A giggle escapes me. “We really are.”
“Who’s going to have pretty babies?” Hana looks from me to Chloe, narrowing her eyes. “I thought you weren’t ready yet?”
“I’m not,” Chloe says with a laugh.
“Oh.” Hana turns to me. “Are you?—”
“No one knows yet,” I interrupt hurriedly. “We just found out this morning. I’m not ready to make an announcement. Besides, I’ve had a miscarriage, so I want to wait until I’m at least twelve weeks before I say anything.”
“I didn’t know you’d lost a baby,” Hana says softly, touching my arm. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. It was a long time ago, but I need to get comfortable with this before we make any announcements. Not to mention, my parents won’t be thrilled.”
“It’ll be okay,” Chloe says firmly. “I have faith in Jordan. He’s going to fix things. Just wait.”
I really hope she’s right.
The rest of the trip is incredible. I’m still stressed about the pregnancy, but Jordan is wonderful, attentive, and sweet, and Chloe and Hana keep my mind off of it. I get to see the Statue of Liberty, a show on Broadway, the Empire State Building, and the 9/11 Memorial. We also have our spa day and I do more shopping than I’ve ever done in my life. Jordan gave me a wad of cash and told me he was breaking up with me if I didn’t spend it.
He was kidding, of course, but it feels strangely exhilarating to be able to buy things I want without worrying about if I could spare the money. It’s a heady feeling to be with a man who gives so generously—emotionally, physically, and even financially. I’m proud that I work and pay my bills for the most part, so this is new to me. Other than putting a roof over my head, I can’t remember the last time my parents gave me money just for fun. Not even on my birthday or Christmas. Those gifts are always something I need.
My New York bubble is about to burst, though, because we’re heading home and I’m going to have to face my parents. Jordan wants me to wait for him to get home and talk to them together—Chloe said I could stay with her until the guys get back—but I need clean clothes and I don’t have my school stuff or laptop with me.
Besides, I want to face the music.
I’m not telling them about the baby, but there is something that they won’t be able to miss—the engagement ring on my finger. We went shopping and the diamond Jordan bought me is exquisite. He gave me the option of just getting engaged or waiting for him to plan an elaborate proposal, but at this stage of the game, I didn’t see the point in waiting.
I’m pregnant.
I’m waffling on whether or not we get married right away, though. My parents will certainly prefer it, but I’m not going to do it for them. I want the big wedding with all the bells and whistles. Maybe that’s selfish, but I’ve never allowed myself to be selfish and this time, I think I want to.
Why can’t we wait until the baby comes and I’ve had time to get back into shape? According to the doctor, I’m due in December, so if we plan an August wedding next year, I’ll have eight months or so to get back to where I want to be. Maybe that’s not realistic but I’m going to do my best.
Jordan said it was up to me, getting married now or later, so I’m still considering my options but I’m leaning toward waiting.
I’m nervous about going home, though. I’m sure my mom is going to have a lot to say about me leaving without “permission.”
By the time I walk into the house, I’m a wreck. Charlie is excited to see me, though, and runs over to me happily.
“Auntie!” he says, wrapping chubby arms around my legs. “I missed you!”
“I missed you too, baby.” I lift him into my arms and spin him around, making him giggle.
“Well, look who’s home. The world traveler.” My mother comes in, her lips in a thin line of disapproval.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Did you have fun?” she asks, almost as if she expects me to say no.
“I had a great time. I got to go to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The Empire State Building. And the 9/11 Memorial.” I pause. “It made me cry.”
Her face softens. “I imagine it did.”
“The Macy’s in Herald Square is unbelievable. Like ten floors or something. I could get lost in there and never come out.”
She manages a small smile. “I’ve always wondered if it was as grand as people say.”
“It is.” I put Charlie down, and as I do, she spots the ring on my left hand.
