Beth gave a contented sigh. “This is nice. All of us working together.”

Amy handed a spoon to DJ, who promptly stuck it in his mouth. “Like old times.”

We were still us, I thought, looking around at my sisters. There was no one else who shared our history, who spoke our secret language, who could summon the past or drive me crazy with a single word. And yet . . . “It’s the same,” I said. “But not the same.”

Meg cuddled Daisy, all rosy with sleep. “It’s more.”

“Because you girls are more,” our mother said. “I’m proud of you. Each one of you. Not just as my daughters, but because you’re all becoming wonderful women.”

“It’s a new beginning,” Beth said, her eyes shining.

Amy gave a little nod. “I’m launching my new brand this year.”

“I have a new business,” Meg said.

“And Jo has a new blog,” Beth said.

“A new book,” I said. Saying it out loud like that made it all the more real.

“Not to mention the new baby,” Meg said.

“What? Jo!”

“You’re pregnant?” Amy exclaimed, delighted. “You slut!”

Oops.

Meg gave me an apologetic look. “I thought you told them.”

My sisters descended on me for hugs and explanations.

“Nobody tells me anything,” Amy complained.

“I’m not telling anyone yet,” I said. Only our mother. I bit my lip. And Meg and John. And Trey, who was sworn to secrecy. “Not until I see the doctor this week.”

Beth squeezed my hand. “Does Eric know?”

“I have to talk to him,” I said. “We’ll take it from there.”

“Who cares about Eric?” Amy said. “You’ve got us.”

“You’ve always got us,” Meg said.

“Whatever happens,” Beth said.

I hugged my sisters tight, choked with emotion. I’d always prided myself on living my own life, on making my own way alone. With or without Eric, I was finding my path forward. But I wasn’t alone. I had my sisters. And my mother. And my father, detached as he was. I had prickly Aunt Phee and loyal Trey and friends on both sides of the country. I had a story inside me struggling to get out. And seven months from now, I would have a baby. Imagine.

A smile worked its way from deep inside. “I’m so lucky.”

My mother met my eyes and smiled with perfect understanding. “We’re so lucky,” she said.

“Oh, hey,” Amy said. “I almost forgot.” She dug in her pocket. “This is for you.”

I looked at the wad of cash without touching it. “It’s a little early for baby presents.”

She lifted her chin. “It’s not for the baby. It’s for you.” She put the bills on the table. “For a new laptop. Because I puked on your old one.”

Stunned, I started to count. “Amy. Honey. What did you do? Sell a kidney?”

“Of course not, silly. I left some of my bags with that friend of Meg’s. Sallie Moffat? She works at that boutique? She sold them for me.”