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“But my friends all live with their siblings,” he states, though I know it’s an exaggeration. Some are blended families and share custody between the parents.
“Every family is different and unique, honey. It’s okay that you don’t live with Anthony because he gets to be with his grandparents now, and you’ll get to see him at school and anytime you’re over there.”
“That’s true. It’s kinda cool saying I have a brother.” He grins. “And soon, I’ll have two more.”
My smile grows wider. “That’s right. Two little baby brothers who are going to adore you and look up to you.”
“Well, that’s because I’m taller.”
I laugh and pull him in for a hug. “I hope you realize how much I love you. Nothing will ever change that.”
“I know, Mom. I love you too.”
“There have been a lot of changes this year, and it hasn’t been easy, but I’m proud of the young man you’re becoming,” I tell him honestly, hardly believing he’ll be eleven soon. “I wasn’t prepared for you to grow up so fast.”
He giggles and rolls his eyes. “I’m almost taller than you.”
“Ugh,” I groan with a laugh. “Don’t remind me.”
Noah pops his head in and grins. “You guys ready to go?”
“Yep. Everleigh will probably be late, which means I can’t be.” I snort.
The three of us pack into the car, and after we drop off Owen, Noah drives me to the town hall.
“Owen knows about Anthony,” I say once we’re alone. “That’s what we were talking about in his room.”
Noah’s brows shoot up. “How’d that happen?”
“He overheard it at Loretta and Elliot’s. Honestly, I’m kinda relieved. He and Anthony could have a genuine brotherly relationship. I never wanted to keep that from him, but I’m worried about what Brittany told Anthony about Gabe.”
“You mean, about how he died?”
“Yes. I have no doubt she fed him some bullshit story, and if so, it’s only a matter of time before Anthony repeats it to Owen.”
“What do you wanna do? If you want me to tell him, I will.”
A small smile appears on my face. “I know you would, but I think he should hear it from me. That way, he can ask me questions right away if he has any, and you’ll be close by if he wants to speak to you.”
“I’ll support whatever you wanna do, sweetheart.” He takes our interconnected hands and kisses my knuckles.
“That’s why I love you.” I smile wider, then sigh. “There’s never a right time for that sorta conversation, so I’m not sure when. Perhaps after we move, so it’s not one stressful thing after another?”
He nods in agreement. Though I hadn’t planned onevertelling Owen the details of what happened, I also don’t want to risk him finding out from someone else. If he easily overheard about Anthony, it’d only be a matter of time before he hears about this too.
“Don’t forget you have to come back and help us load up everything,” I remind him when he parks in front of the building.
“I won’t. Just call or text when you need me.” He leans in and cups my face, pressing his lips to mine. “And I know you won’t listen anyway, but please take it easy. Belinda, your mom, Loretta, Everleigh, and Ruby will be there. Let them do the work.”
I grunt. “I’m the co-host. I can’t just sit on my ass.”
“But you’re supposed to be staying off your feet,” he reminds me.
“I know.” Groaning, I nod and grab my purse from the back seat. “I’ll be careful.”
A couple of weeks ago, after my ultrasound, my doctor called and said that due to having high blood pressure, being over thirty, and carrying multiples, I’m at risk for developing preeclampsia. To avoid swelling up like a balloon and gaining too much weight, she advised me to elevate my feet, drink a lot of water, and get more rest. Seeing as I have a mortgage, rent, bills, and a family to support, I can’t risk being put on bed rest. I don’t want to waste my maternity leave lying in bed before they’re born because I only get twelve weeks.
“Love you,” he calls out.
