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“I have been trying to come to terms with everything with the pregnancy and Ethan but…” her voice trailed off.
“It’s unfathomable,” I said.
“Exactly.” She gently caressed her stomach. “I met Ethan when I moved here. It was one of those whirlwind-type romances. We dated for three months and were married by month four.”
Her voice was laden with sadness and pain. She loved this man.
“When we got pregnant two years later, I was scared out of my mind. I had just lost my job, and Ethan had just started at a new firm. But he said we would manage, and I believed him. Ethan had this way of reassuring me and making me believe whatever he said.”
My heart broke for her. I couldn’t imagine moving through pain like that. My heartbreak now felt like child’s play compared to what she was going through.
“I’m so sorry. Do you have any family here?”
She shook her head. “My mother was an addict and died a little over three years ago, just before I met Ethan. I never knew my dad because my mom refused to tell me. But she did say that he was some hot shot in New York. I didn’t have any brothers or sisters, or at least any I know.”
“What about Ethan’s family?”
“He doesn’t…I mean, he didn’t have any family. He was an only child and was raised by his grandmother. She passed away when he graduated college.”
“And what about your brother?”
“He’s working on relocating to Chicago for a few months until I can get on my feet with the baby. He found a job at this law firm.”
I reached for her hand and squeezed it in mine. “I know this may not be worth much to you, but you also have me for whatever you need. I mean it. I work from home, and I happen to love babies.”
A low, quiet sob left her lips, but she pushed it back down. It broke my heart at how tired and worn out she seemed. This was supposed to be one of her happiest days. Instead, she was out here dealing with grief and the stress of soon becoming a single mom.
“You would do that for me?”
I nodded. “Of course.”
“You have the kindest heart, Amelia.” She pulled me in for a hug before she jumped back, rubbing her swollen belly. “Oh, sorry, he’s kicking in there today.”
She moved my hand again to meet his little kicks, and I felt him again. The little guy had some power in those muscles.
I had never felt something so… unique in my life before. There was a tiny little human life in her belly. A human life that she had created with the person that she loved.It was only a shame her partner wouldn’t get to witness it.
“He’s feeling strong,” I beamed at the mother-to-be.
A sad expression took over her features. “Much like his dad.”
I just kept making her sad. I needed to be more careful about what I said.
Tears welled in her eyes, and I cursed myself internally for returning her to the memories of her dead lover.
“More chocolate cake?” I offered a sweet distraction. Thankfully, she took the bait and went with it.
Claire and I talked like we were old pals catching up for hours and hours. We ordered some food and binge-watched the first few Game of Thrones episodes.
By the time she was leaving, she seemed a little lighter, and her eyes didn’t seem as downcast.
“Come over anytime you want, Claire.” I hugged her tightly. “I mean it. I’m just a phone call away if you need anything.”
When she pulled away, she had a beaming light on her face. “Thank you, Amelia. What you did for me today…. words can’t express how grateful I am.”
And just like that, I made a new friend in Chicago.
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