Holiday Kisses. Anna J. Stewart

      “Of course I do.”Holly looked down at her belly and sniffled. “I don’t suppose you can tell me...”

      A jolt of energy sparked against her hand, causing a slow smile to spread across Calliope’s lips. She closed her eyes and blocked out the muted noise of the diner—children’s laughter, spoons clanking against coffee cups. The calm, cool silence of contentment she tried to carry around with her every day descended, encapsulating her and Holly for an instant before Calliope found the answer.

      “Oh.” Calliope’s eyes flew open and she bit her lip, a laugh bubbling up from her toes. “Oh, Holly.” She blinked away her own tears. “I think you need to make a new appointment. In fact, I’m going to call a friend of mine and have her get you in. She’s exactly who you need.”

      “I was right, wasn’t I?” Holly whispered as she ducked her chin. “Something is wrong.”

      “I’m not a medical professional, so I’m afraid I can’t ease that fear, but I can tell you I believe you’ve gone down the wrong road. This is a good something, Holly.” She flexed her hands against Holly’s stomach and suppressed what she could only describe as a giggle. Life in all its forms had always connected to Calliope in a way she couldn’t explain, but in this case, in this wondrous, thrilling case, she’d never been more grateful for the gift she’d been given.

      Calliope got to her feet and found a notebook by the phone. She scribbled down an address and handed it to Holly. “I want you to go get Luke and have him drive you here. My friend’s name is Dr. Cheyenne Miakoda. She has a select patient list, but she owes me a few favors. I’m going to call her right now and tell her to expect you. You’re going to love her. And you’re going to let her examine you and tell her—and Luke—everything you’ve told me, along with everything you haven’t. Please do this both for you and your baby. Okay?”

      It was all Calliope could do not to say more, but this wasn’t her moment—it wasn’t her information to share. But she could make certain that Holly—and Luke—were able to put their minds at ease sooner than later.

      “What about my pies?” Holly sniffled and wiped her face.

      “Paige is here and I’m happy to stay until Ursula gets back. Now get your coat and purse. Enjoy the fresh air, take your time and get your thoughts in order. I’ll call Cheyenne and let her know you’re coming.”

      “Hey, everything okay?” Paige poked her head in the room and looked around as if waiting to get smacked with a rolling pin. “You need me to cover for the afternoon?”

      “The kitchen’s yours.” Holly stiffened her shoulders and gave a shaky nod to Calliope. “I have an appointment to keep.”

      “Okay.” Paige held open the door as Holly walked out. “Your dad’s here, Holly, so he can take Simon if you need him to.”

      “Dad’s here?” Holly stopped and peered around the doorframe. “Oh, he’s meeting with Selena.” She frowned. “That’s strange. He doesn’t have any pets.”

      “I’m not sure it’s pet-related.” Paige waggled her eyebrows. “They’ve been meeting for coffee and pie a couple of times a week for the last month. You didn’t know?”

      “Ah, no, I didn’t.” But the light that had been missing from Holly’s gaze glimmered to life. “That’s kinda nice, isn’t it?”

      “It’s very nice,” Calliope assured her. “Now go find Luke. We’ll see you when you get back.” She pressed a hand against the small of Holly’s back and sent a burst of positive energy directly from her heart.

      And then felt the response—a gentle pulse of joy—from not one baby.

      But two.