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14
Danielle
None of it felt real. Just a little more than two weeks ago, we were celebrating Ellen and Lori’s wedding, and here we were, saying our final goodbyes to her. It was as though the entire town had come to show their support to Ellen. I knew how much that would’ve meant to Lori. Her fear that Ellen would be alone, unexpected, wasn’t coming to fruition. She wasn’t okay right now, but she would be, over time. And I’d be here anytime she needed me.
Katherine came and sat beside me. “How are you doing?”
“I’m…numb. Exhausted. But having you all here really has helped. Thank you,” I said. “How are you feeling?” The last time I had seen Katherine, she almost passed out. At least she wasn’t so pale this time.
“The morning sickness seems to be dwindling which helps a lot,” she said.
“Good. I really feel bad about being the one who told Richard. I guess I should’ve apologized for that earlier.”
She shook her head. “That’s all on me. There was no reason for me not to have told him first. I was just trying to come up with the right words. You did me a favor without even knowing it.”
“And you did one for me too,” I said.
“What did I do?” she asked.
“Your morning sickness is what brought Robert and me together,” I said. “If you didn’t need him to be with you at the wedding, I might not even have seen him again.” And I might not ever have fallen in love with him.
“Well, that’s a story I should write down for my child one day,” she smiled. She leaned closer and said, “Want to know another secret that I haven’t shared with my brothers yet?”
“I’m not so sure you should tell me. I did a horrible job keeping it last time,” I said.
“I trust you,” she said. “I found out the gender yesterday.”
“You must be so excited.” I stated. I didn’t have children and at forty-nine, not looking forward to either. But I was happy for Katherine.
“I’m petrified.”
“Why?” I asked. “Robert told me a lot about you, and he said you’re going to be an amazing mother. He said you’re just like your mother was.”
“Oh, don’t make me cry.”
“No one will notice. There’s been more tears shed here today than I think I’ve ever seen,” I sighed. I needed to change the subject again before I started the waterworks again. “So are you going to tell me the gender or not?” I asked.
“Male.”
“Congratulations,” I said.
“That’s only part of it,” she said.
“What else?” I asked.
“Twins. I’m having twin boys, just like my mother did,” she sighed. “I just hope they are not like my brothers were. Mom said they were more work than having six children.”
I chuckled. “After getting to know your brother, I can see that.”
Robert walked over and said, “Why do I have the feeling that you ladies are talking about me.”
“Because we are. But don’t worry. I’m only telling her the truth,” Katherine stated.
“Don’t do that. I want her to like me,” Robert said.
“Oh, I think she more than likes you. I would say she’s in love with you,” Katherine said as she got up. “But don’t take my word for it. Ask her yourself.” She gave me a wink and walked away.
I think you might be just as much trouble as your brothers.
