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Ma isn’t too old for it to be of concern. This visit is us trying to convince her that time is moving on. We are hoping she will come to live with us in our FROG, or free-standing room above the garage. It’s essentially the Charleston equivalent of a mother-in-law suite.
A one-bedroom apartment that would allow her to have her own space but still be on our property.
After Avery became pregnant, we decided to leave the downtown life behind us. It is possible to still raise a family in Charleston—there are plenty of properties. But Avery didn’t want to live close to her former life. We moved two bridges away onto Daniel Island. It worked for our future. I can’t wait to bring new life into this world with Avery.
“What are we picking up?” I ask.
We are running behind schedule. We have to get to my hometown before it gets dark. I’m not taking any unnecessary risks with Avery.
Avery and I decided to hold off telling my ma about the baby. We wanted to tell her in person.
“The store is right there,” she points across the street to a boutique she found online. The store does custom pieces. Avery had an ornament made and wanted to pick it up in person instead of shipping it to us to ensure it wouldn’t be broken.
I guide her across the street to the storefront, where she excitedly enters. She’s still the bright light to my darkness. I will always be grateful that she brought me back to life.
Ten years ago, did I imagine I would be wandering these same Boston streets holding my pregnant wife’s hand and picking up a custom Christmas ornament for my ma? I would have bet on the other option every time.
“It’s perfect isn’t it, Lachlan?”
Avery holds up the ornament that reads “Officially a Granny” in sparkling white cursive.
Avery is positive my ma will insist on being called Granny over a different grandmother name. It’s common among the Irish.
“Absolutely, Goldie.” I smile back at her.
After wrapping up at the store, Avery and I make our drive to Ma’s house. It’s not long, but I’ll be glad when we arrive. We’ll be staying here for a few days before returning to Boston. I have a romantic night planned for Avery, and we have plans to see Patrick too.
Pulling up to my childhood home, I reflect on the years I had here. Wonderful years with my parents. I can’t wait to be the kind of da I had growing up.
My ma hears our car pull up and is outside waiting in the cold.
“Ma, get back inside; it’s freezing out here,” I shout from the driveway.
I’ll come back for our bags. I round the car and open the door for Avery.
Ma’s eyes instantly go to her belly, and even in the distance, I can see the tears start to shine through. It’s clearly a pregnancy belly on Avery’s frame.
Avery is holding the ornament package in her hands as she reaches my mother.
“Open this, please.” Avery smiles as she hands Ma the package.
Deliberately, she opens the package to see if the ornament confirms her thoughts.
“Thank you, Avery, a day I’ve dreamed of forever,” Ma says before engulfing Avery in a hug.
Watching my two favorite women together makes my tears start to well up. This life isn’t one I’ll ever take for fucking granted.
THE END
