Ginger looked up, her eyes red and swollen, the test stick dangling from her hand. She really said that?

Yes.

Really? Josie asked, looking doubtful.

Okay, not the part about the big-girl panties. That was my contribution. Bea walked toward Ginger and held her hand down. Come on, little mama. You can't spend the next nine months cowering in the bathroom.

Seven months, Ginger said, taking Bea's hand and allowing herself to be pulled up. I'm two months pregnant.

Those tests tell you all that? Bea asked, impressed. I always thought it was just an on/off kind of result.

Ginger shook her head. She ran cool water over a washcloth and dabbed her face. The test doesn't know'I know.

Well, I hate to tell you this, Bea said. You've got a whole lot less than seven months to get your act together, because your boys are going to be home from school in about an hour.

Oh, no, that's right! Ginger straightened up and smoothed out her shirt. And Piers is coming over to pick up Jason at five. I need to get a grip.

Bea steadied Ginger's elbow and led her and Josie into the living room. Bea delivered Ginger to the spot next to Mrs. Needleman on the sofa.

You have a lovely home, dear, the old woman said to Ginger.

Thanks.

Just think how fortunate you are! Think about all you will have to offer this blessed child of yours.

No one said anything. Josie left the room and came back with a handful of paper napkins from the kitchen, shoving them at Ginger.

You have already proven that you are a loving mother, Mrs. Needleman said. You have a man who adores you, two nearly grown sons who will be devoted big brothers, and a thriving business concern.

Ginger blew her nose into a napkin.

Genevieve, do you remember what I told you when you came to my home?

Yeah. You told me I was in for a bumpy ride.

Yes, but what did I say after that?

Ginger took a deep breath and folded the napkins into a neat pile in her lap. You said my little family would come out just fine. But I didn't know you meant I was about to have a new little family member!

Mrs. Needleman patted Ginger's hand. Do any of us ever really know what is around the next bend? She looked at the three women gathered near the sofa.

Josephine, a year ago could you have even imagined where you are now?

Josie laughed. Hell no.

But is your life now better than ever?

Josie's smile was huge. I guess, though some days I really miss Lloyd.

For God's sake, Roxanne said. Everyone else laughed, remembering the last of Josie's ex-boyfriends.

Mrs. Needleman turned to Bea. Do you know where you'll be a year from now, Beatrice?

She chuckled. Collecting cans?

I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Mrs. Needleman turned to Roxie next. Think back to a year ago, Roxanne. Could you have envisioned your life as it is today?

No, she said, shifting her weight from foot to foot. A year ago I had the job of my dreams and a man I thought was the love of my life.

So it can all change in an instant, can't it? Mrs. Needleman asked.

Absolutely.

Keep that in mind, my dear, she told Roxanne.

And Genevieve, how much has your life changed in, say, the last three years?

Ginger let out a combination groan and laugh.

And looking back, can you say that there was a reason for all these changes?

Ginger peered up from her napkin collection and nodded at Mrs. Needleman.

Tell us about that.

She looked into the faces of her friends and gave them a sad smile. It's nothing everyone hasn't heard a hundred times.

Refresh our memories, Mrs. Needleman said.

Ginger took a moment to collect her thoughts. Well, I guess you could say I found Larry doing the math tutor in the driveway because I needed to know the truth about my marriage. I guess I wasn't brave enough to see it without, you know, a few audiovisual aids.

Bea snorted.

Nicely put. Mrs. Needleman patted Ginger's hand in delight. Anything else?

Well, I guess you could say I was at Josie's wedding to meet Lucio.

Everyone nodded.

And that Lucio got thrown out of China so that he would be here in San Francisco to take pictures at Rick's wedding, so he could meet me.

More nods.

And I became friends with Josie, Rox, and Bea so that I would be a bridesmaid on that day, Ginger said.

And we became friends because we all had dogs, Bea added.

And we all had dogs because we thought they were more reliable than men, Josie said.

And I was so vain and self-centered that I ordered a size four bridesmaid dress, which cut off my air supply and caused me to faint, which meant Lucio had to carry me to my room and kiss me.

Which means this could go on forever, Roxie said, looking bored.

Mrs. Needleman giggled and her narrow shoulders bobbed up and down. She clapped her hands in delight.

That was your whole point, wasn't it? Bea asked.

Absolutely correct, my brilliant friend. Mrs. Needleman turned her attention to Ginger. Now, with that kind of cosmic context in mind, how in the world can any of us see this baby as a mistake, or a problem? Everything in Genevieve's life has led up to this momentthis child. There is a reason. There is always a reason.

Bea sniffed, wiping a tear from her eye. Josie put her arm around Bea and pulled her close. Roxie cracked her neck.

Well, then, I guess my next step will be to tell Lucio, Ginger said, her voice getting stronger. Then together we'll tell the boys. And I guesswow'we're going to have to tell Larry.

Ooh, ooh! Can I watch? Bea asked, clearly over her moment of sensitivity.

I just hope to hell it's a girl, Roxie said.

I didn't even think of that! Ginger straightened from her slump, suddenly brightening. I'm so used to having boys that I just assumed I had another one in there! But what if it really is a girl?

What would you name her? Josie asked.

HeatherLee? Bea suggested. HannaLynn?

Ginger shook her head, laughing. I'm sure that together we'll all come up with the perfect name.

Hey, Josie said, smiling shyly. Do you think you guys can help me come up with a name, too?

Everyone stared in silence.

My sister named Genghis, so I'm damn sure not asking her for suggestions when it comes to a baby.

What! Roxanne clutched at her heart.

The next five minutes were nothing but screams of happiness and jumping around and Bea letting loose with a few whoop-whoop-whoops of joy.

Does Rick know? Ginger squealed.

No. I'm telling him tonight, Josie said. So nobodyI mean nobodycan say a word to anyone, all right?

Same goes for me, actually, Ginger said. This is all just between the four of us She stopped herself, turning toward Mrs. Needleman. I mean the five of us.

The seven of us, Bea said, pointing at both Josie's and Ginger's bellies.

Mrs. Needleman giggled.

Come on up here, Bea said, walking over to the sofa and helping the older woman to her feet. We have a little ritual that we do. Maybe you'd like to be part of it.

Well, I'll certainly try my best, she said, joining in the circle.

Pile on, girls, Bea said, shoving her hand in the center, palm side down.

Ginger put her hand on top of Bea's. Roxie put hers on Ginger's. Josie took hold of Mrs. Needleman's arthritic hand and placed it gently over Roxie's, then put hers on top.

Josie went first. I pledge to enjoy every moment of this next phase of my life, to be open to all the adventures that lie ahead, no matter what is around the next corner. She winked at Mrs. Needleman.

Bea went next. I vow to provide rides to doctor's appointments or Lamaze classes or run out for pickles and baklava or anything else you girls might need in the coming months. Plus, I will learn everything I can about babysitting. But I won't make a pest of myself. Plus, I swear I won't tell Teeny about any of this.