On Christmas Eve, Evans and I go to Grace's around 6. It’s the first time since I moved to New York that I actually have someplace special to go for the holiday. I usually would work on that day and just hang out at my place. Sometimes I would go to Flora’s, but I didn't really like intruding on her family time.
Today is different.
I feel different.
I feel heavier.
I’m officially seven months pregnant, and I don't know if it’s just in my head or not, but I feel very big and heavy. It’s starting to get hard to get out of bed or even stand up. My boobs are also way bigger than I’d expected. I don’t really feel comfortable in any clothes except my pajamas, but I obviously couldn't wear pajamas to dinner, so I just put on black jeans, the stretchable band expanded around my belly, hugging it like a second skin. I paired them with a red sweater, red scarf, and my black and white Vans. My hair is pulled back in a simple ponytail.
For the first time since we met, I take Evan's hand to help me get out of the car because I actually need it.
"Are you okay?" Evans asks as he pulls me to my feet. He’s wearing a dark blue suit with a white shirt and thin tie. Some of his hair falls over his forehead, and he runs a hand through it. He looks so good, and I'm over here looking like a watermelon.
"I feel really heavy," I say with a half-smile as he shuts the car door.
He reaches out and puts a strand of hair behind my ear. "Well, I think you look beautiful." He leans in to kiss me.
It is a cold night; vapor comes out of our mouths as we speak. I’m freezing but I don't feel anything as Evans kisses me, just his lips moving against mine. He runs his hands up and down my shoulders as he plants one more kiss on my lips before pulling apart. "Come on." He reaches for my hand. His hand is cold, but I feel better as he holds it.
Grace lives in the suburbs. It is a beautiful, creamy two-story house with elegant windows. Evans rings the doorbell and I look around the neighborhood as we wait for someone to open the door. All the houses are similar to each other, and I imagine most people take morning runs around the neighborhood. I imagine Evans and I in the suburbs for a moment, liking the warm feeling I get when I do.
The door opens and Murphy greets us. He hugs Evans and then he hugs me, taking me by surprise. "Thanks for coming," he says as he opens the door wide for us.
The house is warm and toasty. A little boy with blond hair comes running and wraps his little arms around Murphy's legs. He seems to be two years old, like Dell, Caroline's daughter who also comes running after him.
"Daddy!" the little boy says, laughing as Dell reaches him.
"Be careful, Luke," Murphy says, looking down at him.
I smile at him. He's so cute. I follow Evans into the dining room and sit down on the chair, feeling a little tired. I place my right hand on my belly.
“!”Grace says as she leans in to hug me. She places her hand on my belly as Evans joins Murphy in the living room. "How is he?"
"Bigger."
"I can see." She smiles at me. "You look great though."
"Thank you," I say. "Is there anything I can do?" I ask as she walks back to the kitchen.
"No, I'm almost done," she says. "You just sit there, don't worry."
I smile as I look around. I can see the big Christmas tree from where I’m sitting. There are presents all around it. Caroline joins me then with Liam in her arms.
"Have you picked out a name?" she asks me.
"No." I say, taking off my scarf. It’s really warm in here. "I do have a few in mind, but we haven't really talked about it."
She smiles. "Thank you, Ciara," she suddenly says, placing her hand on top of mine. "Evans is so different...so happy." I follow her gaze and watch as he and Henrik laugh at something, the sound filling the house. "He's never been this happy, not even before..." she smiles. "You make him happy, Ciara"
"Well he makes me really happy too."
"When are you due? Grace asks as she sits down in front of me. She places a plate of chocolate chip cookies on the table and reaches for one.
"February 23rd," I answered, realizing that it is less than two months away. In two months, l will have the baby in my arms. I reach for my wallet and take out the latest ultrasound picture I have and hand it to her Caroline claps her hands. "I'm so excited!"