Page 56 of Pieces of Us
“Mr. and Mrs. Hudson, so nice to see you.”
Linc’s dad gently shakes my hand. “Please, call us Gary and Mae.”
I nod my head as Linc hugs his mom. It’s a real hug; his eyes close, and it’s sweet to see the happiness in his mom’s face. Linc’s a hugger, and now I’m seeing why.
We all sit down, and the server approaches to take our drink order.
Linc’s dad grabs the wine list. “Is it okay if I order a bottle for the table?”
I glance at Linc. “Oh, um, that’s okay, Dad. Mel doesn’t usually drink.” He looks up at the server. “We’ll have two ginger ales, please.”
His parents don’t seem phased, ordering their own glasses of wine and some appetizers for the table.
“Melonie, I know we spoke for a brief moment at the wedding, but we’re happy you got to join us for dinner this evening.”
“Thank you.”
“Mel, my mom worked in finance for twenty years. You two can talk about numbers.”
“I don’t know if being an assistant is really finance, but I understand most of the jargon. What do you do, Melonie?”
“I work for an accounting firm here in Boston as a CPA.”
“So, you really like numbers.” Linc’s dad chuckles.
“I do. I love problem solving, love the logic of numbers.”
Linc smiles at me. “Mel’s one of the most intelligent women I know.”
His mom looks between the two of us. “So, Linc, tell us why you brought a friend to dinner.”
Linc glances at me, then back to his parents.
“Well, Mom, Dad, we have some news.” His mom leans forward. “Mel and I are having a baby.”
A grin that looks like Linc’s comes across his father’s face, and I think his mom might already have tears in her eyes.
“It’s sort of a long story, but Mel and I have known each other since Jax and Audrey got together and, well, we’re going to have a baby. We aren’t seeing each other, though, so it’s a bit unconventional. But we’re really happy and really excited.”
Linc’s mom waves her hand at him. “Logistics.” She gets up and comes to my chair, wrapping her arms around myshoulders. “We’re going to be grandparents! Gary, did you hear that? A baby!”
I laugh at her exclamations. Linc’s dad reaches across the table, tapping my arm. “Congratulations, you two.”
“Would you like to see pictures?” I reach for my purse and pull out the ultrasound prints. Linc’s mom takes them, and her hands shake as she peers down at them.
“Oh, my goodness.” She looks at me. “It’s the most precious thing I’ve ever seen.”
Tears fill my eyes. I’m filled with relief that they’re happy. Part of me wishes this was the reception I would have received from my mother.
“Mom, don’t cry on the prints. Let Dad see.”
She hands them to Gary, and he wipes a tear from his cheek. I now realize why Linc is how he is. His family isn’t afraid to show emotions or affection openly.
“I’m glad you’re happy. I was a little nervous about this evening.”
“Oh, Melonie, how could we not be happy with a new life and two more people to love?”
A heavy tear runs down my cheek, and I wipe it away with my napkin. Linc rubs my back.
