“Please don’t berate her, Celeste,” I say in earnest. “The baby was a legitimate lapse in judgment, but never a mistake. We are excited to meet our little minion one day, just as I’m sure you are happy for your little one. Imagine cousins being the same age.”
Selena’s head flops forward. She knows this isn’t flying with her sister.
“Celeste, it’s just an arrangement for a year. I’ll explain it all, but I know what I’m getting into and I trust Griffin.”
Well, that felt nice.
“I guess if you’re happy...” her sister backs down a little.
“I am, Cel. I’m really happy.” I don’t necessarily believe her, and I doubt her sister does either.
I lean toward the phone. “When you feel comfortable enough to travel, I would love to invite you and your family to visit us.”
Selena’s eyes widen.
I might have a heart attack with so many children in my home, but if it makes Selena smile, it’s worth it.
“Yes. We’ll come. I need to make sure my sister is alright.” Celeste is huffy again.
“Wonderful. I’ll text the address to this number. I’ll cover the airfare.”
“Soon,” she threatens.
“That sounds perfect.” I think I might be sick.
“I can’t wait to see you,” Selena adds.
“We’ll be in touch.” Celeste ends the call.
Selena looks a little rough. “That actually went better than I was expecting. How do you feel?”
“I’m good if you are,” I say, bringing her to the table.
“She’ll come with her entire family. You are going to hate it.”
“We’ll make it a short visit. I’ll use your pregnancy as an excuse.” I take her phone. “I’ll send the text now. Guest rooms. Weekend thing.”
“You would do that?” She’s near tears again.
“I did it.” I flash her a smile and hand the phone back. “This is going to be good.”
“It’s going to be a nightmare.” She bites her lip.
“Yes, but seeing your sister will make you happy. Having her realize that I haven’t kidnapped you will give you both peace of mind. Now, all I have to do is try and behave.”
This makes her laugh.
“Good luck.” She slaps my arm.
And I think, for one moment, we might actually be okay.
19
SELENA
We eat room service and decide that, given everyone's schedules, it would be best to have Celeste and her family come sooner rather than later. We plan for my sister, her husband, and their three boys to come in two weeks.
We text Celeste with the details, secretly hoping she will decline.
