* * *

  Saturday morning is finally here, and Posey and I get ready for the baby shower. We’re in the bathroom, and I’m putting the cutest braids in Posey’s hair. She’s picked out some little blue ribbons with penguins on them for me to tie around the bottoms. After we both brush our teeth, we’re ready to go.

  I have to say, after living alone for so long, I’ve become accustomed to getting ready with Posey. In some ways it’s like having a tiny roommate. I don’t know what I’ll do if… no. I’m not going to let my mind go there.

  “Ready, spaghetti?” I say, finding myself acting more and more like my own mother, doing and saying things she did and said when I was growing up.

  Posey laughs at this and heads to the front door.

  We get into the car and I turn on Posey’s playlist as we drive. In the rearview mirror I can see her little head bobbing softly and her braids swinging lightly as I drive and the music plays.

  A few minutes later, we arrive at the clubhouse for the baby shower. I see Merrick standing outside by the front doors, greeting a few of the guests as they enter. He smiles and nods when we walk up to him.

  Posey runs right for his legs and embraces him, and I grin.

  “Better get used to it,” I say.

  He pats Posey on her head and laughs. I’m still getting used to Merrick laughing. When I first met him, he was so stiff you could stir a drink with him. He gave the impression that he had no time for anyone’s tomfoolery or nonsense. But after coming back to his faith and marrying Billie, he’s a whole new person. Watching his journey has been amazing.

  We step inside and I see Billie by the dessert table, talking with Mrs. Joy. Or, Margaret, I have to remember to call her. When Billie sees us, she excuses herself and walks over to us.

  “Anne! Posey!” She hugs me, and it’s comical the way she has to turn to the side so her belly doesn’t push me out of the way.

  “You look adorable,” I say, taking in her pale pink maternity dress, fancy cream slippers and flower chain necklace.

  “Ugh, you don’t think it’s too much?” she asks.

  “Not at all,” I say, smiling. “The more, the better.”

  She laughs. “Of course you would say that.”

  Posey, not wanting to be ignored for one more second, twirls in her blue penguin dress.

  “Oh my goodness,” Billie says. “Posey, you look so nice! Thank you for coming.” She bends slightly to hug Posey as best she can without toppling over. Posey reaches up and squeezes her back.

  “Can you open our present?”

  Billie and I both laugh and explain to Posey that there will be time a little later when she and Merrick will open all the presents at once, so everyone can see what they received.

  “Well, will you open ours first, then?”

  Posey is so excited for this gift. She helped me pick it out. It’s a walker with jungle animals around it on little springs, so when the baby plays with them, they dance.

  Billie promises that our gift will be the first she opens, and satisfied, Posey heads to find our table.

  “How are you feeling?” I ask.

  Billie sighs. “Good, for the most part. Just the usual fatigue and discomfort. I still can sleep at night, so that’s a plus.”

  “How is the name game going?” I ask lightheartedly.

  “Merrick suggested Regina and I said no. Then I suggested Maryellen and he said no. So, it’s going about how you’d expect.”

  “You’ll find it,” I assure her. “Even if it’s after she’s born.”

  “I know. I mean, does she have to have a name?”

  “Not unless you want her to go by a symbol,” I deadpan.

  “I feel like we’re going to go through all of this stress to find the perfect name, and we’ll end up calling her pumpkin or something, like my dad did with me.”

  I laugh again.

  “Hey,” Billie says, lowering her voice. “How are things going with Prescott?”

  “Really well, I think. He’s in a really good place right now. It took him a while to get there, but he’s grown so much since his accident. God is really working in him. Showing him a lot about himself and where he needs to grow, you know?”

  “Yeah, I do.” Billie nods in agreement. “I’m so happy for him. We were really worried for a little while.”

  “Same. It was a rough journey, for sure. I mean, it’s like he’s still Prescott—just a new and improved version, if that makes sense.”

  “Absolutely,” Billie says. “Like my husband.”

  “Yes.” I laugh. “Exactly like that.” I glance over and see Margaret patting Merrick on the cheek in a very mother-like fashion, and I smile.

  “Well, let’s get this food served,” Billie says, gesturing to Merrick’s mom, who’s flown in for the weekend.

  As Patricia walks over to help Billie, I find our table and take a seat next to Posey. I pick up one of the candy boxes we worked on. “What do you think?” I ask her. “Did our decorations turn out amazing, or what?”

  “Yes!” Posey says excitedly. “A tall lady was talking to a short lady and she said—Posey drops her voice, imitating an older lady—‘Aren’t these decorations just DIVIIIINE?’”

  I’m glad I’m not drinking anything at the moment, because I probably would’ve spit it out all over the table. The way she imitates the lady is hilarious. “Well,” I say, “you should be very proud of all the work you did to make it so diviiine in here.”

  Posey laughs, and in this moment, I know I don’t want to be anywhere else.

  * * *

  After Posey and I get home, we relax in our pajamas and wait for Prescott to come over. We’re going to play Go Fish, and Prescott is super excited to have found a special card holder for Posey. She can place the cards in front of her so she can see them all but not have to hold them. I love that he’s looking out for things that help her. I feel like their limited physical abilities have given them a special bond.

  Prescott still struggles with the loss of his arm, though. It’s still so new. With Posey, she’s never known anything different, so it’s never felt like a loss to her. I think that watching Posey has really helped Prescott with his perspective on his situation, and I’m hoping that continues.

  After Prescott arrives, we spend the next hour and a half playing games, eating snacks, and laughing. All too soon, Posey is tucked into bed, and I’m walking Prescott to the door.

  “Anne,” Prescott says, standing in the doorway. “I want to ask you something.”

  My heart flutters a bit. This could be good or bad.

  “Shoot,” I say, and only after it comes out of my mouth do I realize how lame it sounds.

  “Are we…” He hesitates, and gestures between us.

  “Are we… what?” I prompt.

  “You know,” he says, and I can’t help but love the shyness I detect in his tone. “Are we official?”

  “Official,” I repeat, as if testing the word out. “As in, officially back together?”

  “As in,” he begins, “me not worrying about Ben moving in on you anymore.”

  I can’t help it. I laugh. “Prescott.” I gently cup his face with both my hands. “You never had to worry in the first place. I was never interested in Ben like that.”

  “Well, he was interested in you,” he states. “And let’s face it. I was a real jerk for a minute.” He grows even more serious. “I thought I’d messed things up for good, Anne. I just want to know exactly where we are in this relationship.”

  I drop my hands from his face and take hold of his hand with both of mine. “Prescott,” I say, looking him in the eye. “I don’t want anyone but you.”

  He smiles, and I swear I see relief there, as he leans down to kiss me sweetly.

  I smile through the kiss. I can’t help it.

  It feels like he’s sealing the deal.

  Chapter 31

  A few weeks later, the Monday after Thanksgiving, we get the call. Billie is in labor. Posey’s aunt came and picked her up, and now I’m headed to the hospital. I have no idea how long it will actually be until she gives birth, because this is her first child, but I know that I want to be there when it happens.

  I find a spot in the parking garage and make my way into the hospital, then head up to labor and delivery. After talking to the receptionist about what’s going on, I make myself comfortable in the family waiting lounge.

  After twenty minutes or so, Merrick joins me.

  “Hey, Anne.” I hear the nerves in his voice. “They’re, uh, doing some sort of test or check or something.” He wipes his hands on the sides of his thighs, and I almost laugh. I’ve never seen Merrick this out of sorts. He’s always so… in control.

  “Oh?” I say. “Is everything okay?”

  “Oh, yeah,” he answers, almost too quickly. “Everything is fine. I’m just gonna hang out here with you for a few. Maybe run down and get a coffee.” He looks at me suddenly as if I may judge him for wanting to do something other than sit next to Billie and hold her hand, so he quickly adds, “The doctor said we have some time yet.”

  I try not to laugh, because he’s so serious. “Sure, I’d love to grab a coffee, too. I’ll walk down with you.”

  Merrick relaxes just ever so slightly, and I stand and grab my purse. I leave the book I brought on the table and head to the elevators with him.

  On our way down to the cafeteria, Merrick is silent, and I can see his jaw clenching. He has that look on his face—the one he wore when I first met him. The look Billie called the ice stare. But I know now that it’s not just his typical hard look. He’s scared.

  Before I can say anything, he starts talking. Another sign that he’s nervous. Merrick is normally a man of fewer than few words.

  “You know, they say this is all normal. The IVs, the tests, the waiting. I mean, she’s fine. She’s gonna be fine.”

  I know that he’s talking not to convince me, but to convince himself.

  “Oh, yeah,” I say, waving my hand like it’s nothing. “Totally. She’s had such a healthy pregnancy. She’s been very blessed so far. I know God will see her through the labor, too.”

  Merrick nods. “Yeah. Yeah, you’re right.”

  We step out of the elevator and head down the hallway toward the cafeteria. They actually have decent coffee here. Probably because it goes so fast that they’re always making fresh pots. I’m not a coffee addict like Billie and Merrick, but I know that today I could use the caffeine, so I order a large with cream and sugar. After we each get our cups, we find a little table near the window and sit.

  Merrick has his phone out and on the table, should Billie or the nurse call him for any reason. He glances at it no less than thirty times a minute, which basically means he barely looks away from it.

  “Merrick,” I say gently. “If you need a break at any time, like if you need to run home and change, or get some sleep, I can always sit with Billie. Vicky already let me know that Posey can stay with her as long as needed.”

  “Thanks,” Merrick says, “but I should be good. I mean, if you want to see her, you’re more than welcome. I just don’t think I could leave.”

  I smile. “I understand. Just know the offer is there.”

  He sips his coffee. “Appreciate that.”

  We sit in silence for a few moments, both occasionally taking drinks, both looking out the window.

  After about fifteen minutes, Merrick stands. “I should head back up.”

  Knowing I won’t talk him out of it, I stand, throw my empty cup in the trash, and follow him back to the elevator.

  * * *

  Twelve hours later, baby girl Anderson is born.

  When I enter the room to meet her, my breath catches when I see my cousin. She looks positively radiant. As tired as she must be, the look on her face says she’s never been so happy.

  Walking to the bedside, I lean over to peek at my new cousin.

  “Oh my gosh,” I whisper. “She’s perfect.”

  I look at the little tufts of honey gold fuzz covering the top of her head, and out of impulse, I lean over to smell her.

  Billie laughs. “Isn’t she though? And the baby shampoo they use to clean her up is diviiiiiine, isn’t it?” We both laugh softly, not wanting to startle the baby.

  “So?” I ask, impatiently.

  Billie looks up, confused.

  “What’s her name?”

  Billie smiles brightly. “Audra Monroe.”

  “Oooooooh my goodness,” I squeal, on a very quiet level. “I love it so much.”

  I lean down and whisper, “I love you, Audra Monroe Anderson.” Then I gently kiss the top of her tufts.

  I visit with Merrick, Billie, and Audra for a while, and I ask her all about the labor and delivery. A few times Merrick looks as if he wishes he’d never have to talk about it again, but he never says a word.

  Finally, I know I need to go so Billie can rest. Reluctant to leave, I give the baby a few more smooches, then head out to pick up Posey from her aunt’s.

  I have dozens of pictures on my phone that I can’t wait to show her. I’ll bring Posey over to see the baby once they’re home, but for now, pictures will have to do.

  When Posey gets into the car, she asks right away to see the pictures and hear all about little Audra. I know how I would feel if I were her, so I spend five minutes or so indulging her, then I make her buckle in and we head home.

  “How was your visit with Aunt Vicky?”

  “Good.”

  Hmm.

  “Just good?”

  Posey sighs. “I miss you when you’re not there.”

  I want to cry. “You do?” I hope I don’t sound too eager.

  “Yep. And I wished I was with you the whole time.”

  My heart soars. I love this little girl. I smile at her in the mirror.

  “Well, sweetheart, " I say, smiling. “I feel the exact same way.”

  * * *

  All the next week, Posey and I decorate for Christmas. I’m glad for something fun to do to keep Posey’s mind off the fact that she won’t meet the baby in person until she and Billie are home and settled in. We’ve video chatted a few times, and Posey got to “meet her” via phone screen, but she’s champing at the bit to be able to touch her and hold her. “Soon,” I keep telling her.

  In the meantime, I’m having a blast with Posey. We’ve decided to do some old-fashioned Christmas decorating in addition to the decor I’ve collected over the years. So, Posey and I make popcorn in the air popper, and I hold the needle and thread while she picks out the “best kernels” for me to put on the string. We also end up making Posey a homemade ornament. It’s the first Christmas ornament she’s ever had that’s just hers.

  I’ve never had this much fun decorating for Christmas.

  Then, a week later, just when Posey thinks she can’t go one more minute without seeing her new little friend, Prescott, Posey, and I head to Billie and Merrick’s to visit and see the baby. Earlier this week, I had taken Posey to the store to pick something out for Audra that was just from her. She found a little penguin that was half stuffed animal, half blanket.

  “It’s perfect!” she had squealed, and I had purchased it and helped her wrap it.

  When we get to Billie’s, Posey can barely contain herself. She hops up the front porch steps and keeps hopping in place until Prescott and I reach her. Then she pushes the doorbell button.

  A few minutes later, we’re seated in the family room, and Posey is on the couch with a swaddled Audra on her lap. They’re surrounded by pillows and rolled-up blankets, and I wouldn’t tell Posey this, but they’re holding the baby more than she is. I snap more than a few pictures to save in my phone, and Prescott just shakes his head.

  “Well,” I say to Billie, “is she a good baby?”

  “She’s absolutely perfect,” Merrick states.

  At first I think he’s joking, and then I see his face and nearly burst out laughing.

  Billie rolls her eyes. “I already know I’m going to be the disciplinarian in this family. Merrick won’t ever be able to tell this little girl no.”

  “Not true,” Merrick says, looking hurt. “I’d tell her not to touch the stove.”

  That’s it. I laugh. “You are so gone,” I tell him.

  We spend the next little while cooing over Audra and pampering Billie. The women from her church have taken turns bringing them meals each night, so before we go, I make sure they have something heated and ready.

  “Is there anything else you need before we go?” I ask Billie.

  Before she can answer, my phone dings in my pocket, and Billie tells me to go ahead and check it.

  I feel the blood drain from my face when I do.

  It’s a text from Vicky.

  Hi Anne. Can we meet for lunch this week? I’d love for us to talk.

  I already know what this means.

  She’s going to take Posey.

  “What’s wrong?” I hear Billie ask.

  I look up from my phone to find everyone staring at me.

  “Are you alright? What is it?” Prescott asks, placing his arm around me and pulling me to him.

  I show him the text. Then, to Posey I say, “Sweetie, I want you to try to use the restroom before we go, okay?”

  Posey obeys, and as soon as she’s out of the room, I collapse back into the nearest chair.

  “She’s going to take her,” I say.

  “Who?” Merrick asks.

  “Vicky,” I say, as if it should be obvious. “She’s going to take Posey.”

  “You don’t know that,” Prescott protests.

  “Did she say that?” Billie asks at the same time.

  I look back and forth between them. “Practically! She wants to meet this week so we can have lunch and talk.” I nearly choke on the words.

  “Oh, Anne. That doesn’t mean anything more than that. She wants to have lunch with you and talk. Maybe she wants to take Posey somewhere for a weekend or something.” Billie is trying to reassure me, but I can hear the uncertainty in her voice.

  “She’s her blood relative. She has a right to Posey before I do. If she want’s to take her, she can take her!”

 

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