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“These two are about to get the boot. I’m not feeding three babies come next month. We started introducing the bottle, and so far the transition is going well.”
Linkin steps over to Nick, and quickly engages him in conversation. It warms my heart that they’ve embraced him as easily as they have. It’s not easy for me, and I’m sure it’s difficult for them, as well. Josh was a huge part of this family for several years, and I know my family grieved him, as I did.
Not wanting to get choked up now, I hand Hemi to my sister and make a quick break for it, heading into the kitchen. Dean and Payton are there, with Brielle sitting on a barstool, coloring with Grandpa. “Good morning,” I say, giving my grandpa a kiss on his cheek as I walk by.
“Good morning, Meggy. Did I hear the good doc’s voice this morning?” he asks, his eyes lighting just a little.
“Umm, yes. I invited Nick to join us this morning. I hope that’s okay,” I say, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.
“Okay? Of course, it’s okay! Nick was rooting for the Rangers yesterday, so we will keep him,” Grandpa exclaims before going right back to his coloring.
The thought of keeping Nick makes my heart beat like a snare drum in my chest. “Good morning, sunshine,” I say to my niece, who glances up only long enough to give me a big, toothless grin, before going right back to her coloring.
“She’s coloring a cat for the fridge,” Dean offers, flipping a griddle full of pancakes.
“And a beautiful cat it is,” I reply, gently tugging on her long braid.
“How are you this morning?” I ask my newly-pregnant older sister.
“Feeling like I could sleep for three days straight and it would still not be enough,” she mutters as she finishes dicing the fresh fruit and placing it in a large bowl.
“Growing a baby will do that to you,” I answer, though I have no first-hand knowledge of the fact.
“I’m trying not to complain, really. I’m just so blessed to actually be pregnant, without all of those shots and hormones, but this baby is already whooping my butt,” Payton adds with a tired smile.
“I’m going to be a big sister!” Brielle announces to the room.
“I know! I’m so excited. You’re going to be the best big sister ever,” I tell my niece, kissing her on the top of the head.
“Sorry, we’re late! We got…distracted,” AJ says as she joins us in the kitchen.
“Distracted,” I snort.
She gives me a pointed look. “Yes, distracted. You know, like a distraction?” she says, her eyebrows raising as if to remind me of our earlier discussion.
“I’ve heard the term,” I reply with a grin.
“Time to eat,” Payton hollers. “Bri, can you pick up your coloring stuff so we have room to eat, please?”
“Sure, Mom,” the little girl says, making my heart stop and then skip a beat. The sound of Bri calling Payton Mom will forever make my heart happy. Payton too, if the tears that well in her eyes as she gives her daughter a smile is any indication.
Everyone files into the kitchen, grabbing a plate and filling it with food. Nick and I jump in, and it’s the first time I realize how famished I truly am. I load my plate up with scrambled eggs, fruit, and a pancake. Then I throw a few strips of bacon on top, just to be sure I don’t go hungry. Nick glances down at my plate and gives me a smirk. It’s like he’s suddenly recalling exactly why I’m starving this morning.
I can’t help the smile on my face.
I follow Jaime and AJ into the living room, where a large table is set up. Jaime sits down and winces, unable to mask her discomfort. It makes me hope this baby girl or boy comes sooner, rather than later.
“So, how was your night?” Jaime asks.
“It was fine,” I reply, stuffing a strip of bacon into my mouth.
“Just…fine?” she asks, giving me one of those smiles that lets me know she suspects something a bit more than fine happened last night.
“Oh, don’t be shy, Meggy Pie. She definitely has that glow, doesn’t she, Orvie?”
“She does, my love,” Grandpa replies, sitting down beside Grandma and patting her on the hand.
“So? What was it? A night filled with hiding the pickle or a morning packed with stuffing the flounder?” Grandma asks, her beady little eyes pointed directly at me. Of course, I can also feel the eyes of everyone else in the room. I can hear their snickers too.
