Betrayed

Family Vacation

Lane and her boyfriend Alexy, along with Matteo and his wife, were joining us on our vacation, having rented the cottages next to ours for the week. Lane, who was 33 weeks pregnant and glowing, had been visiting us at least every 2 months for the first three years after Emily was born until she met one of Gabriel's employees one summer and fell madly in love with him. Since my mom had also met someone back home and was living with him, Lane felt less guilt about moving out to New Brunswick. Her and her boyfriend were living in a beautiful home only 10 minutes drive away from Gabriel and I.

Matteo's kids were all grown now and rarely followed their parents around anymore. He and his wife were enjoying their first solo vacation in years, but had decided to spend it with our family. Being godparents to Felix, they tried to be as present in our lives as they could.

Also pregnant was Chrissy, who joined us for a day with Adam and Hendrix. Being close to her due date she didn't allow for extended periods of time away from her birthing hospital. The three of us lay side by side on lounging chairs Gabriel had the forethought of bringing, soaking up the sun and discussing pregnancy while the kids were digging a moat around a sand castle Matteo had built for them.

While I was enjoying my third pregnancy, Chrissy was over it and Lane was still stunned she had gotten pregnant. My sister had never wanted kids of her own, but was now feeling conflicted about her situation.

"Do you think you'll have another after this Harp?" Lane asked.

"She is, at least three more!" Gabriel called out from where he was sitting.

"Are you crazy!" I yelled back at him playfully. Though I had been fortunate to carry my two children to term, and this one to 30 weeks so far, there was always that doubt and fear that remained from losing our first pregnancy. It was with bated breath that we counted down the weeks until delivery. Though Gabriel would never admit it, I knew he lost sleep over the fear of losing one of his babies.

"For someone who didn't want any more kids you sure are eager to have them now" Chrissy said shaking her head. We all laughed at this and I was relieved to note that Chrissy was one hundred percent joking and held no ill feelings towards her dad or me about her ever expanding sibling situation.

We spent the day in companionable conversation, picnicking on the beach for lunch and going into the ocean for a dip every once in a while. Gabriel gave Hendrix and Emily swimming lessons while Felix preferred staying dry with his momma, cuddling with me and rubbing my belly. My youngest was quite excited about the prospect of becoming a big brother. By the end of the afternoon, Felix had fallen asleep on me, and Emily had been whiny and overwhelmed, asking to go to bed at least twice in an hour. Gabriel and I packed up our things and insisted on keeping Hendrix with us for the remainder of the week as the three kids played together really well. Though there was an extra kid we didn't hear a peep from any of them when they were all together. Chrissy was reluctant but Hendrix begged and pleaded with her until she ceded. Besides, there would be more adults than children in and around our little cottage all week.

"Daddy?" Felix asked, patting down Gabriel's beard as we walked over to the truck. There were question marks all over his face and I could hardly wait to hear what was about to come out of his mouth.

"Yeah buddy?" Gabriel responded.

"Why is your beard turning white?" he asked seriously. I bit my cheek to stop myself from smiling.

"Cause I'm getting old bud" Gabriel answered with a sigh.

"Are you going to die?"

"I don't plan on it" Gabriel replied, looking at his son, trying to mask his amusement.