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“Okay, thanks, Hudson.”
When he leaves, I pull up my waistband and Asher helps me sit. “Asher, I’m just so happy to be having two healthy babies, I couldn’t care less what we call them.” I spare a glance at Bug. “You know, within reason. And I think a father should name his son. I just have one request.”
“Which is?” Asher asks.
“His middle name. I want to choose it.”
His face is full of compassion. “Christopher?”
I nod.
“After your dad,” Bug says. “I guess that’s cool.”
Asher and I share a sad smile.
Bug stares at the photos. “You really want me to name her?”
“I really do.”
She doesn’t even hesitate. “Nobara Kugishaki Anderson.”
My head snaps to the side, as does Asher’s.
“Well that’s… specific,” I say, trying not to show my shock, which I’m sure is what she’s going for. “You think she should have an Asian name?”
“Nobara is a first-year sorcerer alongside Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro inJujutsu Kaisen. Hmm, maybe I should pick one of those.” She rubs her thumb and forefinger across the tip of her chin. “There are just so many to choose from.”
“She’s a first yearwhat?”I look at Asher to clarify. “In Jujutsuwho?”
“Bug is going through an anime phase.”
“Oh, okay.” I turn back to Bug. “You think about it. You don’t have to decide today. It’s a big responsibility, you know, choosing the name someone will have for their entire life.”
She belts out unhinged laughter. “You’re actually going to let me choose. Like for real?”
“She’s going to be your sister, so yes.”
Bug looks at Asher. Asher looks at me. “We have veto power, right?”
“I don’t think so. I want her to make the decision. Whatever name she picks will go on the birth certificate.”
He takes my elbow and says in a low voice full of unease, “Allie, I’m not sure this is the right way to handle this.”
I head for the door. “I’m sure they need the room. Bug” —I realize my blunder— “uh… Darla. You have seventeen weeks.” I nudge Asher. “So do you.”
Chapter Thirty-two
Asher
“You call this a date?” I look up at the Donovan’s Pub marquee. “I was thinking more Lloyd’s Steakhouse.”
She elbows me on the way in. “It’s where all the cool kids hang out on Friday nights.”
Her saying that just reminds me that Bug is sitting home sulking. She’s made zero effort whatsoever to make friends. Maybe it’ll happen once we move into the house and things settle down.
I’ve been so busy with our new client, I haven’t been able to case the neighborhood. The realtor said there are lots of families. I just hope Bug can find someone. Maybe even a new ‘Mel.’ Because at this point, she barely leaves her room since she’s video chatting with the old one day and night.
I take Allie’s hand. “I’ve been here once before, you know.”