Page 55 of Honest Boys Don’t Play

“Girl,” she admonishes playfully. “You better get on that. He’s going to be here before you know it.”

“Don’t I know it.” He gives me a gentle kick as if to say, “That’s right, Mom. I’m gonna be here soon.”

“I’ll have to nix the guess the baby’s name game then,” she mutters mostly to herself. “But don’t worry.” She brightens. “I have plenty of other fun things planned.”

And boy, does she.

We play games for a solid hour and a half at least, and somehow Teddy McCallister seems to win almost every single one. Each game comes with a prize, and he hoards them beside himself like some sort of goblin.

Once the games are over, we take a much-needed break to eat and chat. I can’t get over how cute the cake is, and she says she had the same baker who’s doing her wedding cake to do this one. Rosie isn’t capable of doing anything half-assed.

After food, Luke and I sit in front of the gift table and take turns unwrapping boxes. I’m shocked by the number of things for the baby, especially expensive items like a stroller and bouncer seat, considering most of the people here don’t even know us that well.

By the time we’ve unwrapped everything, I’m definitely in my feels and humbled that so many people cared enough about us and our baby boy to get us something.

It’s been a long day, though, and by the time gifts are done I’m exhausted and in need of a nap.

“These aren’t going to the fit in the back of the truck,” I whisper to Luke, but Rosie hears me.

“Don’t worry.” She gives my shoulder a pat as she piles wrapping paper into a trash bag. “I’ll get everything gathered up and we have the room here to store it until you move.”

Somehow, it keeps slipping my mind that we’re moving so soon. Not that I’ve entirely forgotten, but I think I’ve been ignoring it. There’s already been so much change in my life, and I think a move on top of it has been too much for me to wrap my head around.

“Oh, Bertie. What did I say?”

“Nothing,” I assure her. “I just keep forgetting we’re moving soon.”

“Let me remind you, I’m going to make sure to see you as often as I can.” She gives my arms a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

I feel the weight of Luke’s gaze on me and I look his way. I can’t quite decipher the expression on his face. Worry, maybe?

“I’ll be fine,” I say to Rosie. “All my attention is going to be focused on this little one anyway.” I rub my stomach and my baby boy gives me an answering nudge.

Since I found out the baby is a boy, I swear I’ve bonded even more with him. He squirms again and a foot presses against my hand as if he’s saying, “Hey, Mom, everything’s going to be all right.”

“Is he kicking?” Luke asks.

“Yeah, I think he liked the cake. He’s super active.”

“Ooh!” Rosie throws down the trash bag. “Can I feel?”

“Sure.”

She presses her hands to my stomach, her eyes widening in awe. “That’s so cool.”

“It’s crazy, right?”

“So crazy,” she says softly and steps back, letting her hands fall away. “Daire’s already talking about another and I’m like hold up and slow down.”

I laugh. “He really loves being a dad, huh?”

She shakes her head. “You have no idea.” She scoops up the trash bag again. “Listen, I know you’re tired. You guys go ahead and head out. We’ve got the clean-up and like I said we can hold onto everything until it’s time for your move.” She pulls me into a hug. “I love you.”

I squeeze my best friend tight. “Love you, too.”

We say our goodbyes and more thank yous to everyone who came to celebrate.

Luke takes my hand and helps me up the stairs. I don’t bother telling him that I’m not so big yet that stairs are difficult, because I think it’s cute that he wants to help.