Page 14 of Forever, Finally

“What? Oh. I’m fine.”

“Can I do anything to help?”

Before she could answer—and she wasn’t sure whether she wanted him to stick close or move to the other end of the house—there was a knock at the back door. It opened almost immediately and Nadia Stone walked into the utility room.

“I know, I know. I didn’t call. I broke the sacred rule. But with Lily in the house, I knew I wouldn’t be interrupting my son with one of his girls. And I mean girls.”

Jake’s mother—petite, rounded and full of life—bustled into the room. She narrowed her gaze at Jake.

“What? It’s too much trouble to finish getting dressed? Maybe you should sleep more so you have energy to put on clothes.”

But even as she scolded, she reached up and cupped Jake’s face. He obediently bent forward so she could kiss his forehead, then his cheeks.

“You look skinny. Are you eating enough? Lily, is he eating?”

“Yes, Mama Nadia. He’s eating plenty.”

“Good. A strong man like him needs food.”

Done with her torture of her son, Nadia turned her attention to Lily. First came the face cupping, then the kisses. Nadia finished by placing both hands on Lily’s stomach.

“How’s the little one? Are you getting plenty of rest? Jake, are you making her slave for you? Help out. Get her to put her feet up.”

“I thought she was supposed to be cooking for me. Isn’t that what you said?”

“You talk back to your mother? Weren’t you raised better than that?” Nadia glared at him. “Jake. A shirt!”

He chuckled as he headed out of the room. “Lily was talking about making changes to the potato salad recipe,” he called back as he left.

Lily shook her head. “I didn’t say anything of the sort. He’s making trouble.”

“He always did.” Love filled Nadia’s voice. “I love my girls and give thanks every day for them, but my dear departed Frank wanted a boy. We weren’t sure God would bless us and then he did. Our Jake. He was always a good boy. In trouble, sure, but with a good heart. So how’s the baby? Everything fine?”

As Nadia spoke, she took the knife from Lily and started chopping up the celery.

“I was at the doctor a couple of weeks ago. I’m doing well. Even my weight gain is on track.”

“You’re too skinny. In my day a pregnant woman knew it was important to feed the baby. For good health. Now you eat like a bird. I’ll bring some pasta by later. For you to have around the house. And don’t let Jake bully you into doing too much.”

Lily gave into the urge to hug the tiny woman. “You are so special. I love you very much.”

Nadia smiled. “I love you, too. You’re family. Always remember that.”

Lily appreciated the words more than she could say. As an only child she’d always dreamed about brothers and sisters. Her parents had been dead nearly a year when she’d met Jake. Their friendship had been immediate, but meeting his family had cemented the bond between them. Sometimes he complained she didn’t care about him at all—that she was just in it for his relatives. While that wasn’t true, Lily had to admit that Mama Nadia and her daughters were definitely a bonus.

“Catherine is coming with all four boys, but her husband will be a little late.” Nadia lowered her voice. “He’s buying her a new car, if you can believe it. That man spoils her so much. So I’m going to keep her busy.” The older woman laughed. “Because the four boys don’t distract her enough, eh? Check the potatoes, Lily. They look done.”

Of course they were. Jake returned to the kitchen, this time wearing a shirt. His mother put him to work draining the potatoes, then cutting them up. Lily was banished to the table where she was told to put up her feet and rest.

“Anne Marie said to tell you she has that baby name book you want to borrow,” Nadia said. “She’s already at the house. Catherine with four boys and Anne Marie with three girls. Little Teresa with two of each. Every day is a blessing.”

Jake glanced at Lily. “A baby name book? I’m wounded.”

“Jake thinks I should name the baby Sam,” Lily said.

“It’s a great name and she doesn’t have to worry if it’s a boy or a girl,” he said proudly.

He mother reached up and slapped the back of his head. He stared at her.

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