“We’re just excited,” Heather says as she comes forward, wine in hand.
“It’s fine,” Claire says with a tight voice.
“No, it’s not.” I gently shove Daisy away and pull Claire with me to the couch. “We can go back to your place.”
“No. No, I’m fine. I’m just … not used to the attention.”
“Sorry!” Ruby yells over the other three who haven’t stopped talking.
“It’s okay!” Claire yells back.
I can’t hide my smile to save my life. “You sure you’re okay?” I ask, hand immediately moving to her bump and rubbing where Teeny was earlier.
“I am.” She blows out a breath. “It will just take some time to get used to. I’ve lived in silence for quite some time.” She chuckles.
“Okay, so we made pancakes, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, and omelets,” Heather calls from the kitchen.
“That’s too much.” Claire scoffs, but I can see how excited she is. I made sure my sisters cooked all of her favorites.
“Can we do introductions?” Ruby rolls her eyes. “I’m Ruby. Sorry for how rude everyone else is.”
“So sorry! I’m Daisy. I’m the one with the baby—toddler. Gah, I hate that she’s getting older.”
“Where is my niece, by the way?” I ask.
“With Luka. I didn’t want to pull attention away from Claire.” Daisy says it like I’m the crazy one, but I haven’t seen Evelin in a long time. “I’ll bring her over tomorrow, promise.”
“I’m Heather! The oldest. They like to say I mother everyone, but whatever,” Heather yells from the kitchen.
“I’m Autumn, this one’s favorite sister.” She points at me with a smirk.
“You can’t say that shit with everyone here.” I sigh, knowing I’ll never hear the end of it.
“It’s true.” Autumn shrugs.
“It’s lovely to meet you all. I’m Claire Daniels, and this is the newest member of the family, I suppose.” She points to her belly that I still have my hand on.
“You have no idea how excited we are for you both.” Autumn sits in a chair across from us.
“It’s been a lot.” Claire laughs.
“Do you know if it’s a boy or girl?” Daisy asks, sitting on the floor by Autumn.
“We’re actually waiting to find out,” I interject.
“Woah. Mister Always Has a Plan is waiting?” Autumn looks at me with wide eyes.
Claire tilts her head when she learns this information. “I wouldn’t have guessed that.”
“A lot has changed.” I run my hand across the back of my neck.
“Seems so,” Ruby mutters.
For the first time in as long as I can remember, silence falls over my apartment. When I look around, all four of my sisters are looking at me with a mix of pride, joy, and disbelief.
“What?” I question.
“Nothing,” they all say at the same time before acting like nothing happened.
