All My Love

Chapter 47

| Becca |

"Oh my gosh!" I cry out in cuteness, looking down at my new baby cousin, Marley. I can't believe this tiny thing was inside my aunt for nine months. This is the second time seeing her since the hospital and I can't help but be so obsessed already. My aunt just had a baby three weeks ago and she's looking as if she's at her goal body.

"If she starts fussing it's because she's hungry." My aunt tells me as she takes out her fragile and tiny human out of her car seat.

"That's my sister!" Addy jumps excitedly next to me as I beam with a smile while I watch Marley arch her back and move her hands to her face, us earning a little noise. I love the newborn scrunch.

"Back up Addy, give her some space." My aunt tells my little cousin as she passes Marley to me.

I cradle her in my arms, in such awe that she's so tiny and smells like baby. I wiggle my finger in her small fist and she relaxes her hand before squeezing. I smile at the large flower bow around her head, remembering it's the one we got Addy when she was first born.

"How are you doing?" My aunt asks and I look at her the same time I sway back and forth.

"Right now, I'm doing good." I smile and look down at the baby in my arms. "How are you doing? New mom of two."

"I'm exhausted." Melissa says in a yawn and places Marley's blanket in her car seat which is quickly pulled out by Addy. Seconds later she's handing me the blanket telling me her sister's cold and needs it. "She's not going to leave you alone the whole time you have her." My aunt says and I shrug, looking down at my little cousin wearing a sparkly red Christmas dress.

•••

This whole day has been absolutely wonderful. There hasn't been a single fit about anything from anyone and that's the first considering my whole family is together, here at my grandparents. The food was spectacular, I don't think I'll need to be eating for at least a couple weeks for sure. The only person we're missing in Drew. I can't help but think every holiday from now one will feel empty, no matter how many family members are here.

Only, I know that if he'd want me to enjoy the day with loved ones instead of sulk about him not being here. I've done my best to keep him off my mind today but he still creeps in.

But I'm actually happy. Genuinely happy. I know that any second, life will see that and make sure to turn it upside down.

"I'm going to the bathroom." I tell my father, getting up from the gathering in the living room full of wrapping paper and shiny new gifts.

My black suede wedge booties are starting to make my feet ache and my legs itch from the black pantyhose I'm wearing underneath. I pick it up at a couple places, getting rid of the itch, and walk into the bathroom.

I check my dress making sure the sheer area that ends above my belly button is still in its appropriate spot, leaving the other fabric to block my breasts. My hair is still perfectly waved all around and my makeup still seems to be intact, not falling down my face like it has been for months.

I hurry and use the restroom, washing my hands before checking myself one more time. I smooth out my dress and walk back out into the living room, smiling at Marley who is sitting in the portable swing my aunt got at her baby shower.

"Beccers, your phone is ringing." I hear my cousin Dylan call from the couch. I wonder who could be calling me. I get over behind the couch, taking my phone out of the small clutch I'm using for tonight.