“Good. I hope you will remember that when someone tells you not to do something like drive, or bend over or breathe.” She rolled her eyes. None of my other close friends had kids, so she was my only in-person resource for this.
“And if you have any doubts about anything, call me. I’ve been there done that and we can talk about all the gory details.” I didn’t want to HAVE gory details to talk about. I shuddered again.
“Oh, don’t be scared. You’ll get through it. Just be glad you were born during the era of epidurals and clean hospitals. It could be so much worse.” God, she was right. Women hundreds of years ago had to give birth without pain medication and in unsterile environments. Hell, women in the world still did that every hour of every day.
“It so could,” I said.
~*~*~
“So I think I’d like to wait until after the wedding to tell everyone else,” I said. Our wedding was going to be relatively small, but there were still going to be quite a few friends and relatives and co-workers of mine and Dad’s.
“That’s smart. It’s good to wait until after you go to the doctor,” April said.
“Okay, so this is all on the down low. It doesn’t leave this room,” I said, looking everyone in the eye. I knew they could keep their mouths shut, but Mom was practically busting and I knew keeping this secret from her friends was going to be a challenge for her.
“You drive a hard bargain, Rory,” Mom said.
“I know, but please. We’re asking you,” I said and she agreed.
“You know I will, even though it won’t be easy. Just let me know as soon as I can spread the word and start buying clothes and things.” This baby wasn’t even born yet and he or she was already spoiled. My parents had always provided for me, but I had the feeling that was going to be nothing compared to what they would do for their first grandchild. It was going to be ridiculous.
“Oh, and let me know when I can start planning your shower,” Sloane said, clapping her hands together.
“You’d better let me in on this planning,” Mom said, shaking her finger at Sloane.
“I wouldn’t dream of leaving you out, Eva,” Sloane said. Dad got up and came back with champagne for everyone but me. I got orange juice.
“I think I need to propose another toast. To my Rory Girl, her husband-to-be and their baby-to-be. We can’t wait to see you as a whole family. Together. We love you already, little one. To Rory and Lucah and their baby.” Glasses were raised again and I drank my orange juice as everyone enjoyed their bubbly.
“We’ll need to go out and stock up on healthy things,” Lucah said.
“Oh, I’ve got you covered,” Sloane said. “April is going to give me a list and I’ll start cooking for you. I’m also getting a juicer, so I hope you’re ready for lots and lots of that.” She beamed at me and I gave Dad a look.
“We can be healthy together, Rory Girl,” he said, giving me a thumbs up. He’d only poured himself a little champagne and had stayed away from anything fatty without Mom having to scold him. He was learning.
“I can make you a list too. Oh, and recommend some non-scary books that will help,” April piped up.
“Thanks,” I said to both of them, raising my orange juice.
~*~*~
Marisol pulled me aside and said that she and Fin had decided not to go public with their engagement until after my wedding. She had her ring on a chain around her neck under her shirt.
“I’m terrified something is going to happen to it. It cost more than any car I could hope to afford right now. He went a little overboard, but Fin is go big or go home.” She smiled and I gave her a hug.
“I’m happy you’re happy together.” It was always nice hugging Marisol because we were about the same height. I didn’t get boobs in my face, or smushed up against someone’s chest. My arms also didn’t get yanked out of my sockets.
“I am too,” she said as we pulled apart. She was practically glowing. Until Sloane had suggested it, I wouldn’t have put the two of them together, but now it seemed like it was the only choice. They belonged together. Somehow.
Fin joined us and his arm went around Marisol.
“What are you chatting about? I hope it’s not me,” he said with a laugh. Marisol looked up at him and the love in her eyes was right there on the surface. So obvious.
“No. Not everything is about you,” she said.
“It isn’t?” he said, pretending to be puzzled. She just rolled her eyes and he leaned down and whispered something in her ear that made her blush. Fin removed his arm from around her slowly, winked at me and then went to get one of the little cakes Mom had put out for dessert.
“I feel like I just saw something I really shouldn’t have seen,” I said. That made her blush even more. I had no doubt that he’d whispered something about certain activities they were going to partake in when they were alone together again. She bit her lip and giggled.