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I clear my throat. It’s time to tell them. “We um—we tried. We tried for a long time. Even went as far as IVF, but it never worked. It wasn’t my fault, but she blamed me. I took on that blame. I’m trying to let go of it all now.”
“Oh, honey.” My mom wipes a few tears from her eyes. “I’m so sorry. Sorry if I ever pressured you. I—why didn’t you ever tell us?”
“Tara asked me not to. I was trying to respect that.”
“That’s an honorable thing, being loyal to your wife. I’m sorry she wasn’t loyal to you in return. Actually, I’m not that sorry, because it means you ended up with the right girl.” We both laugh at that. “But I’m sorry for the pain I’m sure you’ve had to deal with because of it.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Zoey walking toward us. I spin on my stool and give her a smile. “Well, it’s all healing now.”
Zoey walks over, kisses my cheek, and wraps an arm around my waist. “So, the boys are champing at the bit to open presents. What do you think?”
My mom dries her hands on a towel. “Yes, absolutely. Everything’s in the oven now, so let’s do that.”
Opening presents in my parent’s farmhouse by the giant Christmas tree is one of my favorite traditions. Especially now that I have Zoey and the boys here with me and Trishy is with Mikey. Cece is cuddled up on the couch with my dad—she’s always been a daddy’s girl. George is also here, sitting by the tree. He left his family behind as soon as he turned eighteen and my parents embraced him as a third son.
All the presents have been opened, except the ones from Zoey and me. Personalized ornaments announcing that we’re having a baby. We instructed everyone to open them at the same time.
Mikey, already knowing what it says, attempts to distract everyone from wondering what it might be by shaking it dramatically.
“Oh, don’t tell me. Hold on. Uh… tickets to Disney World? No. Gift card for free tattoos? No. Oh. Wait. I’ve got it. Jelly of the month club!”
George, Mikey, and I burst into laughter at theChristmas Vacationreference. We watch it every year after Christmas dinner. This year my mom was concerned about showing it until Zoey laughed and said she watches it with the boys every year and they know which parts not to repeat.
She smiles a giddy smile at me as I glance around the room. Of course, my mother has hers open first.
“Oh. Oh!” She leaps up, hand covering her mouth. “Really?” As everyone else turns to look at us, I nod. Zoey and Trish both stand up and pull off their sweaters to reveal matching maternity shirts with the words,Brace yourselves, baby is coming,on them.
My family are hugeGame of Thronesfans, so they all erupt in cheers and laughter. I watch Zoey caress her small baby bump, and my heart feels like it might bust out of my chest.
I swagger over to her and wrap my arms around her, giving her a long kiss. Well, as long as I can before we’re attacked with hugs and congratulations from the whole family.
After presents, it’s time to relax and eat appetizers until dinner. Mikey, George, and my dad took the boys outside. Cece is reading. Trish is chatting with my mom. And I’m dancing with Zoey, her head resting against my shoulder as we sway to the soft Christmas music.
She lifts her head whenSilver Bellscomes on. “I love this song. The idea of Christmas time in the city always sounds so magical.”
“Have you ever been?”
“No. Have you?”
“No. Maybe next year we should change that. We can go some weekend in December.”
“Really?” she says, smiling brightly.
“Of course, baby. If it makes your face light up like that, I definitely want to do it. Plus, imagine the boys seeing the big tree, skating in the park, enjoying a walk through the city at Christmas time? That sounds perfect.” I softly kiss her head.
“You’re perfect,” she murmurs, leaning her head against my shoulder again.
I slide one hand down to her stomach. “We are.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too, baby mama.Always.”
Epilogue
One Year Later
Zoey
