Page 94 of Taming Georgia

“Oh, yeah, we’re fine.” She lets out a tired breath.

Ray-Ray holds her arms out to me, and I take her, setting her on my hip. “Are you being good for Mimi?”

“She’s a doll. She’s just like you were at that age,” my mom says. “Just perfect.”

“I’m so glad you and Dad could make it up,” I tell her. “Where is Dad?”

She waves her hand. “He’s on a business call. You know how it is.”

For the first time, I see a hint of sadness in her expression. My mom has always gushed over how hard my dad works. She’s never complained about the lack of time she spends with him. I suppose it was their example that led me to question soul mates in the first place because I couldn’t fathom loving someone the way that I love Wyatt and spending so much time apart. It’s never seemed to bother my parents though, but now, I’m wondering if it upsets my mother more than she lets on.

“Where are you headed after this again?”

“Somewhere in Arizona. I can’t even keep track half of the time.” She chuckles.

“Well, Mom, you know you’re always welcome to stay here for a while if you want to visit longer.”

“Really?”

“Really,” I tell her honestly. Placing my hand to my belly, I say, “I could use your help around here.”

“I’ll talk to your father about it.” Her expression softens as she smiles.

“Now, I don’t have a housekeeper, a nanny, or a cook,” I warn her, quirking up an eyebrow.

She shakes her head with a sheepish grin. “What must you think of me?”

“I don’t judge you, Mom. I just want you to be happy. Also, London and Loïc’s new house is very close as well. I’m sure London would love for you to spend more time with Lindi, too.”

“What about me?” London walks in with her two-year-old daughter, Lindi, on her hip.

“Hey!” I give her and Lindi a hug. “Mom’s thinking about staying a little bit. I told her she could spend some time here and with you.”

“I’d love that, Mom,” London says excitedly.

Guests start arriving, and the almost-serene ambiance of the morning preparations are replaced by loud laughter, lots of people, and a handful of dogs playing in our large, fenced-in yard. As much as a quiet morning is needed, an obnoxiously loud afternoon feeds the spirit, and I love it.

Ethel and Luciana are finishing the buffet setup, and I can’t help but laugh as Ray-Ray tugs at Ethel’s leg, chanting, “Nana!”

There are few people that our little girl loves more than her Nana Ethel.

All of our friends from Cooper’s Place are here, including past and present employees. Paige and her husband are chatting with Wyatt’s friend Carrie and her man under the colorful maple tree. I was hoping we’d get a perfect fall day for the party, and we did.

I grin wide when I see my dad in his three-piece suit, sitting on the porch swing with Gus-Gus, one of our newer elderly and toothless employees. The two of them are the polar opposites of each other, and yet they’re rooted in conversation. It makes my heart swell with glee, seeing all of the people that I love here to celebrate our two little miracles.

I catch London glance at my hand, which is absentmindedly rubbing my large belly, and my heart hurts for my sister. She just finished her third round of in vitro fertilization with no luck. It’s not fair how I can get pregnant so easily, and she can’t.

“I’m sorry,” I tell her.

She angles her head, and the sides of her lips tilt up. “Don’t be.” She places a hand on my arm. “I am so happy for you and Wyatt. I’m okay.” Her stare finds her husband, Loïc, who is in the yard, playing with their daughter, and her smile widens. “We’re okay. If we’re only meant to have Lindi, then that’s more than enough. Or we can adopt again. It will all work out.”

“So, just one more round?” I ask her.

She nods. “Yep, we’re going to try in vitro one more time and call it good, no matter the outcome. I want more than anything to feel what it’s like to carry my own baby, but I can’t keep doing this.”

“Yeah,” I tell her as if I understand, but honestly, I have no idea what it’s been like for her.

I pray that this last round works for her. London deserves to have a baby. She’s a fantastic mom.

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