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“Wait and see. Someday, you’ll know what I'm talking about.”
“I'm not sure about that. Not everybody gets lucky the way you did.”
She's right. I am lucky. And maybe it was wrong to assume she even wants to be in this position one day... but I think she does. I've caught the longing in her voice and the look in her eyes when she's felt the baby kick. And of course I already know she's terrific with kids from being part of her lessons at the arena. I hope I don't turn into one of those women who is so happy, she makes it her life's mission to meddle in her friends’ personal lives so they can be as happy as she is.
“Did you find out whether it's a boy or a girl yet?”
“I told you, we all want it to be a surprise.”
“I know, but I figured maybe they would have said something when you went in for your surprise examination.”
“No, the doctor's good like that.” I have to snicker at the memory. “Honestly, I think she was too busy trying to recover from having all three of them in the room with us.”
“Oh, no, can you imagine the way they're going to try to coach you through labor?”
The thought makes me laugh. “Come on, Harlow!” I grunt. “Keep pushing. Keep digging. Give it all you've got!”
“Hey, if you could master skating without breaking anything, you can push out a baby.”
“What are you talking about? I never mastered anything except for staying upright.”
She blows out a heavy sigh before tossing her dark hair over her shoulder in an exasperated gesture. “I'm trying to be nice, for heaven's sake.”
“When it comes to skating, I'm happy to sit on the sidelines.”
“Well, just so you know, I've already signed the baby up for lessons.”
“Thanks. One last thing to think about.” But I have no doubt the guys would want the baby to know how to skate. Knowing them, they'll probably push for that before they push for bike riding or throwing a ball.
“All I know is, I'm ready to give this kid an eviction notice.” I know I'm going to have to pee again soon, and I feel like I'm carrying a bowling ball in front of me. If I get much bigger Iwon't have any clothes that fit. As much as I know the guys would not protest if I walked around naked, I'm not too keen on the idea.
“So they want to have the nursery done today?” she asks once we've stopped off for cheese at one of the booths. I have to smile my way through my jealousy that Corey gets to eat delicious, wonderful things like that. I can't wait to indulge in a soft, stinky cheese as soon as possible. Aside from fantasizing about sex, that's the sort of thing I've thought about the most. I'm not sure how easy it will be for me to get my body back when there's part of me that wants nothing more than to stuff my face full of everything I couldn't have these past months. Sushi, salami, blue cheese…
“Yeah, and it's pretty much finished. I think the scare we had last week got them moving with more determination. You just never know when the baby will decide to make an appearance.”
“Knowing them, it's a miracle they haven't torn the house apart, arguing.”
“Oh, there's been plenty of that.” But there's fondness that comes along with the memories. “They're trying. They really are. They want to be a team. Because I warned them, you can't bicker like children when there's a child in the house. You need to at least pretend to be on the same side even if you disagree.”
I can’t help but snicker. “You know, the way my parents never did.”
“Their hearts are all in the right place, and they would do anything to make you happy.”
I know that. I know how incredibly lucky I am. “You know, it's only been a little over a year since everything changed,” I museas we walk together on the bright, sunshine-soaked afternoon. “I never in a million years could have imagined what life would look like by now.”
“Man makes plans and God laughs,” she muses.
“I never really understood how true that is until now,” I admit. “We can spend all of our lives planning and preparing, then all of a sudden, everything can change at the drop of a hat.”
When Corey comes to a dead stop, I do the same out of surprise. “What? What's wrong?”
She looks down at my feet and winces. “My friend, I think your pipes are leaking.”
“My what?” And that's when I feel it. That's when I look down to find a puddle on the ground.
“Did you...” She's trying to be diplomatic and not hurt my feelings.
“This is not pee.” Our eyes meet and we gasp at the same time.
