Page 91 of Living for Truth
That makes my hormonal self tear up a little. I can feel the love and excitement from everyone, and it’s so genuine. I feel bad they didn’t get to be part of Whitney’s pregnancy.
The chatter during the meal revolves around name ideas and color suggestions for the nursery, baby shower plans, as well as a tentative meal rotation and babysitting schedule. Everyone is so eager to pitch in and help out, it makes me feel both less and more anxious about the potential of losing these precious miracles.
“Hannah, should I coordinate with your mom for a baby shower so we don’t do one on the same day? Or should we just do a joint one?” Iris asks, and the delicious chicken I’m chewing turns to ash in my mouth.
After a harsh swallow, I shake my head. “My mom… doesn’t know.”
“Hannah’s mom still hasn’t talked to her since their falling out.” Morgan reminds them.
“My brother is leaving for his mission soon, and his big farewell is two weeks from today. I haven’t decided yet if I want to tell her. I’d like to tell him before he leaves, but I don’t want to ask him to keep it a secret.”
I expect for them to be upset and tell me the usual “family is blood” and to just get over it, but they surprise me.
“I’m so sorry, Hannah. I can’t imagine the pain you’ve experienced,” Iris says sadly.
Everyone offers words of support, and it’s honestly so healing to have Morgan’s family welcome me with open arms, to support my decision instead of ridiculing me for it. I have no doubt these babies will be loved unconditionally and will never wonder if they’re wanted.
Once everyone’s pitched in to clean up lunch, we get the dessert plates and cake back out for the gender reveal.
“I hope it’s boys. We’re outnumbered.” Kendall nudges Justin playfully.
“Well, I hope it’s girls so we can keep outnumbering you.” Alice sticks her tongue out at Kendall, who then tackles her into a headlock and ruffles her hair. He may be the youngest, but he easily towers over everyone else and is much stronger.
“Children, please. No rough-housing or no cake.” Iris points the knife at the two, and they separate quickly.
“Go ahead and cut it, Gigi,” Morgan prompts, and Iris slowly slices into the cake.
Everyone leans in closer to see the inside color of the cake, and Iris is milking the suspense. She goes millimeter by millimeter until the pink inside the cake is showing, and everyone cheers.
“But wait, does that mean they’re both girls?” Kendall groans, and Alice slaps his chest playfully.
“I’m excited to have more granddaughters to spoil rotten,” Axel says, putting his arm around my shoulder.
“Thanks,Papa,” I tease as I hug him back.
“Aly girl, how do you feel about having two little sisters?” Axel asks Aly, who’s helping Iris dish up slices of cake.
“I’m really excited!” Aly seems to be in a better mood than when we left the house, thankfully. This morning was heavy.
“Do you guys have any names picked out yet?” Sarah directs the question at Morgan, but he looks to me for the answer.
I clear my throat. “We obviously want to stay with the flower theme—”
“Hell yeah! Gladiolus. Primrose. Gloxinia. Dude, Mistletoe would be sick. Misty for short,” Kendall interrupts, holding up a finger for each name. I’m honestly a little shocked he knows what a gloxinia is.
“Gloxinia? Honestly, Kendall?” Iris tsks and shakes her head.
“I think it’s a great name!” Kendall defends.
“Those are not good names, Uncle Kenny. I don’t want my little sisters being bullied because they have silly names. I think Poppy and Daisy are cute,” Aly suggests.
“I like those a lot. Those are in our top five.” I smile at Aly, and she gives me a beaming grin in return.
“The other three on the list are Marigold, Cleo, and Violet.” Morgan comes and stands behind me, wrapping his arm protectively around my waist and settling a hand on my stomach.
“Those are all very pretty. Whatever you decide to name them, they’ll be so loved. Sometimes you just don’t know until you see them.” Iris looks at me with a mixture of sad hope and excitement. She knows about mymiscarriages, and she’s been so helpful and supportive it makes me tear up just thinking about it.
I don’t understand how a woman I barely know has treated me better in a few months than my own mother has my entire life.
