His eyes widen with whatever he sees on the front.
“This…is mine?”
He looks between the shirt clutched in his hand and Rose for a few more beats before turning it toward us.
My heart pounds when I read the words written in solid, bold white letters.
I’m a big brother.
Alex rushes to Rose and hugs her tight. His lips move, but I don’t hear the words. I only see Rose nodding her head and agreeing to whatever Alex says as her eyes fill with tears.
The news of Rose’s pregnancy has made the gathering more special. I can’t wait to hold my baby nephew or niece in my arms. Just the thought of it makes me chest shiver.
I can’t imagine how Zander is feeling right now.
“Now it’s your turn,” Sophia says in a light voice, throwing a soft smile toward Vienna and me. Everything inside me stills. My heart lurches into my throat as I feel Vienna stiffening beside me.
Kristy rolls her eyes. “Mom! They just got married. Not everyone wants to have a child immediately.”
“Look who’s talking! Oscar knocked you up on your honeymoon, or did you forget—ouch!”
Beast smacks Zach’s head before flopping onto the couch next to Kristy. “I’m very grateful you brought Chloe into our lives so soon, Kris.”
Beast and Sophia love all their grandchildren, but Chloe has a special place in their hearts. I think they enjoy living their lost years of being parents together. I’m sure they’ll dote on Rose’s baby the same way, especially if it’s a girl.
“If I could, I’d never let these kids grow.” Sophia wistfully looks at the boys playing with their new toys.
Kristy chuckles. “That’s creepy, Mom.” Light conversation flows around us, but nothing calms the restlessness Sophia’s simple words have caused in my chest.
“No pressure, Vi. But I wouldn’t mind if you make us grandparents again soon.”
I watch Sophia and the way her smile transforms into a grim line. My gaze follows hers to find tears rolling down Vienna’s cheeks. Other than those, she’s still as a statue, motionless and tight lipped.
“Did I say something wrong?” Sophia’s already up from her seat.
“I don’t know…when or if…I’ll ever be able to…have kids.” Vienna lightly touches the side of her red-and-white Santa hat.
The mood in the room shifts. Someone reduces the volume of the music system, where Christmas songs are playing on repeat, and there’s a new whooshing sound in my ears.
“Oh, honey.”
I get up to give a place to Sophia, but more because I can’t stop the thundering in my heart. My breath comes out in quick exhales when I walk up to the fireplace.
“You’ve been so brave throughout this journey that sometimes we forget what you went through—are going through.” Sophia holds Vienna’s hands in her tight grip.
A strange feeling pinches my chest when Vienna looks at me. “I don’t feel brave most days. It’s because of Zane…”
She doesn’t finish her sentence and leaves me guessing.
How do I make her brave?
By being her husband, or the person who’s financing her treatment?
“I’m very happy that you both found each other. Life put you through the wringer, but you both came out stronger. Together. That doesn’t happen with every couple.” Sophia has tears in her eyes as she pats Vienna’s cheeks. “Think how strong your relationship will grow over the years. And when the time will be right, you’ll have kids too. Life surprises you in ways you can’t imagine.”
And isn’t that the truth?
Vienna entering my life, slithering her way past the solid walls of protection around my heart, was unimaginable.