“It’s good to see you again, Clarissa.”
“Oh, I can’t tell you how thankful I am again, Maggie. You are such a lifesaver for doing this,” Clarissa gushed and pulledMaggie into a hug. “My girls adore you from their lessons, so don’t be surprised if they’re clinging to you all night, asking you horse-related questions. Or questions about unicorns. They’ve been asking about those non-stop.”
Maggie’s face lit up as she laughed. I loved it when she laughed. “I should be the one thanking you. I’ve been dying to spend time with some little ones ever since I found out I was expecting.”
“Well, let me tell you, darling, it’s the biggest blessing you will ever receive. These girls are beyond energetic, and they drive us crazy, but they’re the best things that have ever happened to Bruce and me.”
If my stomach hadn’t been churning before, it sure as hell was now. These people were so damn happy. Their family sounded picture-perfect. They would never imagine faking a life like this.
“That’s amazing to hear.” Maggie reached down to clutch my hand. “We are so excited to be having a baby.”
I glanced at Maggie.We.It was still a foreign word to hear. A perfect silence ensued, only lasting a few seconds. We heard the chaos before it arrived in the form of two little blonde-haired girls, each with sparkly pink bows in their hair.
“Miss Maggie!” One of the girls ran to Maggie, hugging her legs. She reached down to hug her back.
“Hi, Josie! How are you today?”
Josie snorted and tilted her head all the way up to face Maggie. “I just saw you today, silly! I’m good, though. Kellie and I had Animal Crackers when we got home from our lesson, and they were so yummy.” I smiled at the little girl. Her enthusiasm and positivity were infectious.
“That sounds awesome!” Maggie beamed at her.
Kellie, I assumed, also ran up to hug Maggie after her sister let go. “Hi, Miss Maggie! You get to babysit us tonight!”
“That’s right,” Maggie replied with matching enthusiasm. “We’re going to havesomuch fun.”
“Me too!” Kellie yelled, waving her hands in the air.
“Me three!” Josie chimed in.
“Alright, I think we’re ready to go.” The girls’ father emerged from the double doors just off the foyer. He adjusted the blue and white-striped tie around his neck before putting a hand on his wife’s lower back and kissing her cheek. “You look beautiful, Clarie.”
Clarissa gave him a genuine smile before returning the compliment. “As do you, husband.”
He turned to me and held out his hand. “Hey, there. I’m Bruce. Nice to meet ya.”
I shook it and nodded. “Jack Hennicke. The pleasure’s mine.”
Clarissa turned to her daughters. “Girls, do you need anything before we go?”
Both shook their head, gazing up at their parents in adoration.
“You guys do look super pretty,” Kellie bounced. “Is it a special ‘casion?”
Their parents laughed. “Occasion. And no, your father and I are just having a nice dinner. Sometimes we need quality time with each other,” Clarissa answered.
“Ohhh, okay. I’m gonna spend quality time with Miss Maggie tonight. And the other guy.” Kellie looked at me with an unknowing smirk.
I withheld my laugh.
“Girls, this is Jack, Miss Maggie’s husband,” Clarissa answered.
Josie let out a dramatic gasp and turned to Maggie. “You’re married?”
“Yes, I am,” she laughed.
“Okay-dokey, is everyone good? ‘Cause, we’ve got a reservation to make.” Bruce checked his silver Rolex and gave Clarissa a knowing look.
“Yes, we should be going,” she answered quickly and turned to us. “Dinner is in the fridge, just pop it in the oven at 350 for thirty minutes, and it’ll be good to go. The girls can play, watch TV, or whatever they want, and their bedtime is at eight-thirty. We’ll be home by eleven, but I’ll let you know if it’s later. You have my number, so just text me if you need anything or have any questions.”
