Free My Sweet Valentine by Jill Sanders Page A

boy.” She laughed as she pulled out her cell phone. “Maybe you can tell? I can never make heads or tails out of these pictures. Even the artist in me can't see anything but a blob.”
     
    Sara looked at the screen and could see clearly that Iian was right. “It looks like a blob to me. A wonderful, beautiful blob. I'm so happy for you two. Does everyone know?”
     
    She shook her head. “Just the family. We figured we'd tell a few people and let it get out. So feel free to spread the word.”
     
    “If you wanted the word spread in Pride, all you'd have to do is mention it while shopping at Patty's.” They both laughed.
     
    “How do you think we told everyone we were pregnant the first time? Megan and I talked about it while buying diapers for Sara.” They laughed.
     
    “Is it true that you and Allen are an item?” Allison leaned closer over the table.
     
    Sara rolled her eyes. “I knew Patty would spread that one around. I don't know what we are, but I can tell you I've never been kissed like that before.” Sara smiled, then gasped. “Oh, that reminds me. He's taking me to the Christmas party this week. I haven't even gotten a dress yet.”
     
    Allison clapped her hands. “Goodie, dress shopping. I had a dress picked out, but I think I'm already too big for it.” She held her hands over her stomach and Sara could see the small bump now.
     
    “What do you say we stop by Jasmine's boutique? I bet they'll have the prefect dresses for us.”
     
    “Sounds great. I bought my prom dress there.”
     
    “So did I.” Sara laughed.
     
    By the time Allison dropped her off at home, she was exhausted. Her car had been picked up by Rusty first thing that morning with a promise he'd have it back to her by the next morning. She was dying to go into the shop, but decided to try a new cupcake recipe she'd been tossing around. Her menu was pretty much set already, but she wanted to do weekly specials. She carried her new black dress and heels up to her room then got to work in the kitchen. Her mother was sitting in her usual spot, eyes glued to the computer screen.
     
    “Mom, what do you do all day on that thing?” she asked as she pulled out the pans.
     
    “Internet porn.” Her mother chuckled when Sara gasped. “No, I'm just gambling your inheritance away, dear.”
     
    Sara stopped and put her hands on her hips and glared at the back of her mother's head.
     
    Her mother turned around and smiled at her. “If you must know…As you know, I've been running my own accounting firm for the past few years. Well, I've gotten a couple of high-paying clients and at this point, I've been contacted by a company in San Antonio. They'd like to buy me out and I'm giving it some serious thought. I'm tired of sitting in this corner, working ten hours a day.” Her mother leaned back and closed her eyes. “I want to be on a beach somewhere, with young studs handing me fruity drinks.” Sara smiled and could just picture her mother harassing the staff.
     
    “You should do it.” She pulled out the butter and eggs from the refrigerator.
     
    “Not yet. At least not until after Becca is taken care of.” Her mother's smile dropped a little and she turned back around and started clicking on her keyboard.
     
    Sara had never really thought about the responsibilities her mother must have faced alone. She'd always thought of her mother as a flake. Never really cooking a good, healthy dinner for her or Becca. She'd never thought that the reason was she'd been too busy working to take the time out. She'd never once asked her mother what she wanted.
     
    “I'm sorry, Mom.” Sara set everything down and walked over to kiss her mother's cheek. “We appreciate all that you've done for us.”
     
    Her mother reached up and patted Sara's hand, which rested on her shoulder. “I love you girls. I'm so proud of you for starting this bakery. Just don't let it get in the way of life. You're still young. You should have some fun