“Just be open to the idea,” Gina interjects with a shiver.
That could easily lead into a conversation about our dad, and neither of us wants to go there. Gross.
“I’m not going to jump into bed with Asher’s best friend. I’m not like him.”
Mom gives me a sympathetic look and pats my shoulder. “That’s your choice, dear,” she says before walking over to Dad.
“See? Even Mom thinks you should jump him. And from the looks of him, he’s sturdy enough to handle a lot of jumping. And bouncing. Lots of rubbing.”
Blinking, I just stare at her. “What is going on with you? Have you eaten some of those spicy cube things that are all over TikTok? You’re raunchier than usual.”
She lowers her voice. “Can you keep a secret?”
“Probably not,” I joke.
“Well, keep this one anyway.” She leans in to whisper, “We’re getting married so fast because we found out the day after Thanksgiving that I’m pregnant.”
Chapter 6
Harper
Hearing Gina say she’s having my first niece or nephew fills me with a joy I didn’t expect. Perhaps it’s because I know how much she longs for this baby.
She and Lance struggled for two years before they got engaged, and each time the pregnancy test showed a negative result, she would call me, her voice trembling with tears. Doctors found no medical reason to explain their struggle. Her egg count was healthy, and there were no illnesses that should hinder her chances. Lance’s count was good, too.
They tried at various times throughout the month, and Gina often joked that the process had become so tedious they risked losing their spark. It was far from the passionate intimacy most people associate with making love.
“Okay, that’s awesome, and I’m super happy, but I have questions.”
The two of them are anything but traditional. They approach life in a completely unconventional way, especially for our small town. Their story began with a one-night stand during their junior year of high school, after which they decided to remain friends. For two years, that’s all they were: just friends. Then, during their freshman year of college, they slipped into dating without any formal conversation about it. They simply existed as… them.
Gina has always been a free spirit—much to Mom’s dismay—and when she expressed her desire to have a baby years ago, I was taken aback. The idea of being tied down never appealed to her, which is why I never thought she and Lance would end up married.
“You want to know why we have to rush this?”
“Yeah,” I reply. “You’ve never been traditional. Why do you need to get married before the baby comes?”
She laughs lightly. “It’s not that. I know you’ll think I’m crazy, or maybe hormonal, but I’ve always wanted to wear Mom’s wedding dress. I only have a small window before I start showing, and once the baby arrives, who knows if I’ll fit into it again?”
“You know there are alterations, right?” I counter.
“It’s not the same.”
No, it’s not. But I’m still amazed that Gina wants to marry in Mom’s dress. It’s nothing extravagant—there might even be shoulder pads.
“Only you and Lance know,” she adds. “Mom and Dad don’t have a clue.”
“Got it,” I say, walking away with a smile to capture more moments on camera.
My sister’s having a baby. Given my own circumstances, I’m relieved it’s her and not me in this situation, though a pang ofenvy tugs at me. Everything Gina has is what I’ve always wanted. But I would never take that away from her. She deserves it all.
“Hi, Harper,” Mr. Miller greets me. “How are you holding up?”
That question encapsulates the next hour of the party. I snap pictures while someone inevitably approaches to check on me, gauging whether I’m on the verge of breaking down and ruining my sister’s celebration.
It feels like no one here truly knows me, even though many came to visit Mom shortly after I was born.
I. Don’t. Like. Scenes.
