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And just like any family does, I have my quarrels with some of them. Amelia in particular.

She does her best, and I see how much she loves Autumn. It’s obvious how hard she tries every single day to make her feel welcome.

But it was downright stupid that she ever made her feelunwelcome. As Autumn’s best friend, I can’t let it go as easily as she does. Neither can Vic, and we’ve had our talks about it. We’re protective. Autumn came into our lives as someone who was really hurt and vulnerable, and I can’t forget what the reason for it was.

It’s a good thing that Justin and I aren’t usually here at the same time, I’ll say that much. And it’s an even better thing that none of us will ever have to interact with Miles’ ex-wife, because I’d have more than words for her.

Conversation turns to Autumn’s due date, inevitably.

“I love you guys, but I don’t know if I want anyone else in the room when I’m delivering him,” Autumn says.

Miles chokes on the bite of food he was attempting to eat, and coughs a few times to sort himself out. I try to help with a couple pats on the back, but he waves me away.

“I’m good. I’m fine.” He turns to his girlfriend. “Anyone?”

“Of course I’m not talking about you, silly.”

“Oh good. Great,” he whispers.

Most people might assume that she wasn’t talking about the father of her child, but Autumn struggles so much with her anxiety that you never know. It wouldn’t be the most surprising thing.

I wish I could’ve forced Caleb out of the room when I was giving birth, he was so unhelpful. At one point he actually put on headphones because he wasuncomfortablewith all the noises I was making. I remember just how judgmental his words had felt, as if anyone could silently push a child out of their body.

I can’t make this crap up.

“You definitely have to hold my hand the entire time,” she tells him.

“Even if she crushes the bones until they’re unrepairable,” I add.

He looks her in the eye and smiles.

“If there’s anyone I’d let break my hand, it’s you.”

“That’s disgustingly sweet,” I say. “Enough of that.”

“I want you all there after,” she goes on. “To meet him first and get pictures of all of us together at the hospital.”

“Of course,” Amelia answers. “Whatever you want, we’re there.”

I nod in agreement.

We discuss around the table, who will be where. Who needs to be in charge of what. Every little detail and possibility is discussed, in order to put her mind at ease. Autumn doesn’t need to worry about a single thing when the day comes.

Vic and Julian are on their own dinner date night, but they’re a part of this conversation too. One of us will just fill them in and give them their assignments in our group chat later.

Autumn clears her throat and gives me a pointed look.

“I’ll forgive you for being late as long as you have Dahlia with you.”

“Without question. I’ll give Caleb a heads up just in case it’s one of his days.” I reach in front of Miles to squeeze her hand. “IfI’m somehow late, which soundsnothinglike me, it’ll be because I’m tracking her down.”

Note to self: Do not let Caleb take her to his parents house that week.That’s three hours of driving that I do not want to do at the drop of a hat during any hour of the night.

Autumn squeezes me back with a big smile on her face.

I’m so excited for that day to come.

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