Teary-eyed, I went through each bouquet and read each note attached to them.
We work together. Love, A. D. S.
We lay together. Love, A. D. S.
We play together. Love, A. D. S.
We pray together. Love, A. D. S.
We break bread together. Love, A. D. S.
We make the best memories together. Love, A. D. S.
With each note, I was unable to hold back my emotions.
“You like them?” Antonias asked.
Smiling, I said, “I never would’ve thought you were so romantic.”
His face frowned playfully. Chuckling, I went into his open arms and squeezed him just as tightly as he squeezed me.
“Let’s get this visit over, so we can go have lunch by the lake and talk about our next move. Cool?”
“Cool,” I echoed.
Just then, Auntie Maddie peeked her head into my office. She was radiant, glowing, and…pregnant! I squealed with delight.
“Shh!” she playfully hissed. “How the hell could you even tell? I have these big ass clothes on.”
“Exactly!” I exclaimed as I hugged her tightly. I was crying like her baby was mine.
Amused, Antonias shook his head.
Maddie hugged me back and said, “I’m announcing the baby to the family soon. Can you keep it a secret?”
“Absolutely! I’m so happy for you, Auntie!” Despite my situation, I was ecstatic for my auntie. She’d gone from losing nearly everything to having it given back to her with interest. Her story hit me in my chest. If she could recover from loss and come out whole on the other side, then I could too.
“All is well with you, my dear,” she said and hugged me once more before disappearing out of the door.
“Ready?” Antonias asked.
I nodded. “Let’s get this over with.”
Minutes later, Dr. Cartright walked into the exam room and hugged me. “It’s good to see you,” he said.
My face said it all, causing him to laugh.
“Everything’s gon’ be fine,” he assured me.
As he got my exam underway, I found myself staring at the ceiling and struggling to concentrate on his voice and not my insecurities. He explained how my body would feel, all the changes that I should’ve started feeling so far, and what to expect in the coming months.
“We’ve preserved eggs for you, should you wish to use them in the future.”
My brain misfired, and I snatched my gaze from the ceiling to peer at Dr. Cartright.
“What did you say?”
He repeated himself and said, “Antonias demanded we do so.” Humor laced his statement.
