Chapter 97. A Thousand Deaths

Julie

We’re at a bridal boutique, and Carolina’s excitement could power a small city. Baby Valeria is strapped to her chest, a tiny, sleeping bundle of calm amidst the chaos her mother is stirring up.

Carolina jumps from one gown to the next. Her enthusiasm is contagious, even though I’m already sweating from the sheer force of it.

“Isn’t Valeria heavy?” I ask, watching as the baby shifts against her chest. “Are you sure you don’t need a break?”

She waves me off. “No. You get used to it. It’s like she isn’t there.”

“Oh.”

Before I can say anything else, Carolina turns to me. She places a hand on my stomach.

“You’re already showing!” she exclaims. “Know the sex yet?”

I smile. “No, I was thinking we could work a surprise reveal into the wedding.”

“Ohhhh!” she squeals. Her face lights up. “That’s magnificent. The family’s going to go ballistic.”

“Careful so you don’t wake her,” I say, nodding toward Valeria, wh