16
They were almost through with dessert when Eva suddenly stiffened, and her soft gasp of dismay echoed through the room.
“Eva?” Colin’s eyes widened, and he spun around to grip her hand. “Sweetheart, are you okay?”
Her mouth moved once or twice, but nothing emerged. Then she sucked in a ragged breath and fell back in her seat. “Water just broke,” she whispered. “Damn, I was hoping it would hold off until after midnight!”
Instant pandemonium reigned. But after a moment, Devon saw that it was controlled pandemonium. Just like with setting the table, every member of the family knew exactly what to do and where to be, and they danced around each other with balletic grace.
Molly and Marita gravitated toward Eva, and held her hands as another contraction visibly rippled across her taut be
