145
The evening had unfolded like a dream — one Amanda hadn't dared imagine going so perfectly.
The candles had burned low to flickering stubs, the remnants of dinner cleared away.
Laughter had filled every corner of the apartment, spilling between stories and memories, between tears of joy and quiet smiles.
Angela Parker sat on the couch now, the tiny onesie still in her lap. She kept running her fingers over the gold letters — Best Grandma Ever — as if she needed to keep touching it to make it real.
"I still can't believe this," she murmured softly, looking up at her daughter. "You're really having a baby."
Amanda smiled, her heart swelling at the warmth in her mother's voice. She sat beside her, their shoulders touching. "Yeah," she whispered, still sounding in awe of it herself. "We really are."
Ericka stood by the counter, tidying up the last of the dishes. She glanced over at them, her expression soft — almost shy. "I can't tell you how happy I am that you took it so well, Angela. I didn't want tonight to be overwhelming."
Angela waved her hand dismissively, smiling through a few remaining tears. "Overwhelming? Maybe a little. But in the best possible way." She chuckled, looking between them. "You two make it hard not to be happy. You're steady, you're good for each other, and now... a baby. It feels right."
Amanda's eyes glistened. "It does, doesn't it?"
Angela nodded, looking at her daughter — really looking at her.
"I can see it in you, Mandy," she said softly.
"You've always been a caretaker. Even when you were little, you'd fuss over your toys like they were your kids.
I used to tell your grandmother, 'That girl's going to make one hell of a mother someday. '"
Amanda laughed, covering her face briefly. "Ma..."
"It's true," Angela said, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "And now here you are, proving me right again."
Ericka walked over, joining them on the couch. She sat beside Amanda, her hand resting gently over hers. "We've both got a lot to learn, but we'll figure it out together," she said quietly.
Angela smiled at that — at the certainty in Ericka's tone. "I don't doubt that for a second."
The three of them sat there for a while longer, talking about small things — about cravings and nursery colors, about baby names that made them laugh, and how Amanda's mom planned to spoil her first grandchild beyond reason.
By the time the clock on the wall read a little after ten, Angela stood with a sigh, clutching her purse and the tiny gift bag to her chest. "I should head out before it gets too late," she said softly. "You two need your rest — especially you." She pointed playfully at Ericka.
Ericka smiled, placing a gentle hand on her belly. "I'll take it easy. Promise."
Amanda walked her mom to the door, her heart full but heavy with emotion.
Angela turned to her before stepping out, her eyes glistening again under the soft hallway light.
"I'm proud of you, Amanda," she said. "You've grown into everything I hoped you'd be — strong, loving, and brave enough to follow your heart. "
Amanda swallowed the lump in her throat and hugged her mom tightly. "Thank you for always believing in me, Ma."
Angela squeezed her back just as tight, then pulled away with a grin. "You take care of my grandbaby — and this amazing woman of yours."
Amanda laughed softly. "I will."
As Angela started down the hall, she turned back one last time. "And tell Ericka thank you again for dinner. She's even lovelier in person than I imagined."
Amanda smiled. "I will."
When the door finally clicked shut, the apartment fell into a peaceful quiet — only the soft hum of the city outside breaking the stillness. Amanda leaned against the door for a moment, exhaling slowly, relief and happiness washing over her in equal measure.
Ericka's voice came softly from the living room. "She took it better than you thought, didn't she?"
Amanda turned and smiled, walking toward her. "Way better. She didn't even freak out."
Ericka grinned, standing to meet her halfway. "I told you she'd see what we have."
Amanda slid her arms around her, resting her head against Ericka's shoulder. "She's proud of me," she whispered. "And she's proud of us."
Ericka's hand stroked her back slowly, her other hand resting protectively over her belly. "She should be. You're incredible, Amanda."
They stayed that way for a long moment — the world outside fading to nothing but the quiet rhythm of their breathing. The night had started with nerves, with what-ifs and secrets, and ended in warmth and promise.
Finally, Amanda lifted her head and smiled softly. "Come on, let's get ready for bed. Big day tomorrow."
Ericka smirked. "You mean another big day?"
Amanda chuckled. "Yeah. But I think we've earned some rest."
Hand in hand, they walked toward the bedroom — hearts full, their future unfolding in quiet, steady steps.