Seventh Heaven (Allendale Four 4)

“I think it will be a lot of fun. It’s super-VIP with a bunch of celebrities. Fingers crossed that the citizens of Oceanside manages to keep their bigotry on hold for a night.”

My mother snorted, knowing fully well how awful they were. I continued, “I think the new city council person has shut down a lot of the hatred now that tourism is up. There’s just no room in the economy for that kind of closed-mindedness.”

“Who knew Oceanside would change their ways?” My mother was clearly thinking about how we’d had to pack up and move after my father left. “But I’m glad the boys are capitalizing on it.”

“I was a little nervous at first but there were no problems.” I pressed my fingers against my too-hot tea. “I guess people can change.”

“So, speaking of change,” I said, “this isn’t wide spread yet but Amber said it was okay to tell you—she and Ginger are having a baby.”

Mom’s eyes opened wide. “A baby! Wait—who’s carrying it?”

“Amber. It’s really early, though. Like it’s barely even a thing.”

“A thing?” She shook her head and took a sip of her tea. “It’s a baby, Heaven. Trust me, it’s a thing right from the start. A big thing. Wow. Lesbians having babies. The modern world is interesting.”

“Lesbians have been having babies for a long time, Mom.” I rolled my eyes. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Sure it is. First of all, it’s very intentional. It’s not like one of them can claim it was an accident or a surprise. They had to put effort into that baby.” She smiled. “That means they really want it. Good for them.”

I was a little surprised by my mom’s attitude. I kind of thought she’d be a little more judgey. I mean, that may have been why I came over here.

“So you’re okay with it? You don’t think they’re too young or it’s too soon since they got married?”

“It’s a personal decision. No one can make it but them.” She frowned. “Why? Do you?”

“I don’t know. I mean, I’m happy for them, but I guess it’s just a big change.”

She smiled at me sympathetically. “It is, and I know it feels like you may be losing a friend, but you won’t. She’s going to need you and I suspect this baby will end up being good for you, too.”

“Why would you say that?”

She dipped her teabag in and out of the water. “Well obviously you’re not having kids any time soon—if ever—this way you can be an amazing aunt or godmother.”

My mother had just said exactly what I felt. Exactly. Yet when I heard the words coming from her mouth, I felt a sharp twist of anger and offense in my chest. “What do you mean ‘obviously’?”

“Heaven,” she said, giving me an amused look, “you’re not serious.”

“Of course, I’m serious. What do you mean?”

She blinked at me, obviously trying to gauge my reaction. “I can get behind the mechanics and science of two women having a child together. Two married women in a stable, committed relationship. But, sweetheart, no matter how much you love those boys and no matter how devoted they are to you, that is not the kind of relationship you’re in.”

It was one thing to know something in your heart. It was another to hear them said out loud, especially from your mother. “You don’t think we could build a family.”

“For you and your dog, sure. With a child? That’s insanity.”

I felt the bile of anger rising in my throat. “Why? Exactly why would it be so crazy to have a child in a family with four loving fathers? Because I had a traditional one-dad kind of family and look how that turned out.”

She turned, her face serious. “I don’t know, Heaven, tell me how it would work? Would you pick one of the boys for a father? Which one? Do you want the swimmer or the soccer player? The businessman or the charmer? Do you think they won’t care? That they’ll willingly give up their right to have a biological child with you for one of the others? That is not how men work.”

“Stop,” I said.

“Or do you just throw caution and birth control to the wind and allow whichever one has the fastest, strongest swimmers take the role of bio dad? Is that how it works?”

“Mom. Stop.” My hands clenched with rage. Fear.

She sighed and her expression softened. “I’m not trying to be a jerk. I’m trying to be honest. There is no way this is going to work for you. Even if you all think it will, it won’t. There will be jealousy and territorialism. There will be confusion and hurt feelings. You’re right, look at all the problems I had with one man in my life while raising you.” She threw up her hands. “Do not go down this path. I’m begging you.”

All the fears and mixed emotions welled up at once, knocking me off my feet. I fell back in my seat and cried, the stress and strain pouring out of me.