Part 2: Lauren looked lovely in a soft green dress, one hand resting beneath her belly, smiling a little too brightly in the way she always did when she was nervous. Grant stayed close beside her, greeting guests, kissing her temple, playing the role of the attentive husband. His mother, Celeste, drifted through the room directing caterers as if kindness were another event detail she could arrange.
When the gifts began, I waited until the end. I wanted the loud, expensive presents to go first: the luxury stroller, the imported bassinet, the diaper subscription, the silver rattle from Grant’s aunt. Then I carried over my white box with the tissue paper I had ironed smooth myself.
Lauren smiled as soon as she saw my handwriting on the tag. “Mom.”
I lifted the lid and unfolded the quilt so everyone could see it. For one brief second, the room actually fell silent. It was beautiful. I can say that now without apology. Even Celeste’s expression changed.
Lauren touched the embroidery and her eyes filled immediately
