Page 90 of Living for Truth
Aly nods but starts crying again, and after asking Aly for permission, I relay the whole story for her. Hannah’s jaw drops when I get to the part where Whitney told Alythat Hannah wouldn’t love her. I can see the anger in her eyes, but she doesn't direct any of it towards Aly.
“I’m so sorry, Hannah. Do you hate me?” Aly asks sadly.
“No.Absolutely not. I couldneverhate you.” She leans forward and grabs Aly’s hands as Aly looks at her with tearful eyes. “I love you, Aly. You may not be my biological daughter, but I love you just as much as I love these babies. I could never forget about you, and I hope you know that. If you’re ever feeling like you’re being left out when the babies come, you just need to talk to me or your dad, and we will fix it.”
“Promise?”
“Promise, sweetheart.”
“I love you, too, Hannah. I’m glad you’re part of our family.” Aly leaps forward and wraps Hannah in a hug that makes tears spring to my eyes.
I join their group hug, all of us crying now.When we finally pull back, I notice it’s time to leave.
“Alright, girls. It’s time to go give everyone the good news. Are we ready?”
Chapter 42
Hannah
Idon’t know why I’m so nervous to tell Morgan’s family we’re expecting. It probably has to do with how my ex in-laws were never happy for us when we announced we were pregnant, so by the third miscarriage I stopped telling them.
Liam only has one sibling, an older sister, so I thought they’d be excited to have grandkids, but they were harsh about it and never treated me well.
My own mother was never excited, either.
Morgan’s mom cried happy tears when we told her we were expecting, and then sobbed uncontrollably when we said it was twins. His dad even got a little misty-eyed and made Morgan promise he’d let him help with the nursery renovations. I cried, too, at the overwhelming support they’ve already given.
Iris texts me at least every other day to check in and ask if I’m craving anything she can make. So far, my cravings have been snacks and drinks, but she’s offered to pick up anything I need, any time.
We still haven’t told anyone we’re engaged, mostly because I don’t have a ring, but also because we want the focus to be on the babies.
We’ll tell everyone when we decide on an actual date.
We’re greeted by big hugs and warm welcomes when we walk into Morgan’s parents’ house. Iris fusses over me holding the cake and scolds Morgan for making me carry it, even though I’m the one who insisted on bringing it inside.
“Ooo, you got the cake with the…good…frosting…” Olivia stutters as she reads the words on the cake and looks up at Morgan and me. “SHUT UP!” she yells. “Tell me this isn’t a joke!”
That gets the attention of everyone else in the room, and they come over to read what’s written on the cake. “Fowler Twins: Due February 15th” written in yellow frosting. Everyone starts talking at once.
“Twobabies?” from Kendall.
“Hell yes! More baby cuddles,” from Asha.
“I told you this would happen.” Alice punches Cooper in the arm.
“I call dibs on being godmother!” Sarah declares.
“Okay, okay, you wild bunch. Do you want to find out the genders?” Morgan asks, and it shuts everyone up.
“Not until after dinner, dear. I want to keep everyone in suspense,” Iris says with a mischievous look in her eyes. She takes the cake and puts it in the fridge, ignoring the disappointed grumbles of disagreement.
“That’s really rude, Mother. And why aren’t you acting surprised?” Alice accuses with a pointed finger.
Iris lifts one shoulder. “Gigi privilege. I get to know before everyone else.”
That causes an outcry from Morgan’s sisters, who turn their attention to me to pepper me with all the questions from my due date, to my cravings, to all the symptoms I’ve been experiencing.
When Iris finally gets everyone back on track and we start dishing up dinner, Morgan leans into me to apologize for everyone’s bombardment of questions. I guess Whitney didn’t want anyone involved with the pregnancy, so everyone wants to be involved, and they’re all just really excited to get to be part of this big life event.
