I wanted to say something to get the conversation moving, but seeing my sister so distraught erased my train of thought. I’d never seen her be anything but strong. In the face of serious danger, she had the nerve to laugh. She was younger than me, but I admired her in a lot of ways. She possessed Mama’s beauty but Father’s hardness. Our father let me get away with more things than her simply because I was a man. He was a million times harder on her, and not just when it came to boys and dating. When he taught her to use a gun, she was a natural, but nothing was ever good enough. He trained her to become a killing machine. When it came to me, he didn’t think I needed as much attention.
Vanessa crossed her legs and poured two glasses of wine. “So…what’s new with you guys? How’s the baby?”
Muse absentmindedly rubbed her stomach. “Baby is great. It’s been kicking a lot lately…mainly when I’m sleeping.”
The corner of Vanessa’s mouth rose in a smile. “Perfect timing, huh?”
“Yeah,” Muse said with a chuckle. “But I’ve been sleeping in late to catch up on the restless nights.”
Vanessa shifted her gaze to me. “And you don’t have to suffer at all…nice being a father.”
I didn’t have to deal with morning sickness, sleep loss, or discomfort. I got to enjoy all the benefits, like making love to Muse and getting off on her pregnant belly. Hottest thing in the world. I thought I was only attracted to thin models who could rock the runway in heels, but I found my pregnant and waddling fiancée to be the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. “Pretty much.”
“Got any names yet?” Vanessa was cooperative in the conversation, smiling when she was supposed to, but the hint of sadness in her eyes could never be erased.
“No, not yet,” Muse said. “We think we’re going to stick to names that start with a C, though. Seems to be a Barsetti tradition.”
Vanessa shook her head. “You don’t need to stick to tradition. The Barsetti last name is tradition enough.”
“We haven’t put a lot of thought into the name,” I said. “I’ve been more concerned about the baby getting here and being healthy. That’s all I care about.” My eyes went to Muse’s swollen stomach that stretched her dress. Inside was the little person who would become my whole world. They already were my whole world.
“The baby will be healthy,” Vanessa said with certainty. “And they’ll be wonderful and beautiful. Don’t worry about it.” Her eyes turned to Muse’s stomach. “I’m very excited to be an aunt, and not just to turn them against you.”
I let her taunt slide. “You’ll be a great aunt.”
Muse smiled. “Yes, you will be.”
Vanessa’s smile slowly faded away, like a different thought was entering her brain. It must have been something about Bones, because that look of depression returned. “Are you ever getting married?”
“Actually, we were thinking about doing it soon,” Muse said. “I’m getting so big, and I know once the baby gets here, we’ll be too busy and tired…”
“You should do it,” Vanessa said. “Enjoy being married for a few months before your family grows.”
I knew Vanessa wouldn’t be offended about us tying the knot. She’d never been a self-absorbed person, even in her darkest hour.
“We were thinking about doing it on Saturday, actually…” Muse lowered her hand from her stomach. “My dress needs to be let out a little bit, but that shouldn’t take too long. We wanted to do something small, just a dinner at the house.”
“That sounds like a great idea.” Vanessa raised her glass of wine. “I’m in.”
“You’re sure?” Muse asked uncertainly.
“Of course.” Vanessa took a drink. “Why wouldn’t I be? I’m excited to have a sister. It’s much better than having a brother.”
Muse smiled. “I just wanted to make sure.”
Vanessa’s smile faded away when she understood the reason Muse was concerned. She connected the dots slowly, and then reality hit her. “If you’re worried about me because of what happened with…” She couldn’t say his name. She grimaced, like the formation of the words on her tongue somehow stung her. “Don’t be. I’m very happy for both of you. This is a really exciting time in your lives, and I’m very happy to share it with you.”
When we told my parents about the wedding, they were both excited. Father was a little different, obviously upset over his shaky relationship with Vanessa. Muse made the plans with my mom, and together with Lars, they planned the dinner and the decorations. Lars agreed to adjust her dress so it would fit her just right, and I was left to wait around until the big day.
That was fine with me. I didn’t care about planning a wedding. All I cared about was the woman who wanted to be my wife. Her dress would be beautiful, but it would be more beautiful on the bedroom floor.