I watched as everyone surrounded Rose, chattering excitedly as they asked her how far along she was and how she’d been feeling. I was on good terms with my cousin again, and I normally would’ve been right there with them, squealing and hugging and joining the merriment, but nausea kept me in my seat.
“Anything to drink?” Mel asked as she made her way to the back door.
“Just water, please,” I said, giving her a smile.
Her expression grew knowing and she sent me a wink. “I’ll church it up a bit with some ice and a glass—make sure to wince when you take the first drink.” She jerked her head at the group of women. “They all know I buy shitty vodka.”
I met my mom’s eyes across the yard and she looked at me searchingly. She glanced down at my belly and back up to my face again.
I shrugged, unable to hide my grin.
Her mouth dropped open in shock.
Yeah, I hadn’t been expecting it, either. I couldn’t wait to tell Mark.
That year was what the Aces would later call the baby boom.