Chapter 53
Layla
I bounce the bundle in my arms and sniff her forehead. She has her eyes closed and her pink little lips pursed shut. I reluctantly hand her back to Jeannie, who hands her to the nanny. After kissing her infant daughter and son, she takes my hand and we walk out of the nursery.
“You look great,” I say to my friend, who is only one month postpartum after giving birth to twins.
“So do you.” She pulls me into the master bedroom of her gigantic Tribeca townhouse. She fluffs my hair and looks down at my dress. It’s a simple burgundy sheath dress.
“I can’t believe you’re throwing us this party one month after you gave birth to twins. You know you don’t have to—”
“The party’s already started,” she says. “How are things? We haven’t talked much. I’ve missed my favorite little sister. Do I need to beat Seth’s ass?”
“No. Things are pretty good. We’ll see how things go when he starts training camp and traveling to games.”
“And how’s your grandma?”
“No change. She’s still confused often, but her PT is going well. I’ve been to see her every day this week. Seth comes with me at least twice a week. Gaga seems to do better when Jasmine is with us.” I swallow the lump in my throat at the thought of the sweet strong woman who raised me. The woman who is now a shell of her former self.
There’s a soft tap on the door and seconds later Vickie steps in. She doesn’t close the door but waves her hand and someone holding a white garment bag follows her. My mom follows behind her with Jasmine.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“Layla Wakowski, welcome to your wedding,” Jeannie announces. Vickie cheers and another group of people walk into the bedroom. One is pushing a trolley with champagne bottles, but I don’t get to see anything as I’m rushed into the master bathroom.