“Spaghetti-Os are one of this life’s most perfect foods, especially with a little grated cheese on top.”
I grinned and drew her into my arms. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Luckily, you’ll never have to find out. My two grandbabies will keep me young forever.” She gave me a misty smile. “Two,” she whispered, and the backs of my eyes grew hot.
“Two,” I echoed, letting the truth really sink into me for perhaps the first time.
I’d known it before, but I hadn’t let myself truly believe it. Hannah still looked the same. Life hadn’t changed yet.
But it would. Soon. And I wasn’t going to run from those crazy, wonderful changes ever again.
I was going to face them.
Fucking finally.
Gran and I talked for a little longer, and I grilled her a bit about her new companion. She assured me he was a decent guy, and even suggested we go on a double date, which was a lot for me to consider even with my new progressive outlook. But I said I’d think about it.
I was probably going to say yes. Assuming Hannah was willing to give it a go.
Once Gran left, I went to look for Hannah and Lily. I found them curled up together on the bed in Hannah’s room, sleeping peacefully. Hannah was curled around Lily and Lily gripped Hannah’s shirt even in her sleep.
The sweetness of the scene before me made me grip the doorframe to stop myself from interrupting them.
Let them sleep. They both need their rest.
As if she could sense the weight of my thoughts, Hannah stirred and lifted her head. And without saying a word, she extended her arm to me as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
I joined her on the bed, wrapping myself around them both. I brushed a kiss over her temple, and Hannah fell back to sleep almost immediately.
I stretched my hand across Hannah’s belly. For a moment, I could do nothing but trace the contours of her stomach, searching for any sign.
Soon.
So soon.
Then I reached for Lily too, curving my fingers around her hip.
Closing my eyes, I started to drift. No worries. No thoughts. I didn’t nap as a rule, but I’d never had my family in bed with me.
I’d never had my own family before.
Twenty-Two
I’m taking my favorite girls on a picnic. I’ll be home soon.
I swayed with Lily on my hip as we looked out the big picture in the living room. Sheets of rain were bashing the window and whipping the trees around. I was pretty sure Asher’s big plans for a spring picnic were under around an inch of rain at the moment.
Possibly two.
I tucked my phone into my back pocket and set Lily down on her blanket with some Legos. Immediately a large red block went into her drooly mouth.
“Someday that tooth is going to come in, pumpkin pie.”
Lily whipped the Lego at my head. Well-versed in dealing with her future pitcher arm, I ducked to the side and it sailed over my shoulder. She picked up a blue and yellow one and smashed them together with a giggle.
I went back to folding the endless piles of baby clothes that seemed to multiply overnight. Between the drool and learning how to eat with her own fingers, Lily was keeping me busy. Laundry was always on my to-do list.
Just as I was about to put on my favorite true crime podcast, the video screen for the home Alexa unit made its watery tones.