Lie, Lie Again(34)

As they entered the store, Kylie spun in a circle. “Mama, I’m dancing like Daddy and Miss Riki!”

A chill that had nothing to do with the cold ran through Embry. “What do you mean, Kylie?”

“They dance and dance in the rain, Mama! Just like me.”

“When? Where?” The questions tumbled from her lips.

Kylie only shrugged and clomped in a giddy circle, clearly enjoying the squelching sound her boots made.

Embry took a breath and tried to reassure herself that kids sometimes got things wrong. But sometimes they get things perfectly right. With a shake of her head, she said, “Stop that right now, Kylie. We need a buggy.”

“I drive one too?”

“Not today.”

“Why?”

“Let’s go find the bread. Stay close to me.” Her voice was clipped, but the vision of Riki and Brandon having a good old time in the rain together had her head spinning. Carson spit out his pacifier and whimpered. His tiny body stiffened against her chest before he let out a big wail. She exhaled as he cried and forced herself to focus on what was in front of her. Letting her imagination run wild wouldn’t help matters.

“Shush, shush,” she said, fishing her hand between the baby carrier and his warm body to find the pacifier. She stuck it back in his mouth and kissed the top of his head as she walked toward the carts.

Another woman was already there, wrestling one from the row. “Finally!” She turned toward Embry. “Pesky things, aren’t they?” Three children stood patiently near her. The youngest looked to be about five. The mother’s face softened as she smiled at Embry. “Oh, what a sweet baby. I miss those days.” She tousled her son’s hair. “My baby is almost six now. Treasure these days, because before you know it—” She snapped her fingers. “They’re gone.”

Embry nodded. She’d heard that before, along with, “The days are long, but the years are short.”

“And so you know, it does get easier.”

Embry wanted her to keep talking. She wished she could pull this woman aside for a cup of tea while their children played. She had so many questions. Sure, she’d read plenty of books, but here was a woman who seemed to have it all together. Her kids were clean and polite. She, too, was clean and polite. “Thanks for sharing that. It’s a good reminder.”

“Oh, you’re welcome.” She smiled at Kylie. “It’s such a sweet time. Okay, we’re off to battle the cookie aisle. Happy Sunday!”

“Happy Sunday,” Embry said softly, watching the kids trail after their mom as she headed for the aisles like a pro.

She pushed her buggy slowly, lost in thought.

“Mama, I ride?”

“Sure thing, honey.” She scooped Kylie up, careful not to bump her into Carson, and placed her in the cart. As she steered to the bread aisle, tears filled her eyes. Was she treasuring these days enough? Or was she so worried about Brandon and his career that she was only halfway present? She plucked a loaf of generic whole wheat from the shelf and dropped it into the front of the cart. Kylie began singing “Part of Your World,” from The Little Mermaid, in her darling, wobbly voice, and tears rippled from Embry’s eyes. She swiped them away quickly, not wanting her daughter to see her crying.

“I love your singing, Kylie girl. You make me so happy.”

As she paused to check her list, she was surprised to hear someone saying hello.

She looked up to see Sylvia.

“I thought that was you,” Sylvia said.

“Oh! Hi.” She brushed a hand across her hair, hoping she didn’t look frightful. “My goodness, how are you? Riki told us about what happened.”

Sylvia appeared to be studying her face, which clarified that she must look a mess. “She told you about my wrist or something else?”

Embry frowned. What else would she have told her? “Your wrist. You fell in the rain,” she added. Did Sylvia think she and Riki were gossiping behind her back?

“Yes. Well, it was only a sprain. I have to wear this clunky brace for a while, but it’s better than a break.” She glanced past Embry to the cart, eyeing Kylie’s pink slicker, neon-yellow tutu, and froggy rain boots. “You look very stylish today, young lady.”

“I have my tutu,” Kylie announced proudly. She took the tulle in her hands, pulling on it for Sylvia to see.

“I noticed. It’s very bright.” She turned back to Embry. “Are you okay? You don’t look well.”

Embry fluttered a hand to the pendant at her neck. “Yes, I’m great. It’s just—” A lump crept to her throat, lodging itself into place, making it so she couldn’t talk.

“It’s just what?” She cocked an eyebrow, and for a moment, it reminded Embry of a look her mama would give her, even though Sylvia was much younger than Embry’s mom.

She flattened her hand to her chest. “I’m pregnant.” It came out in a whisper, but as soon as the words escaped, Embry wished she could breathe them back in, hiding them inside her where they were supposed to stay.

“You’re pregnant? Again?”

Embry nodded. “Yes.” She gripped the heart pendant in a fist. “I can’t believe I told you.” She lowered her voice to barely a whisper, hoping to prevent Kylie from hearing, but she was too busy taking off her boots to listen. “Brandon doesn’t know yet.”