“Ten weeks? When were you planning on telling me?”
“Now, I guess.” Phoebe laughed. “I had to make all these plans when I found out I was having twins.”
“Twins? Oh my God, your men must be over the moon.”
“They are. They’re ready for me to come home now. But Doc said I would be fine working until the latter weeks of the pregnancy. Then he wants me to take it easy until the babies come.”
“Phoebe, I had no idea. I’ll do whatever you need.” It was all beginning to make sense to her why Phoebe had not told her about her plans. There was so much that her boss had to deal with.
“You always do. I plan on taking a sabbatical the last trimester and continuing on until the twins are at least six-months old. Even after that, I won’t be coming in full time. I want to be with my babies.”
“You’re going to make such a wonderful mother, Phoebe.”
“I sure hope so, Ash. The only client I’m keeping for myself is Jennifer. The rest I will turn over to you, Nic, and Sylas, with you being in charge.”
“You’re going to hire them both?” Oh God, how am I going to get through this?
Phoebe nodded. “I figure since you broke it off with them everything will be fine. Professional. They are such talented attorneys, both Harvard trained.”
“Then they should be in charge, not me. I haven’t passed the bar yet.”
“But you will.”
“And I’m state college. They’re Ivy League.”
“I’m state, too, and I know the law just as well as they do. And Ash, even though you’ve only been working as a paralegal for the past few years, you know it as well as any attorney. And someone has to be a leader. And I choose you.”
“They won’t like it.”
“When I talk to them today I will let them know that you will be the one in charge. If they don’t like it, then they can go back to Chicago.”
That would make her life much easier. “Phoebe, I’ll do whatever you need. I’m just so happy for you. Do you know if you’re having a boy and girl, two boys, or two girls?
“Doc can tell us in a couple of months, but we’re not sure yet if we want to know.”
“Aunt Ash needs to know so she can start shopping for them.” She looked back at the clock. “We only have ten minutes before Nic and Sylas come. You need to have lunch. You’re eating for three these days. Oh my God. That’s why the extra potatoes and pie, isn’t it?”
“I’m starving to death all the time.”
“Let’s go eat then.” As they walked into the break room, Ashley wondered what it was going to be like if Nic and Sylas agreed to come work for the practice. She had to keep her heart in check and stay professional. That’s how it had to be if it was going to work.
At least I will be the one in charge.
Chapter Four
Nic walked into the office and saw Ashley sitting behind the receptionist desk.
“Have a seat, Nic,” she said in a professional tone. “Ms. Wolfe will be with you shortly.”
God, she’s still so gorgeous and just as strong-willed as before. “Thanks.” He smiled, and leaned over the desk. “What about dinner?”
“Tell you what. I’ll let you know after we find out if you’ll be working with me or not.”
“You’re a hard case to crack, Ms. Vaughn.” He winked. “No pun intended. One question, please.”
She folded her arms over her chest. “And that question is?”
“Will I have a better chance at dinner with you if I get hired or if I don’t get hired?”