Page 109 of Pretend You Love Me

We walk toward the dining room together. MarryMe bounds up with Juno and Vivi trailing behind her.

“Aunt Brookie, look what I did with Juno.” Vivi holds up a turkey painting.

“It’s beautiful. I love it. Are you going to frame it?”

“Maybe.” She fistbumps Declan, Eli, and Keene right in a row.

She laughs hysterically and does it again. They are way more interesting than me now. Juno gives me a hug. “How are you?”

“I’m okay? How’s school?”

“Busy.”

Declan is at my side again. “I’m so hungry. I haven’t eaten anything since lunch yesterday, so I could eat a huge meal.”

“You are so weird.”

He grins. “Never claimed not to be.”

We sit down. James brings out the turkey, and my stomach rolls. Declan gives me a sideways look.

“I can’t eat meat anymore. I don’t know what’s going on with me. I guess I’m a vegetarian now.”

I’ve lost weight this past month - at least ten pounds I didn’t need to lose. I just don’t want to eat. I really do need to see a therapist. This isn’t healthy.

“I can’t believe you are here. When was your due date?’ Elizabeth says to Olivia.

Liv just groans, and Will says, “A week ago.”

“Are they going to induce you?”

“Monday if she doesn’t make an appearance on her own this weekend.”

“I’m sure you’re dying. I have less than two weeks to go, and I am counting down by the hour at this point. I’m going to cry if it’s three weeks.”

“What’s the worst part about being pregnant?” Juno asks.

“At which stage?” Liv laughs.

“Right now - the indigestion. This food looks and smells amazing, and I’m starving, but if I eat a normal size meal I’ll be up all night with indigestion.”

“I’d like my ribs and lungs returned to me. This little one has parked her butt up so high in my ribs. My body wasn’t meant to stretch that way. I keep trying to push her down, but she’s not budging.”

“I wish I could sleep.”

“Me too.”

Me three.I think. Only I can’t sleep for different reasons.

James stands up. He clinks a glass. “I’m so glad we are all gathered here today. We have so much to be thankful for. New family members. Babies arriving soon. We are all safe and healthy. It hasn’t always been an easy year, but we’re together, and that’s what matters most.”

Declan squeezes my hand briefly, and Juno takes my other hand. I feel like crying. It seems to be the only emotion I have these days.

“To family!” he raises his glass. We all join in a toast.

“To family!”

“Enough talking. Let’s eat.”