-moment…coffee. Just as she lifted the cup to her lips, a knock sounded on the door.
“Shite,” she muttered, hurriedly taking a small sip. “Ever since I moved to Ballyna-no-tea-or-coffee-in-the-morning, I rarely enjoy a cuppa anything before being interrupted.” She set the mug down, rose and waddled to the door.
Siobhan stood at the door appearing truly transformed. Recently wed to Bres, she looked radiant in her tan slacks and golden-brown jumper. Her reddish-blonde had been piled in a high, artfully messy bun. Her blue eyes no longer looked like haunted pits. She’d toned herself through gym workouts and eating well.
“Lassi,” she said in her slightly loud voice. She beamed at Lassi.
Lassi threw open her arms and embraced Siobhan. She stepped back, signing, Come in, come in. She ushered Siobhan into the front room where they sat on opposite ends of the sofa, with Crusty in the middle. Would you like some coffee? Tea?
Crusty opened his eyes to slits, eying them both. Then, he got up, took a couple of steps, and flopped against Lassi’s hip. Satisfied, he resumed his snooze and purr.
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, is now available.
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