My younger sister, Katie, taught second grade, and her students adored her.
Three years earlier she’d married Ben, a dependable, easygoing loan officer at a local bank. Now Katie was eight months pregnant. It was her first pregnancy, long hoped for, and our whole family was excited.
“Right, and Mom said she’d stop by too and help out. Katie’s gotten so big lately, I swear it looks hard for her just to walk across the room. But she’s so happy. She’s glowing,” I said.
“I know. Just looking at her makes me feel better too.” There wasn’t a trace of dishonesty in my voice. I really was happy for her. Sure, in the darkest corner of my heart, a small sharp little thing sometimes stirred—envy.
When I saw how naturally it had happened for her, how beautiful and effortless she looked carrying this baby, I’d sometimes think, Why not me? But I pushed those thoughts away. I loved my sister more than anyone, and her happiness was part of mine.
Evan and I were grateful just to be included in the joy of waiting for a new little person. If not through us, then through her. Around six that evening, the doorbell rang.
I opened it and found Katie on the doorstep, beaming, one hand supporting her big belly. Her shoulder-length blonde hair looked fuller than usual, and pregnancy had softened her face and given her that unmistakable expectant-mother glow. Ben stood beside her with a hand on her shoulder.
Tall, kind, and steady, he looked at his wife with such open devotion it made my chest tighten. They were one of those couples people call solid. “Hey!” Katie hugged me with one arm while the other stayed protectively on her stomach.
“And we brought backup.” Our mother stepped out from behind her carrying a big tote bag with fresh parsley sticking out of the top. Mom was old-school, not especially talkative, but she had a huge heart. She always seemed to show up exactly when she was needed, and her quiet presence calmed people down better than speeches ever could.
“Mom, hi! Come on in—don’t stand out there,” I said.
“Fourth floor and no elevator,” Mom muttered, though her eyes were smiling.
“And Katie doesn’t need to be climbing stairs right now.” “Mom, I’m fine,” Katie said, waving it off as she stepped into the entryway, breathing a little hard. “The baby’s been really active today. Probably excited to visit Aunt Marina and Uncle Evan.”
“Really? Let me feel.” I reached for her belly with the enthusiasm of a kid. Firm and round as a ball, it seemed to have a life of its own.
Then I felt it—a strong, distinct thump under my hand. “Wow. That’s definitely movement. Future soccer player, maybe.”
We all laughed. Just then Evan got home from work, and the house filled with voices, laughter, and that happy kind of family commotion. We gathered in the kitchen while I plated the chicken curry I’d made—Katie’s favorite.
Mom chopped salad while the men debated something in the living room. Naturally, the conversation turned to the baby. “So, have you picked a name yet?” Evan asked as he came into the kitchen and gave Katie’s shoulder a quick squeeze.
“We still don’t know the sex, so we’ve got two lists,” Katie said happily. “If it’s a boy, maybe Michael. If it’s a girl, Anna. But Ben wants something a little less common, right, honey?”
“I just think a name should stand out a little,” Ben said with a smile. “But in the end, whatever Katie wants goes.” “Have you bought everything yet?” I asked, and Katie looked a little sheepish.
“Not everything. We still haven’t gotten the crib or the car seat. Mom said it used to be bad luck to buy too much ahead of time, and honestly we weren’t sure what to get.” “Oh, please,” Mom cut in, setting the salad bowl on the table.
“That old superstition is nonsense. Back in my day we got things ready ahead of time because we had to. Washed diapers, ironed blankets. Now stores are full of everything and you two are still waiting.” “Mom, we talked about this,” Katie said gently.
“I’m checking into the hospital Monday anyway, so we figured we’d get everything done this weekend.” “Then let’s all go shopping tomorrow,” I said. “And we’ll help get the nursery set up.”
“Evan can come too, right? He’s off tomorrow.” “Of course,” Evan said with a nod. “I’ve never shopped for baby gear before. Might be useful field research.”
