Page 51 of Pregnant in Plaid

---

"You're going to be a great mom," Tessa says finally.

"You don't know that."

"I do. Because you're already thinking about what the baby needs. Already planning, worrying, caring. That's what makes a good parent."

"Or an anxious one."

"Both can be true." She turns to me. "But Patrice? You don't have to do this alone. You know that, right?"

"I've always done everything alone."

"I know. But you don't have to anymore." She pauses. "Stop waiting for him to leave. He's not going anywhere."

"You don't know that."

"I know Trace. He's Gage's best friend. And Gage says when Trace commits to something, he sees it through." She smiles. "Question is whether you'll let him."

"It's not that simple."

"It never is. But you don't have to figure it all out tonight."

"How?"

"One day at a time. One decision at a time." She smiles. "Start with staying through the wedding. See how it feels."

That I can do. One week. The wedding. No commitments beyond that.

"Okay," I say.

"Okay?"

"I'll stay through the wedding. Then I'll figure out what's next."

She hugs me. "That works."

We head back inside, where the party's winding down. People are gathering their coats, exchanging hugs.

"Thank you for coming," Tessa tells everyone. "This meant so much."

"Congratulations, honey," Marnie hugs her tight. "You deserve all the happiness."

Dr. Martinez hugs me before she leaves. "Remember what I said. Less stress, more honesty."

"I'll try."

"Good. And call me if you need anything. Anytime."

After everyone's gone, it's just Tessa and me. Like old times, except everything's different now.

My phone buzzes.

Trace: Ready when you are. No rush.

"That's my ride," I say.

"He's a good guy, Patrice."

"I know."

---