Mommy side eyed me and my mushroom soup. “I know you want to support your husband and all, but I don’t think this vegetarian thing is a good idea right now.”
She might be right. I’m so hungry when I wake up and eat a lot more often than usual. But I want to do this. I know Ali doesn’t expect me to adopt his lifestyle, but we’re a team, right? A united front! I try not to eat meat when he’s around. But the baby definitely wants a little more than veggies and broth.
I probably should have waited until after he arrived, but I asked if she would move in with us. She grinned politely, and I could tell a part of her liked the idea. But she said no. I have a family now and shouldn’t make big decisions on my own, she said. I was sure Ali wouldn’t mind having her around, but she said I can’t assume that and needed to discuss it with him.
“Besides,” she said, “You need to learn how to deal with things on your own. I’m happy to help out for a while, but I’m not gonna raise your babies.”
Did she really think that’s what I wanted her here for?? Of course I don’t want her to raise my children. I just want her for as long as she has left.
The only flaw in my plan is that this house isn’t made for three adults and an infant. At least not currently. That hobby room was the perfect size and location for a nursery and an easy change to make. The baby won’t need a proper bedroom for a while, and we could easily put a double bed in there for Mommy. Or we could move! The house next door has been empty since before I moved here, Dwayne said. It’s bigger and has three proper bedrooms. Mommy wouldn’t have to sleep on a twin bed.
“Emerald, I said I’m not staying. You’re doing too much. I’m fine.”
Hmph. I’ll drop it for tonight, but we are not done with this conversation. Everyone knows she can’t say no to me.
