Page 81 of Love Me Forever

"Do you want something to drink? I just made some tea," Beatrice said.

"Sure." She must have baked something delicious as well. Either it was still in the oven or out cooling, because the whole house smelled like cinnamon. We went into the small kitchen, and she poured us tea.

"Do you take it with honey?" she asked me.

"Sure, thank you,” I replied.

“What did the doctor say?” Lena asked, putting her hand on my back.

“It was just a scare, fortunately. She recommended for me to rest this weekend."

"Is my grandson taking good care of you?" Beatrice asked sharply, looking up from the tea she was pouring.

"Oh yes, very good."

We sat down at the small round table in the kitchen with a cup of tea and a cookie each.

"Do you have any morning sickness?" Beatrice asked me.

"So far, no. I'm very lucky. I only had it in the first few weeks after I found out about the pregnancy, and it wasn't even morning sickness. I was simply feeling unwell, like I had the flu.”

"Well, if you do get morning sickness, I have a ginger lemonade recipe that I used during my pregnancy."

"And I used it during all of mine," Lena said. "It really cuts the nausea."

"The boys even used it as a hangover cure once they grew up," Beatrice added.

Lena turned, glaring at her. "What? They always told me they drank it because they found it extremely hydrating."

Beatrice laughed, holding her cup of tea in front of her mouth. "And you really believed it? I always thought you were just turning a blind eye."

Lena blinked, straightening up. "My goodness. I'm now starting to realize how often my boys were hungover. How come you never told me?"

"I'm a grandmother. It's my prerogative to keep their secrets. You keep Paisley’s too."

"Yes, but hers are innocent."

Beatrice winked. "That's because she's a little girl and not a teenager yet. I'd like to see you in action if this little one is a boy." She pointed at me. "Do you already know what it is? Nonsense, what am I saying? It's way too early."

I nodded. "Yeah, that's what the doctor said too. Though I'd love to know."

"Have you already started shopping?" Beatrice asked, looking at me intently, putting her cup down. She'd barely taken a sip, all her attention focused on me.

"Honestly, I haven't had time," I said. "But I figure I still have many months ahead of me, and I do plan to order most of the baby’s things online."

Lena looked disappointed. Beatrice sighed.

"It’s certainly convenient, but let me tell you, I like old-school shopping. I like touching the fabric, imagining how it'll feel against the baby's skin," Lena said, and Beatrice nodded. "And don't forget about maternity dresses. You'll definitely need a few. Thank God it's going to be warmer outside when you start showing. It's such a nuisance to put on five layers of clothes when you have a big belly getting in your way. By the way, I could make a few clothes for the baby."

"You sew?" I asked in surprise.

"Sometimes. It's a hobby of mine. I haven't done it in a while, but I'd like to make some baby clothes, if it’s okay with you."

God, my heart was so happy. I looked back at my cup, murmuring, "Thank you. That would be lovely." I was touched.

I felt their kindness like a physical hug. I'd never had this before.

“By the way, I brought these for you.” She motioned to the bag she’d propped against the wall. “Two dozen onesies from my boys. Tate has the rest. I gave them to him when Paisley was born.”

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