Chapter 13
Amy walked into a restaurant full of her friends and family. Lauren and Madison rushed up to gush over Amy's belly. Grace and Adrian were seated in a corner booth; presumed to be catching up. Kathleen was sitting with Nora and Margeret.
"Surprise." A familiar monotone voice said.
"Ashely!" Amy turned around to see her sister.
"Amy." Ashley faked her enthusiasm.
"How has Florida been?"
"It's been Florida. We are coming back though."
"You and Toby?"
"Yeah. Granny is selling the beach house. Plus Dad says I actually need to start college" Ashley said. "Don't worry. I'm moving into the guest house at Kathleen's."
Amy made her way through the crowd. Greeting and thanking her friends for coming. She made her way over to the booth where Grace and Adrian were sitting.
"Well hello!" Adrian said, reaching out to touch Amy's belly.
"Hi, Amy." Grace said.
Amy slide into the seat next to Grace.
"How are you ladies? How is New York and Seattle?" Amy asked.
The girls mused over their new cities. Adrian had fallen in love with New York and Grace was fitting in well in Seattle. Grace had begun seeing another Pre-med student. Adrian was thriving in pre-law at Hudson. Omar's company had really taken off.
"Speaking of big changes. How is married life?" Amy asked.
Adrian excitedly held out her hand. The sparkley diamond engagement ring was now accompanied by an equally sparkly wedding band.
"How did it happen?" Amy asked.
"We had gone to Las Vegas for a business conference for Omar's company. We were drinking champagne in the hotel room. We got a little to drunk and decided to go get married. I didn't really think it was a legal marriage until the morning. It took me a week to tell my parents!" Adrian blushed. "Not exactly how I expected it to go. But I am happy."
"That's great. I am happy for you two!" Amy congratulated them.
"How about you? And Ricky?" Grace asked.
"It's been good. The baby was a really big surprise but we have been working through it well. He moved into the house with me."
"That's nice. A big step up from that tiny apartment. You really don't know the gender?" Adrian asked.
"I really don't. I think it'll be fun to find out when the baby is born."
"I couldn't wait to find out." Adrian said.
"With Mercy?"
"And this time." Adrian pulled up a sonogram photo from under the table. "Surprise!"
The girls squealed in excitement.
"Is that what I think it is?" Grace said.
"It's an ultrasound,"Amy said.
"Not what I mean." Grace grabbed the ultrasound from Adrian. "Is it?"
"Twins!" Adrian confirmed.
"I guess we will be doing this all over again in a few months. Congratulations, Adrian."
Amy returned home with a car packed full of gifts. Nearly everything that a baby could possibly need was gifted to her again. As she drove up to the house. She noticed the amount of cars that surrounded the house. Strange she thought to herself as she waddled inside.
Inside the house was Leo and Ben Boykowich, Ruben, Shakur and Ethan and George. They were all in the kitchen, surrounding an enormous pile of meats and cheese.
"Well, Hi." Amy said as she walked in.
Ricky rounded the corner, with a ridiculous "Daddy to Be" shash over his shoulder.
"Did you guys throw Ricky a baby shower?" Amy asked.
"A diaper party." George said as he blew a small party whistle.
"I knew nothing about this." Ricky said.
"He didn't. It was all George's idea." Leo followed up.
The happiness in Ricky's eyes couldn't be missed. For having such a rough childhood, he was surrounded by men that cared for him like a son and brother.
"This is so sweet." Amy gushed, hugging her father. "And now that everyone is here…. You can all unpack the car!"