AMELIA had just placed the phone gently on the table, her conversation with Dorian about flower deliveries still lingering in her thoughts. She exhaled, rubbing her lower back, when the sound of footsteps in the hallway drew her attention.
Her eyes brightened instantly as the door opened.
“Hey, Claire! You came!” she exclaimed, a smile splitting her face. She struggled to get up, heavy with the pregnancy, but her joy pushed her to her feet.
“Ye… yes, sis,” Claire replied, her voice wavering slightly as though nerves had taken root in her chest. She stepped into the room, leaving the doorway behind, and Amelia folded her into a warm embrace.
“Yes, I did,” Claire said softly.
Amelia inhaled deeply and chuckled.
“Mmm, your perfume smells so nice.”
Claire laughed, though it was thin.
