“Wow, I’m just...I don’t know what to say. How many kids do you have?”
Joseph replies excitedly, “We have six amazing kids. Everleigh is a few months older than you at twenty-five, Joseph Jr. is the oldest at twenty-nine, Cassidy is next at twenty-seven, then Sydney just turned twenty-three, and our twins Ryker and Jameson are the youngest at twenty-one. And now you, sweet girl. Welcome to our family.”
Avery’s eyes well with more tears at their instant love and envelopment into their family.
Before she can even hug her newfound parents, her phone rings and she apologizes profusely before stepping away when she sees Nikki’s name flash across the screen.
“Hey, Nikki. How are things? Are you doing okay?” she asks, wiping away the wetness on her cheeks.
She hears a distinct sniffle across the line and Avery waits with baited breath for her response.
“Nikki?”
“I’m pregnant,” she whispers.
“What? Oh my gosh, Nikki! Is that why you left?”
“I had a feeling, but I just went to the doctor and they confirmed. I’m eight weeks.”
“Oh, Nikki. What can I do?”
“Just keep it to yourself, please? I don’t want Austin to find out.”
“I’ll do whatever you ask, but don’t you think you should talk with him? He should know if he’s going to be a father.”
“I know, and I will; I’m just not ready yet. I’m thinking of moving back here with Melanie. She offered to help me with the baby. Austin just doesn’t seem like the kind of guy that would embrace fatherhood.”
“I don’t know him very well, but I think he may surprise you.”
“I’ll be back soon. I’m just really messed up right now. And the morning sickness is killing me.”
“I wish there was something I could do for you, Nikki. And I hope you feel better soon. I’m here if you need me.”
“Thank you, Avery. We’ll talk soon. Bye.”
“Bye, Nik.”
Avery returns to the porch, having taken her call out onto their immaculate lawn.
“Everything okay?”
“Yes, everything is fine. My friend is having a rough time right now. She found out she’s expecting, but she doesn’t think the father will step up. I’m really hoping he proves her wrong.”
“Me too, dear. Family is important,” Amy reminds.
Joseph stands from the table and Amy follows suit.
“We have a meeting at the community center for the Christmas program, but I wish we could catch up some more.”
“Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude on your day.”
“Please don’t apologize! We are thrilled you found us and we can’t wait to find out more about each other,” Amy exclaims, pulling Avery close.
Joseph places his hands on Avery’s shoulders and stares at her lovingly.
“Our family gets together every Sunday night for dinner, except for today since we had the meeting scheduled. No pressure, but we’d love for you to join us next Sunday. We planned to meet at Angie’s around six. It would be a good opportunity to introduce you to your siblings. We won’t tell them anything in case you decide against this. It’s a lot to take in and we completely understand.”
“I don’t want to impose on your family.”