So, with their work schedule and not eating as much as they used to, they were thinner, but they all felt amazing and energetic. They’d gotten a feature interview published withThe Irish Times, a daily newspaper— thanks very much to Saoirse Kennedy! It had been hectic, rewarding, and very exciting.
However, Raven’s career was not more important than Baby O’s health. So, it was a relief that the doctor confirmed she was healthy, as was the baby.
Raven had gotten so used to referring to her bump as Baby O she could strangle her sisters for it. Rowan had started it as a nod to Bran’s last name, but River said it stood for orgasm— what she was probably having at the time of conception. Now, when anyone referred to her tummy as Baby O, she blushed.
Still, Raven wanted clarification that her weight loss was absolutely not a problem for the baby.
“No, no. The baby’s growth is where it should be. Healthy heartbeat, weight is perfect. I know you and your sisters have been busy, but you’ve kept a diet log as I asked, and it is all healthy, good stuff for the little one and you, with plenty of good protein and fats. Just be aware that you will probably need to up your calories in the last trimester, as that’s when baby will grow the most. Try eating salmon more often. It’s an excellent source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. Baby still moving?”
Relieved, she answered quickly. “Oh, yes. All the time.”
Rowan and River grinned as the doctor covered her belly back up.
“Baby O is healthy, sis.” Rowan and River both patted her bulge, and the baby kicked several times.
Raven laughed. “The baby knows its aunties.”
Getting up from the table, she asked Dr. Daley one more thing. “Doctor, I spoke with a woman at the grocery store yesterday that was six weeks further along than me, but... I was the same size! I know you’ve told me not to judge my belly against others, but I feel really big.”
“Raven, relax. Your body is exactly the way it’s supposed to be. You’re a tiny woman, dear. Someday, if your sisters decide to have children, they will probably experience the exact same thing. My suggestion is to stop trying to cover up the fact thatyou’re pregnant and go out and buy some lovely, fitted maternity clothes. Embrace your belly. Embrace impending motherhood. Enjoy it. I imagine your sisters know just the place to get some clothes.”
“Thank you, doctor. Rowan and I were about to have a Dumpy Outfit Intervention. Raven, get dressed. We are going shopping now!”
“You guys are horrible.” She stood from the exam table and decided to spit out her other concern. She didn’t mind her sisters’ hearing, just the discussion that would follow.
“I plan on inviting the baby’s father to Dublin soon.”Silence of the Byrne’sNow Playing at her back. “I’ve wanted to wait to find out the sex of the baby until he’s here in case he might want to... do an ultrasound with me.”
“Oh, Raven, of course. If you know when he might arrive, you can make an appointment before you leave today. If you need to cancel, I don’t want you to worry. Mama’s come first in our office. Sound good?”
Relieved, excited, and very nervous. She thanked the doctor before being whisked to the shops. Obviously, catching up on work wasn’t on the schedule.
Jo’s planehad landed a few hours ago. She’d told them she would drop her things off at The Fitzwilliam before heading to Triskelion to see their new space.
After hours upon hours of shopping, Raven and her sisters were heading back to their shop. She was wearing one of the new outfits. Apparently, they couldn’t take the homeless look on her anymore. Bitches. But... okay... she felt glorious. She lookedchic and lovely. The doctor was right. She’d been hiding, not embracing. No more!
Everything was happening, it seemed, on one, single, flipping day! Because she was calling Bran tonight. It was time. But first, Josephine O’Connor.
“Oh Lord, you guys. I’m nervous! Do you think I screwed up keeping Baby O a secret? Jo is going to kill me, then you guys, and finally Saoirse.”
“She won’t kill anyone,” Rowan promised. “She will see that baby bump...” she coughed in her hand, “giant, baby bump that is, and melt.”
River laughed hysterically.
“You assholes wait! You heard Dr. Daley. Take a good look at your future.” Raven rubbed her belly dramatically as they walked along the sidewalk toward home.
“I’m glad you’re calling Bran tonight, Rave. I truly am. He fucked up. Bad. But— dang it, I don’t want to cry— I think you guys are better together. I think you both need each other and... I want my niece or nephew to have what we had growing up.”
Raven hugged River, matching their strides, scarves flapping between their long hair. “I love you.” Pulling her youngest sister in with her other arm, she laughed, “I love you too.”
Arm, in arm, in arm. Today was magical.
Jo was waiting outside their building with a giant hulk of scowling man. River was the first to break away and run to embrace their friend.
“Jo, you bitch! Finally! I never thought you would get here. We’ve missed you.”
Laughing, she hugged River back and swung her around. Rowan and I approached. Raven’s winter coat hid her ‘condition,’ but that wouldn’t last.
Rowan, sensing her hesitation, moved ahead and held her hand out to Jo’s companion. “Honey Bunny, it’s so good to meetyou. I’m Rowan Byrne. That lunatic hugging part of your, ah, colony, is my sister River, and this,” she waved for me to step forward, “is our oldest sister, Raven.”
