Page 83 of One Timer With A Wingman

“Do you guys have a name for your baby?” Daniella asks.

“No, for now we are calling the baby Nugget,” I say, holding my stomach.

“When do you find out what you’re having?” Grandma Irene asks.

“We’re keeping it a secret,” Aaron answers and winks at me.

“To a healthy baby,” Mrs. Murray toasts, lifting a glass of wine.

It slips from her hand and clatters to the table. She gets embarrassed and I see the worried looks on everyone’s faces. Her muscles are growing weak, which means the disease is progressing.

“I’m a mess,” she says. “Sorry, everyone.”

“You’re doing amazing,” her sister, Helen, says.

“We think you’re a superhero, Catherine,” Stewart says. “You stay strong.”

The rest of the meal goes by with laughter and good conversation. I notice how Aaron’s dad holds his wife’s hand as they both eat. Aaron comes from a close-knit, loving family. It’s something I’ve never experienced. They have also welcomed me with open arms.

“Okay, who’s ready for the egg hunt?” Uncle Stewart asks.

“You really don’t need to participate,” Aaron says.

“I want to,” I assure.

We all put on our lighter spring jackets and head outside. Thankfully it’s a sunny day.

They have a huge property and its mostly green grass, except for a pool area that’s enclosed with a fence.

“Here are the rules for the newbie,” Uncle Stewart says, looking at me. “You can divide up into pairs. Whoever finds the most eggs are the winners.”

“Can you be my partner?” Daniella asks me.

“Sure.” I smile.

“It’s me and Zack then,” Aaron says.

The whole family is lined up at the top of a small hill. Except for the grandmas, who sit off to the side in lawn chairs under an umbrella. Even Aaron’s parents are a pair.

Daniella and I go running down the hill. I’m a lot slower than her as I break into a brisk walk. We find eggs as we walk along. Sometimes another pair makes it to an area before us and cleans the area out of eggs, but Daniella is resourceful and fast.

We reach a hill, and she takes my hand. “Oh, we better slow down,” I say since I am a little out of breath.

Aunt Helen waves to us. I’m not paying attention and my ankle rolls. I lose my footing and fall, but it’s only grass. Within seconds, Aaron is by my side.

“Briar, are you okay?” he asks and he’s panicking.

“I’m fine, but I rolled my ankle. It’s pretty painful.”

His parents walk up to us. “Maybe she should get looked at, just to be safe,” Catherine suggests.

“That isn’t a bad idea,” Helen confirms. “You did take a fall. Might want to check the ankle and the baby.”

“I don’t think I broke anything. I’m used to taking tumbles with gymnastics all the time,” I say.

Aaron takes my hands and lifts me up. I try to step on my foot and yelp from the pain.

“We’re getting that checked,” Aaron asserts as he swipes me off my feet, cradling me in his arms.

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