Page 76 of Never Really Mine
I smile, laughing softly. “That was one of the babies saying hello to you.”
Lennie’s smile grows, and she leans down, cupping her hands around her mouth, pressing them on my belly. “Hi, baby,” she says, then looks up at me. “Can they hear me?”
I nod. “Yes, they can hear you.”
“Cool,” she murmurs, bending back down to keep talking to my stomach. The babies move around to the sound of her voice, clearly enjoying it.
My phone buzzes at my thigh, and I grab it, choosing to snap a few pictures and videos of Lennie talking to the babies before reading the message. I send them off to Jason, knowing I won’t get a reply for a few hours. If he’s working, he’s more than likely busy.
I read the message on the screen, noting that it is now just past two o’clock.
Beau
Wasn’t it supposed to end at two?
Me
Yep, but try telling my mom that. We haven’t even opened presents yet. I’m exhausted.
Should I come and steal you away? I have something I need to show you tonight anyway.
What do you need to show me?
Surprise.
Really though, want me to come get you?
No. I think your mom is about to push things forward, so maybe an hour? You’re going to have to load all the presents into the car.
You got it. I’ll be there in an hour, and if you’re not done, I’ll rush it along.
I owe you.
Not a chance.
Nikki stands from next to me on the couch, clapping her hands together. “Jane, I think it’s about time we open presents, yes?”
My mom smiles, adjusting her short gray hair. “Oh yes, I think you’re right! I didn’t even realize the time. Megan, can you help me move the gifts over to Marley?”
Thank goodness.
45
BEAU
The peals of feminine laughter are loud as I walk up the front steps to my childhood home. I got slightly sidetracked by Gabriel, sitting in a lawn chair in his front yard, so I’m five minutes later than I’d promised Marley.
I don’t bother knocking, it is my house in a sort of way. I nearly stumble on the many pairs of shoes scattered in the front entry as I walk toward the living room. The laughter and chatting grows louder with every step I take.
When I reach the living room, I see Marley sitting in my mom’s favorite rocking chair, with people gathered around her in a large circle. I spot a few extended family members, but mainly, I’m focused on Marley. She’s smiling, eyes bright and excited as she pulls a pajama set from the gift bag on her lap, but I can see how tired she is. She was up most of the night, her body aching more and more with each passing day.
There are dozens of bags and boxes around her feet, some open, some still pristinely wrapped. My mom sits on one side of her, with a little notepad, and a garbage bag filled with discarded tissue paper. No one seems to have noticed my arrival, except for Josie. She sits next to my mom, and gives me a small wave.Lennie’s sitting in her lap, and when she notices who Josie is waving at, she practically falls out of Josie’s lap to run to me.
It makes my heart burst a little to see how excited she is. She launches herself into my arms, climbing up my body. “Uncle Beau!” she squeals. “Auntie Marley said the babies like me!”
“Oh yeah?” I answer, my heart clenching again. “I’m sure they do. You’re going to be their favorite cousin.”
She beams, squeezing me tightly.
