Clara in America (Clara Andrews Series - Book 7) Read Online Free PDF Page A

myself to get drinks for the adults, I slip away whilst Oliver entertains our guests. It might be only midday, but it’s never too early for a Mimosa in my book. Let’s face it, it is wine o’clock somewhere in the world. Digging out the bubbles, I watch my family rejoice happily and take in the scene in front of me. A gorgeous husband, a loving family, fabulous friends and a beautiful, bounding baby. Happy birthday, Noah Morgan.
     
     
     
     
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    ‘I can’t see anything!’ Lianna yells. ‘Don’t you dare blow out those candles without me!’
    Fiddling with the iPad, I let out a cheer as Li’s familiar face flashes up on the screen. Her long blonde locks are twisted up into a messy bun on the top of her head and her once pale skin has an incredible tan. I hate to admit it, but she looks absolutely fantastic.
    ‘You look amazing!’ I shout above the noise of the party, straining my ears to hear her response.
    ‘Well, duh!’ Pursing her lips, she winks cheekily and moves out of the sun’s glare. ‘Where’s the birthday boy?’
    With two dozen kids running around the place it sounds like a zoo at feeding time. Taking hold of the iPad, I squeeze through the rabble of children and scoop up Noah. Not being too happy at being dragged away from his friends, he lets out a scream before breaking into a smile when he realises who’s on the screen.
    ‘Li-Li!’ He screams, grabbing the device and planting several sloppy kisses on the monitor.
    ‘Happy birthday, Noah! Did you get lots of presents?’
    Nodding furiously, he proceeds to show Lianna his collection of new toys. From Lego sets to books and cuddly bears, I think it’s safe to say that he now has half a toy store piled up in his playroom. Just as I thought, the dinosaur went down a treat. I don’t actually think I’ve seen him without the cute little thing since he tore the wrapping paper off it earlier. Dodging a flock of hyper kids, I scoop up Melrose, Gina’s youngest, as she trips over a pile of gift bags and lands on the floor with a bump. Quickly rubbing her knee, I hand her over to Gina before she can let out an almighty scream.
    After showing Lianna every gift twice over, Noah hands me back the iPad and points to the cake animatedly. Right on cue, Oliver whistles loudly and the room falls into silence.
    ‘Alright, guys!’ Dimming the lights, he proceeds to light the huge number two candle as a buzz of excitement rushes around the room.
    Gathering together the children, I place Lianna on the work top and get my camera ready. Not one to shy away from the attention, Noah claps his hands together and allows Oliver to lift him up to the cake as the rest of us burst into song. His little face turns red as he tries and fails to blow out the candle. With a little help from Oliver, he finally manages to defeat the flame and the room falls into darkness. Letting out a cheer I snap away with my camera, not stopping until I have captured a shot of each and every guest.
    ‘Bloody hell, Andrews!’ Marc shields his eyes from the bright flash and shakes his head in an attempt to regain his sight.
    Andrews is my maiden name and even though Oliver and I have been married for years, Marc refuses to call me anything else. From making fun of my dating disasters to helping me home after one too many vodka shots, Marc really is the big sister that I never had. Turning the camera around for a selfie, I pull him towards me and ruffle his perfect comb over, which I know grinds his gears more than anything else. Yes, Marc is one of those modern metrosexual men who spend more time in the bathroom than us girls. Snatching the camera out of my hands, Marc pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose and frowns at the screen. Taking it back before he can delete it, I stick my tongue out and run away.
    The birthday boy is being passed from pillar to post and I can’t help but notice that Lianna has been handed to my mother, who is delighting in