Page 119 of Falling in Love with Two

We both laugh.

Picking at my napkin, I say, “I guess I should really make sure to do Leah’s birthday party up right, huh?”

When I was growing up, my mom always made sure we had the best birthday parties. They were the types of parties that would make our mouths drop the moment we walked in. I want Leah to have that just for one day.

“I think that would be a good start.” She grabs her notebook and pen again. “Why don’t you tell me your ideas, and we’ll plan one epic 30th birthday party?”

Man, I wish Leah would’ve had a mom who is as great as mine.

thirty-nine

A Surprise Guest

Leah

Two weeks later.

23 weeks pregnant

“You can chill out in there,” I say to the baby in my belly. “You’re not playing a soccer game.”

She doesn’t listen, though. Instead, she keeps kicking away while I finish up the dishes. I didn’t have to work today, but Dylan did, so I’ve been straightening up the house. Partly because it’s the nice thing to do. Partly because I’m bored.

I have Jaws playing in the background, but I’m only half paying attention to it. Usually, I’d listen to music, but Dylan’s love of movies has rubbed off on me. I find myself watching them all the time without him.

As I’m drying a pot, I turn to watch the screen. I stop and stare, waiting for the shark to appear.

A knock on the door makes me jump in the air and almost drop the large pot. I consider not answering since I know it’s not for me. But the loud TV is a dead giveaway that someone is home.

When I open the front door, Dylan’s mom stands there.

“Hi, Suzanne. Dylan is at work,” I say.

“Yeah, I know. I came over to talk to you.”

“Oh, alright,” I say as I step out of the doorway. “Do you want some coffee?”

“Sure. But you sit down while I make it.”

“Are you—”

“Sit.” She points to the couch.

I see why Dylan says she can be intimidating. I have a seat and try to focus on the movie, but my mind is completely occupied with why Suzanne came over here to talk to me. I can’t help but feel like I’m about to be scolded for something.

When she finishes up the coffee, she joins me on the couch. Silence falls between us as we watch the movie, but I can only handle it for so long.

I grab the remote and pause the movie. “Are you going to yell at me? Because if you are, I’d rather get it over with.”

“Why would I be here to yell at you?”

“No offense, but why would you come here to talk?”

That gets her to laugh. “Fair enough. I came here to talk to you because Dylan told me what happened with your mom.”

Caught off-guard, I reply with, “Oh.”

“Don’t be mad at him. I think he was just worried. He didn’t mean to talk about you behind your back.”

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