Page 23 of Family Like This

Ignoring her, I continue. “She’s had a rough past few years, and now she’s going through something life changing. She needs a little more time and to settle into this first. I’ve told her how I feel about her—I want to be with her, but I’m not going to push her. I have been staying with her, though, because she wants me there and I’m doing my best to take care of her.”

“That’s good,” Dad says.

“I’m proud of you,” Ma adds, giving me a smile.

“I appreciate that, but a lot of it is due to how you raised me. Anyway, she knows I’m here this morning, but I didn’t want her to meet you all for the first time when we were dropping this news. You’re welcome to come to her place after this, though, if you want.”

“I’d love to meet her, as long as she won’t be overwhelmed.”

“No, I think she’ll be okay.” I clear my throat. “There is something you should know, though… family is new for Amelia. Her dad died when she was seventeen and her mom is in a nursing home with early-onset Alzheimer’s. She doesn’t have any other family.”

A look of determination crosses my mother’s face. “She does now.”

I let out a long breath as the last major weight lifts off my shoulders. Knowing my mother isn’t upset and wants to be there for Amelia was the final piece of the puzzle for me. I know it’ll take time for Amelia to settle into my world, but I want her here more than anything, and most of all, I want her to be comfortable and know she’s supported.

Now that the heaviest part of the conversation is over, mom and dad ask more questions about Amelia and the pregnancy as we all dig into our food.

Amelia

“So Mackenzie is with Miles?” Amanda Hamilton asks from where she’s sitting on the floor next to my coffee table.

“Yep. Miles didn’t know, but she told me if I wasn’t going to be there, she was.”

“No judgment, but is there a reason you aren’t there?” Sarah asks.

“Miles didn’t want to overwhelm me. I would’ve gone if he wanted me to, but I’m kind of glad he didn’t. I’m still getting used to all this.”

“All what?” Rae asks.

“Having more than one or two people who care about her,” Dani answers for me.

“Well, you’re part of the tribe now. Don’t worry, we’ll break you in slowly,” Rae says with a smile.

“Yeah, not everyone can spend two hours eating brownies and pouring over life stories and magically become one of them,” Amanda says with a laugh. “Then again, I knew they were my people. If you haven’t been looking for that, or aren’t used to it, it can take some getting used to. They’re worth it, though.”

Amanda blows a kiss toward Rae and Sarah.

Sarah looks up at me seriously. “Hey, for the record, there’s no pressure. We just want you to know we’re all here for you. Not because you’re with Miles or having his baby, but because we’ve claimed you.”

“Like a vampire?” I ask with a laugh.

“Sookie,” Rae says in a hilariously deep voice, mocking Bill Compton—particularly the version of him from the TV showTrue Blood.

We all laugh at that.

“How are you feeling?” Sarah asks. “By the way, if you have any clinical-ish questions, feel free to text me.”

“I’m nauseous. I’m always fucking nauseous. I was up half the night puking.” And Miles was up with me. I truly don’t know what to do with him. He held my hair and rubbed my back. I’m positive if I asked for a foot massage, he’d give me one without a second thought. He makes me feel… cherished.

I don’t like that word.

It’s too much.

Too much pressure.

Too much perfection.

And perfection never lasts.

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