Aunt Ava nods knowingly. That’s what motherhood does. I was scared out of my mind when I found out I was pregnant with Noah, but you realize there’s someone depending on youpletely. You pull your big girl panties on and do what it takes.<b>” </b>
Her words sink deep, warm and steadying. I’d do anything for this baby–including telling Noah to go. straight to hell.
“Thank you, Aunties,” I say thickly, fighting tears.
They respond with a chorus of “Awws” before pulling me into a group hug.
The conversation drifts from my appointment to baby advice, and I find myself watching my aunties with fresh eyes. They’re all so aplished, runningpanies, managing charities, and somehow still finding time to babysit, gossip, and asionally argue over the best cheesecake in town.
It’s mid–sentence, while Aunt Corrine is exining the importance of being a present mother, that Lilly’s eyes go wide like she’s just solved the meaning of life. She sits forward so fast her juice nearly spills.
“I knew it!” she blurts out. “It’s yourpany, isn’t it? The one that makes those… those amazing-” she nces at me, then at the aunties “-adult products. It has to be. I mean, think about it. Ambitious, fearless women who have high standards and dominate their industries? Obviously, you’d dominate that industry too.”
She looks so smugly triumphant, like she’s cracked a cold case.
Everyone looks at her.
Aunt Harper raises an eyebrow. “And how exactly do you know which ones are the best,’ sweetheart?<b>” </b>
The color drains from Lilly’s face, and she stammers, “I… uh… read the reviews?”
I have to bite my lip to stop fromughing because I know exactly why she knows, and it has nothing to do with reading reviews. The mental image is almost too much, and my shoulders shake as I try not to lose itpletely.
Aunt Letty smirks. “Oh, please. We all know why she knows.”
Lilly res at her, muttering under her breath, “I just didn’t know the ones I’ve been using were owned by my mother and aunties.”
That’s it–I lose it. Laughter bursts out of me so hard I nearly spill my juice.
“<b>Don’t </bugh too hard,” Lilly shoots back, eyes narrowing. “You’ve been using the same ones.”
Now she’sughing too, the irony hanging between us. Iugh harder, clutching my stomach, because who would have thought?
Aunt Harper’s mouth falls open in disbelief while the rest of the aunties look like they’re two seconds away from falling off their chairs withughter
“Alright, before this conversation scars me for life,” I say, still giggling, “let me open these lovely gifts.”
One by one, I unwrap thoughtful presents–a soft baby nket from Aunt Corrine, a ridiculously adorable onesie from Aunt Ava that says “Future CEO,” a <b>gift </b>basket from Aunt Letty full of organic baby products, and really cute baby shoes and socks from Aunt Emma. Each gift was so thoughtful, and by the time I’m done opening everything, I don’t really think I’ll need to buy anything except a crib.
I thank each of them, my heart full and my eyes close to tears. This? This is what I needed. The reminder
that I’m loved and I’m not alone.
By the time they gather their coats and handbags, ns for their next visit are already set. “We’lle by after your appointment,” Aunt Emma says. “And no excuses… print as many of those ultrasound pictures as possible.”
“Deal,” I reply, my heart feeling warm
As they leave, Aunt Ava pulls me aside, “Sierra, are you sure we don’t know who the father is?<b>” </b>
Her gaze is steady, searching. I can see her mind turning, piecing together things I don’t want pieced together.
My heart is pounding, but I have to keep it cool. I can’t give anything away.
I meet her eyes and steadily reply, “Yes.”
She sighs, but I catch the flicker of doubt in her eyes. She’s suspicious, and I know that once Aunt Ava gets an idea in her head, she’ll dig until she’s holding the truth in her hands.