Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 252

252 /254

Upon returning to her room, Hester took a quick, warm shower. She slipped into a set of soft pajamas, drew the curtains tight, and climbed into bed, letting out a contented sigh.

Seraphina's little dramatic ambush had been entirely predictable and did absolutely nothing to ruin her mood. Before long, Hester drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.

By the time she woke up, night had fallen outside her window, and the faint sounds of laughter drifted up from downstairs. Hester freshened up, changed into comfortable clothes, and headed down.

The evening air had a coastal chill to it. As she stepped out onto the back patio, she instinctively pulled her light cardigan a little tighter around her shoulders.

Under the old, sprawling tree in the courtyard, the group was gathered around a stone table. Ms. Crane was busy pouring drinks. Chiara, Jasper, and Jett were laughing about something, but when they saw Hester, their faces lit up.

"Evening," Hester greeted them with a soft smile as she approached.

Jasper immediately grabbed an extra chair and placed it next to Chiara. "The chef is still working on dinner. It'll just be a little longer," he told her.

"Sounds good." Hester smiled at him and took her seat.

"I was just wondering if I should go up and wake you," Ms. Crane said, passing the glasses around. When it came to Hester, she offered a bottle of water instead of wine. "Expectant mothers need to stay hydrated. Stick to water."

"Thanks." Hester took the bottle, glancing around the patio. She frowned slightly. "Where are the kids?"

"Caden's mom picked him up and took him next door, and Gigi is upstairs asleep," Jasper explained. "The boat trip wore her out. She took a bath when we got back and has been out cold since four o'clock."