Page 9 of Finding My Forever

“It’s a miracle. After the third round of IVF failed, the doctors told us it couldn’t happen.”

I nodded. We all knew that.

“But we didn’t give up. We saw another doctor and she restored our faith and tried another round, and…it worked!”

I jumped up and gave them each a hug. “I’m so happy for you guys!”

Elise cut in and took her turn hugging them then stood and hugged me. “We’re going to be aunts!”

“I know!”

“We should start shopping now!”

Grandma tugged on my arm. “Now, wait. I’m going to be the great-grandma. We’ll all go shopping!”

“Hey! I’m going to be the grandma. Don’t cut me out!” Mom was laughing and wiping away tears on the other side of the table.

Finn started laughing. “So, there’s no way this child isn’t going to be spoiled, is there?”

“No.” I was the first to answer and the rest of us, even Dad, agreed.

My best day of news just got so much better. I could only hope it would last.

Chapter 4

I told Katie the news in homeroom and she squealed with me while we discussed possible baby names if it were a boy or girl. As if we had any say in it. Neither of us had any nieces or nephews, so it was pretty exciting.

“I’m just saying Declan could be used for a boy or a girl and it’s Irish sounding. It’s perfect!”

I shook my head. “I would use it for a girl, but Beth is way too traditional.”

“Ugh. You mean boring!”

I laughed with her but stopped when I saw Gwen and Harley walking toward us.

And there went my joy, running away to duck and cover.

“Hi girls.” Katie waved at them to come over even though I was hoping they’d just walk by.

“Morning, Katie.” Gwen smiled brightly at her then shifted her eyes to me for the briefest moment before looking back at Katie.

Harley smiled like she always did. The things I’d give to know what went on in her head…

“Mitchell asked me to homecoming this morning, and Kyle asked Harley during homeroom.”

Of course, those boys were going to ask them. Gwen arranged the whole thing last week.

“That sounds great. I’ll ask Kevin to talk to them so we can all go to the dance together.” Katie said.

Gwen’s smile grew. This was exactly what she wanted. Katie and Kevin had been the school’s star couple for two years. The quarterback and the head cheerleader. It was incredibly unoriginal but, in their case, also incredibly adorable.

They were going to Oregon State together and once he got drafted to the NFL, I was sure she would follow him to cheer for that team.

As stereotypical as their relationship was, I loved them together. They were one of the few couples that could function without needing each other every second of every day. They both had goals and dreams and supported each other. They were in love, and it was precious.

Gwen wanted what Katie had, which was ridiculous because what they had was rare, especially in high school, but maybe hanging out with them was enough for her. That’s why she arranged her date with Mitchell, Kevin’s best friend, and fellow football star.

“That would be so fun. We can all go together.” Gwen paused and looked at me. “Oh, wait. April doesn’t have a date.”