Love by Design

* * *

Norma Jean had coordinated the menu so there were no duplicate items. Everyone roamed between the kitchen and dining room setting out their dishes and preparing for the huge feast. When they were all seated, Heathcliffe blessed the food and their group, and they all dug in.

Norma Jean stood up. “I want to say something.”

The entire table quieted down, and everyone stopped eating.

“I just want to say that Cliff and I appreciate all of you keeping this house filled with laughter, love and joy. I thank God daily for the health I have to enjoy my son, his wife and their amazing friends. You’ve all become more than just our son’s friends. You all are like sons and daughters to us,” she said tearfully. “And we love you all very much.” She raised her glass in a toast. “Merry Christmas, babies.”

Adrian stood up and hugged his mother. “That was beautiful, Mom. I’m sure everyone here appreciates how you’re there for us. We all feel the unconditional love that you have for everyone around you. You’d do anything to help out wherever you can. You’re amazing, Mom. Not such a good matchmaker, but that’s okay. We all found our soul mates, so I guess you’ll be turning in your very large black book.” Everyone laughed. “Oh, another thing,” he said. “You’re going to want to sit down for this one.”

She sat down. “What is it, Adrian? Are you okay?”

“Yes, Mom, we’re fine.” He glanced at his wife. “In fact, Milán’s pregnant. We’re going to have a baby.”

Norma Jean’s mouth dropped open. She stared at Adrian as though waiting for him to say he was joking. When he remained quiet, she screamed with delight.

“Are you serious? You’re having a baby?”

When Milán confirmed it with a nod, Norma Jean jumped up and went to her son. She engulfed them both in a huge hug, as did Heathcliffe.

“I’m going to be a granddad,” he boasted.

“What about me? I’m going to be a nana, or a gigi like Ivan’s grandmother, or who knows what else, I’m just so tickled pink for you both! What a wonderful Christmas present. The best I could ever get.”

“Does that mean we can return the gifts we got you?” Adrian joked.

The whole table cheered and took turns congratulating the new parents-to-be. Norma Jean brought in both champagne and sparkling cider.

“Who knew I’d find a use for this?” she said with delight. “Oh, Adrian.” She hugged her son again. “I’m so happy for you both, sweetheart. I can’t believe you finally hit the bull’s-eye.”

Adrian shook his head. “Thanks, Mom.”

* * *

On cloud nine for the rest of the night, Adrian’s parents pulled out photo albums after everyone exchanged gifts, much to his dismay. When the night was over, everyone left happy and stuffed, leaving Norma Jean and Heathcliffe alone.

“Can you believe it?” she said when they were upstairs in bed. “Our baby is finally having a baby of his own.”

“Pretty spectacular news,” Heathcliffe agreed. “Makes me think you’ll have nothing to rib him about now that you won’t need to rent grandbabies.”

She laughed. “You’re right, but you know me. I’ll find something else to give him a hard time about…but not now. He’s done well, so I’ll give him a break.”

* * *

Later that night, Adrian and Milán were lying together on a chaise longue in their bedroom.

“Well, that has to give you a ridiculous amount of brownie points,” Milán told Adrian when the discussion turned to the dinner party.

“Oh, yeah, she’ll be singing my praises more than you do, except when we’re in bed, of course.”

Milán burst out laughing, and Adrian looked over at her.

“It wasn’t that funny, Lani,” he said drily.

“I’m just kidding, my love. You realize your mother is going to be a very hands-on grandmother, don’t you?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m trying to wrap my head around that next level of Norma Jean. I bet it’ll be unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before.”

They continued to laugh and discuss their baby. Adrian took his wife’s hand and kissed it.

“Are you happy?”

“Of course I am. How could I not be? In six months, our little hijo, or hija, will be here in person. I can’t wait to meet our baby, Adrian.”

“Me, either.” Adrian’s hands came up around her thickening stomach. “I’m telling you right now. I’m going to spoil our kid rotten.”

“I think we all will. This will be one loved little one.”