A Boston design magazine had recently visited the Old Red Mill, interviewing Sadie about her work and taking dozens of photographs. The article had been published just this week, and Renee knew Sadie’s inbox had already flooded with interior design job offers. But she’d been surprised to learn of her response. “Thank you for the kind words, but I’m happy where I am.”

Sadie set a hand over her middle. “I feel like I’m me again, and it makes me so happy to know Lincoln and the new baby will know me this way.” She laughed. “I’m busier than ever, yet not sweating all the small stuff. I don’t feel like the sky is going to fall whenever Lincoln has a temper tantrum or throws my flip-flops in the toilet.”

“Oh my God—he did that?” Tansy covered her mouth.

“That’s like, the least scary thing about parenthood,” Sadie said with a smirk, making Renee laugh. “He loves preschool, though, well preschool ‘summer camp.’ He’s already made a few new friends at Little Acorns, and his teachers say he takes naps. I can’t even believe it.”

“What are you going to do about child care when the new baby arrives?” Renee asked.

“Probably carry him or her around in a sling for a while,” she said. “And then I’m going to ask for help, like I should have done with Lincoln. I think Ethan and I will make a much better tag team this time, and hopefully we can find a good sitter to cover our butts when we’re both tied up.”

“That’s a perfect plan. I know I was lucky to have a great sitter of my own when I was a young mother,” she said looking meaningfully at Sadie.

Tansy squinted as a pair of headlights made its way down the quiet road, turning into Renee’s driveway. “Who’s that?”

“By the looks of it? Your mom’s cute-as-heck new boyfriend,” Sadie said, before nodding her head toward the house. “And probably your cue to go back inside. Unless you want to enjoy a romantic tête-à-tête with them.”

Tansy swatted at her but was quickly scrambling toward the front door. “Hi Dan! Bye Dan!” she called.

“Hi Dan! Bye Dan!” Sadie mimicked. As quick as she’d come, she disappeared with her sparkling apple cider, leaving the champagne behind with a wink.

“Well, shoot. I sure know how to empty a room.” Dan smiled shyly, holding out a bouquet of the prettiest pink peonies. “How are you feeling?”

“Oh, wow! These are beautiful.” Renee held them to her nose, delighting in their delicate scent. “Thank you! And I’m feeling okay. A little shaky.” He swept her to his chest, pressing his lips against hers and slowly working his tongue against her in a rhythm that threatened to make her forget her own name. “Okay, and that? Not helping with the shakiness.”