Page 85 of The B-Team

Julia snuggled the baby close before returning her to Harvard. “You’d better take her; my back’s a little sore, and she’s a heavy girl.”

Everyone in the room focused on Julia.

“Your back’s sore?” Isobel said. “When did that start?”

“A while ago.” Julia blushed under all the attention. “I think it’s from being in bed in the same position for too long.”

Joe put a hand on her shoulder. “You know, maybe we should get someone to check you out while we’re here.”

For a second, everyone forgot Julia wasn’t Rachel and waited for her to protest. Instead, she smiled up at her husband and said, “It couldn’t hurt.”

Rachel snorted. “Oh yes, it can. Make sure they give you drugs.”

“Lots of drugs,” Claire agreed, and Isobel nodded vigorously.

“Back soon,” Joe said, wheeling Julia toward the door.

“Have them put her in the room we just vacated,” Rachel called after them. “I’m still paying for the damn thing, so at least I’ll get my money’s worth.”

Ryan shook his head. Typical Rachel. There was no way she was still paying for a room she wasn’t using, but she’d be damned if she’d let anyone know she was being kind to a friend. He glanced around the room and noted that no one else was fooled by her either.

Harvard gave her an indulgent smile and kissed her forehead. “We should probably order some food, seeing as everyone will be here for a while.”

“Yes!” Ryan said quickly.

“Why will they be here for a while?” Rachel protested. “And do we have to feed them? We fed my family when they were here for lunch. Are we feeding everyone now?”

“I’ll order pizza,” Ryan said helpfully.

There was a loud chorus of noes, which woke the baby.

“Great,” Rachel said, reaching for her daughter. “Now look what you’ve done.”

“Yeah,” Harvard said with a slow smile. “Look what we did.”

Everyone smiled at them—well, except for Callum, but he didn’t appear as annoyed as usual, so that was something.

“Okay,” Ryan said. “What about Thai food?”

EPILOGUE 2

Text message from Elle to all staff and family members:

Julia had a boy! They’re calling him Jonathan.