“Hope what?”
She rubs her lips together, as if weighing her words carefully. “Finn’s been in your life from the very beginning, and he’s so much older than you. He didn’t like, pressure you, did he?”
“Not at all,” I say adamantly. “What happened that night was something I’ve fantasized about for a long time.”
“I assume the baby wasn’t part of that fantasy.”
“Not specifically.” I can’t help smiling. “But as crazy as it sounds, I’m happy he’s here.”
“You’re sure it’s a boy?”
“I think so. He feels like a boy, anyway. Whatever that means. I’m scared of what this will mean for my plans to move out of my mom’s house, but I’m trying not to worry about it. All I can do is take things one day at a time.”
Leena draws me into a warm hug. As worried as I am about my family finding out about the pregnancy, it feels good not to be alone in this anymore.
“You’re a really impressive person, Astrid. Finn’s an idiot if he can’t see that.” She rests her hands on my shoulders. “Maybe you should tell him. You know, give him a chance to do the right thing.”
I shake my head no. “This is Gran’s trip. I don’t want anything to overshadow that. Besides, I’m prepared to raise this baby alone if I have to.” I straighten my posture, in the hope of convincing myself that my words are true.
“Not alone,” Leena says. “No matter what happens, I’m here for you. I’ve got over a hundred thousand followers on Instagram now. I’m practically an influencer. I will help you take care of this baby.”
“Thank you.” Pinching the hem of my sweater, I lean into the part of me that wants this, despite all the complications. “Do you want to feel it?”
Leena grins. “Of course, I do.”
I lift my sweater and slide the waistband of my leggings down a few inches so Leena can press both her hands to my belly.
“Hey there, little baby,” she says. “Don’t worry about your mom. Aunt Leena’s going to make sure she takes good care of herself.”
I chuckle. For the first time in a long time, I can honestly say I’m excited. My life might be teetering on the brink of chaos, but part of me has always wanted to be a mom. I didn’t expect it would happen quite like this, but life rarely pays heed to your plans. I’m sure my dad didn’t think he wouldn’t live to watch his little girl graduate from high school.
Leena drapes my sweater back over my baby bump. “All right, bae. Put on your game face. It’s time to wish your baby daddy a Merry Christmas.”