Epilogue #2
"Everyone raised their glasses, except Gisselle's hand, which went to her purse, this time resting on it. She exchanged another glance with her mother, who gave her a subtle nod.
"Are you alright? You seem, I don't know, nervous?" I quietly asked as the others clinked their glasses.
"I'm excited. It's been a big day," Gisselle replied.
This time, the waiter arrived with dessert.
Was Gisselle prepared to share something, maybe another project?
Would she leave Goodwin Grove? Leave her home?
We hadn't talked about her career beyond the community center, but I knew she was talented enough to work anywhere she wanted.
I was excited about the idea of her moving on to bigger opportunities.
Still, both filled me with pride and dread.
I was so lost in thought that I almost missed her mother's cough from across the table.
When I looked up, Justine gave Gisselle a look, her eyebrows raised in silent communication.
"Stop rushing me," Gisselle murmured so softly I barely caught it.
"No one's rushing anyone," her mother replied innocently.
Whatever was happening, it seemed our families were in on it, or at least the mothers were.
I felt some kind of way when Gisselle didn't touch her dessert. I was halfway through my cake when Gisselle suddenly blew out air. This time, she reached for her purse and pulled out a small, wrapped package about the size of my palm. She placed the red box in my hands.
"What's this?" I asked, aware that the table had gone quiet. I glanced around to find everyone watching us.
"Just open it," Gisselle instructed. The nervousness I sensed from her all evening suddenly made sense. She'd waited all day for this moment.
I carefully pulled at the tape, knowing that whatever was inside wasn't something to be rushed. I removed the paper, revealing a small box. I lifted the lid and found myself staring at a pacifier.
I blinked. My brain worked overtime to process what I was seeing. It was a clear pacifier with a little string attached to a clip. Cute, but why would Gisselle be giving me a baby…
Ooh.
My head snapped up, my eyes wide as I looked at Gisselle. She watched me intently, tears already gathered in the corners of her eyes. I opened my mouth, but no words came out.
Before I found my voice, both mothers seemed to realize I'd finally caught up.
"You're pregnant!" they exclaimed.
Gisselle nodded, a tear spilling down her cheek as she confirmed what the pacifier in my hand already told me.
"Eight weeks. I found out for sure three days ago, but I wanted to wait until after the ceremony to tell you."
Suddenly, I had tunnel vision for Gisselle. Everything else faded to the background. She was pregnant with my child. We were having a baby.
"Say something, Lieutenant," she whispered.
"We're having a baby," I managed.
Her smile broke through the tears. "Yeah, we are."
I wasn't aware I'd moved, but I pulled her into my arms and held her against me as if she might disappear. I put her down, still trying to process what she told me.
"Thank you," I whispered into her hair.
We might've stayed that way forever if Kiara hadn't cleared her throat dramatically.
"Excuse me. The rest of us would like to celebrate too. I'm going to be an auntie!"
I reluctantly loosened my grip on Gisselle, though I kept one arm firmly around her waist as we turned back to our families.
The table erupted in excitement, everyone hopping out of their seats and circling to hug her.
Her mother's hands clasped in what looked like prayer, and she openly wept while reaching for her daughter's free hand.
"My baby is having a baby. I can't believe it," Justine gushed, her voice full of emotion.
Leonard was the only one still seated, but the way he adjusted his glasses and blinked rapidly told me he was fighting back tears of his own. "Well done, son," he said to me.
"I didn't do too much. I mean, I did, but—"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence at this table," my mother interjected, saving me from myself. "I'm so happy for both of you. The baby is going to be so loved."
The waiter approached our table cautiously. "Is everything all right here?"
"Everything is perfect. We're celebrating. My brother's going to be a daddy!" Kiara announced.
"Congratulations. Should I bring champagne or sparkling cider for the mother-to-be?"
"Yes, to both. This calls for a proper toast," Leonard declared. We sat back down as the waiter hurried off.
"When did you know?" I asked, still trying to piece together her behavior over the past few days.
"I suspected last week. I was exhausted and having weird food cravings, so I took the test on Tuesday and then went to the doctor to confirm it. Mom's the only one I told, and that was so she could help me figure out how to tell you," Gisselle admitted.
I smiled as the waiter returned with champagne and sparkling cider, pouring glasses for everyone while offering his own congratulations. This time, Leonard raised his glass high.
"To Gisselle and Liam, and to our grandchild who will be blessed with the best qualities of both of you."
"And hopefully my hair. No offense, babe." Gisselle giggled.
"None taken, though I guess I should start fireproofing the nursery, huh?" I chuckled.
Gisselle rolled her eyes as she laughed. "Of course, that would be your first thought, not diapers or college funds, but fireproofing."
I shrugged, unable to wipe the grin from my face.
"I love you," I murmured against her ear.
"I love you too." Her free hand drifted to her still flat stomach.
And just like that, the circle of my world expanded again, making room for something or someone I hadn't even known to hope for until tonight.
THE END
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