Free Saved and SAINTified by Tiana Laveen Page B

man said. His fluted glass of bubbly almost spilled in the process. She shook her head and smiled as she heard her husband’s boisterous laugh fill the room once again.
    “S aint is so loud and silly,” she whispered to herself … and she loved it.
    She enjoyed how no matter where he walked or went, the place would come alive. There was something about his energy, his essence, his presence, that made people feel comfortable and have fun. He was like hired entertainment—but without the contract or money exchange.
    It’s a pity I didn’t feel that way when I first met him. I suppose it is because I knew deep down, just like he’d said, that he was going to claim me for his very own … and I’m so glad he did.
    She winked at him as he continued to laugh and pull at Tony, cracking up so hard his face had turned red.
    “That cat got fired up!” S aint blurted, whileTony shook his head and lost his composure, too.
    What in the world are they talking about?
    Xenia grinned and turned back around to face Angela who was now holding her sister’s three-week old daughter. Xenia’s smile gradually faded. The corners of her mouth drooped as unadulterated envy set in. She placed her white icing covered fork on her empty plate as her dark eyes fixated on the sight before her. The little baby, dressed in soft, creamy yellow and pastel pink cooed and opened her big brown eyes, smiling as her aunt rubbed the side of blushed cheek and smiled down at her in the loving embrace. Xenia’s eyes glossed over and the emotions she’d been keeping at bay resurfaced, flooding her senses. Angela looked up at Xenia. Their eyes locked.
    “ Xenia, are you okay?” Angela began to bounce the baby lightly on her lap.
    “Uh, yes, my allergies have been bothering me is all . … Beautiful baby. Whose is it?”
    “My sister’s .” Angela smiled as she looked back down at the newborn. “Isn’t she gorgeous? Her name is Gwyneth.”
    Xenia gulped as she leaned forward. She rubbed her hands together nervously, her lips slightly parting as she continued to survey the beauty before her. Her smile soon resurfaced as she listened to the baby coo and then turn toward her. She and the little one made eye contact, and her heart melted. Xenia put her hand up to her mouth,
    “Oh Angela, your sister is so blessed. Little Gwyneth is just perfect. What a joy.”
    Before she knew it, Angela was up on her feet, cautiously navigating the table to make her way over to Xenia.
    “Here Xenia, I can see you are just dying to hold her!”
    S he delicately transferred the baby to Xenia’s hands. Xenia wrapped the baby in her arms, and smiled down at her as her heart pumped faster; matching the exhilaration she was feeling. Xenia lowered her face and kissed the baby on both cheeks, then thumbed her glossy lip print away. She closed her eyes and sighed.
    “Oh, I just love how new babies smell! I miss that scent.” She ran her finger along the baby’s soft, jet black curls.
    “Mmmm hmmm.” Angela chuckled. “I do, too. My sister tried so hard to get pregnant. She had so many false hopes dashed and then when she least expected it, poof! She and her husband were preparing for my precious little niece here.”
    Xenia continued to rock and cradle the baby, never wanting to let go. She fell into a world full of pink ponies and daisies, addicted to the scent and loveliness of the tiny little girl.
    A precious little girl . … I have two little boys and they mean the world to me. It would be nice to have one of you though, too. I guess I’m just greedy. No one promised me I could have it all...
    Xenia stuck out her finger and watched as the baby reached up and gripped it.
    “Oh my goodness, she is strong!” Xenia laughed.
    “ Ain’t she, though?” Angela pulled out the empty chair where Saint had sat during their brunch meal, and settled next to Xenia. After several minutes of conversation, a woman with her hair pulled back in braids walked up to Xenia.
    “Hi