Abuela Rosa's POV

Christmas Day has finally arrived. I haven't seen my entire family together since Carlito's and Estefania's wedding. When Carlito went missing, I was heartbroken. I couldn't imagine him being taken from Estefania so soon. Fortunately, though, she was tenacious and stubborn and managed to gather the information she needed to get her husband back. I'm still waiting on word that Estefania is pregnant. I've never been wrong. I don't intend on starting to be wrong now.

We have Christmas in Newark. Celia wanted to host, but Estefania was adamant about not wanting to return to the Burg. I don't blame the poor girl. So, Julianna agreed to host instead. I know Celia is hurt, but I'm sure Estefania has her reasons.

We arrived at Julianna's early this morning to help prepare the feast. We have lots of food and desserts to make. All the kids are expected to arrive here at one, or shortly after that. I have seen all my grandchildren except Carlito and Estefania. We are all most anxious to see them. At ten to one, the doorbell rings, and Mariela walks in with her fiancé, Victor. Victor is also a teacher like Mariela, but he works in a middle school in Queens, teaching Spanish and French. Following closely behind are Rosa, Tom, and baby Rosa with Celia, Miguel, and Matteo, who is now a year old. Lester arrives at the same time as Javier and Isabella. Now, we wait for Estefania and Carlito. Lester told us that they are on their way, that Carlito had to pick up a last-minute gift. Finally, at a quarter after one, Carlito and Estefania arrive. In their hands are two bouquets of pink roses. Does this mean what I think it means?

"Feliz Navidad, Abuela. These are for you." Carlito says as he hands me my flowers. He then whispers in my ear, "you were right, as always."

"Mama, Merry Christmas. Here you go." Estefania says as she hands Julianna the flowers. Once her coat comes off, we all stare at her abdomen. Julianna recovers first.

"You're pregnant? Stephanie, you and Carlos are expecting a baby? When?"

"Yes, we are; she's due February 8th."

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?" my daughter-in-law asks, confused and a little hurt.

"Well, I didn't want to say anything until I could tell Carlos. Since he was overseas when I discovered my pregnancy, I kept it a secret from everyone. Then, we were planning on telling everyone at Thanksgiving, but when I got sick, we decided to wait to tell you in person. So, surprise!"

"You said 'she.' The baby's a girl?"

"Yes, you will have a new granddaughter."

Julianna hugs and kisses Estefania, then her son. I've never seen Carlito so happy before. As everyone crowds around them, Carlito gently guides Estefania to the most comfortable chair in the room, helping her to sit. He lifts up the footrest and places a pillow behind her back. He then disappears into the kitchen, returning with a glass of water for her. Then, he nods to Lester, to accompany him outside to bring in their packages.

"How has your pregnancy been?" Mariela asks.

"So far, so good. I was an insomniac during my first trimester, an utterly exhausted woman my second, and a combination during my third. There are some days I have endless amounts of energy, and then other days, it's hard just to roll over in bed. However, it's been much easier since Carlos came home."

"Is my brother being a good Papa to be?" Celia asked.

"Yes. Carlos is very attentive. The day we found out the baby was a girl, he drove us to Home Depot to purchase pink and purple paint for the nursery, then to Buy Buy Baby for the bedding, decorations, stuff animals, and other stuff. Finally, we went to the furniture store to buy a crib, dressers, and a changing table. In three days, he and Lester had the nursery ready. My present was a beautiful hand-made rocker that he specially ordered for me."

"Have you discussed any names yet?" Rosa asked.

"Yes, we have, but we haven't decided on one yet. We're going to wait until she's born to make the final determination. This is why, Tia Celia, I didn't want to go to Trenton. I didn't want to risk bumping into my family. My mother is liable to induce labor."

I observe Estefania while she's speaking. She already decided on the girl's name, but she doesn't want to share, doesn't want to offend anyone or deal with everyone's opinions. She still doesn't understand that that is not our way. But, given where she spent the first sixteen years of her life, I can understand her feelings.

I'm also keeping my eyes on both Carlito and Lester. Both keep eyeing Estefania, making sure she's comfortable and happy. It's leading me to believe that she's been having some issues, most likely false labor, but issues just the same. Now that everyone has arrived, the women, minus Estefania, return to the kitchen to finish dinner preparations. There is no way that we expect her to help at about thirty-three weeks pregnant. In three weeks, if she goes into labor, the baby will be delivered. I see her attempt to get up to help, but Julianna and Celia convince her to rest, with her feet up. There are plenty of women here to get everything done. Leah, Maria, and Ana are excited about the new baby. To them, Estefania is their big sister. Leah, who is turning fifteen in a couple of months, is especially close to Estefania. They are chatting away on school, Burg gossip, and of course, boys.

We get everything on the table, ready for a feast by two-thirty. Once again, Carlos helps Estefania to her seat, making sure she's comfortable. The food gets passed around, with everyone taking what they want. I notice, though, that Estefania is taking mostly vegetables, meats, and very little bread or rice. I will find out what's wrong.

"Estefania, you're only eating that? What about the pollo con arroz. It's one of your favorites." I watch as she glances at Carlito before replying.

"I have gestational diabetes. I need to watch my sugar intake. My mother had it when she was pregnant with Val and me. My Grandma Mazur also had it, though they didn't do a great job diagnosing her."

"That's nothing to be concerned about. It's prevalent in pregnancy. I wish you would have told us, though, we would have prepared a couple of different dishes for you, dear." Julianna said.

"If we would have told you, Mama, then you would know that she was pregnant, and it would have ruined the surprise. It's okay. She's good a determining what she can and cannot eat."

Once we all finish eating, the ladies stay at the table while the men clean up. They all put away the leftover food, clean the pots, and load the dishwasher. When they finish, we move to the living room to open gifts. Leah, Maria, and Ana are the elves, distributing the presents to the proper person. Once all packages are sorted, and with the appropriate recipient, the wrapping paper goes flying.

My son and daughter, along with their spouses, purchased me $2000 in airplane vouchers so I can travel wherever I'd like when I'd like. I will put that to good use when Estefania has her baby. Celia, Rosa, and Mariela chipped in to pay for a house cleaning service to come and clean my home once a month for the next year. It is a gift I do appreciate. Lester and Carlito have paid for a year of landscaping. The twins, Javier and Isabella, got me a new KitchenAid mixer. Finally, my youngest three granddaughters made me a beautiful scrapbook. I love all my gifts.

However, the best gift is what my Carlito gave to Estefania. He gave her a locket, but not an ordinary heart-shaped pendant, but one made from one of his dog tags and one of hers. Inside is room for two pictures. She becomes emotional over that gift because it means so much to her. The chain is a long, twenty-four-inch chain, so it will be hidden under her clothes, for safety. We all look at them, proud at how well Carlito knows Estefania.