I don’t want to partake in this conversation anymore. If I’ve learned anything over the last two years, it’s that these two have no filters or boundaries during conversations.
Taking a deep breath, I’m much calmer as the whisky settles in. I push the door open and see Charlotte lying on the bed with a hopeful gaze. She’s eager to hold the baby, so I’m praying Dad won’t be too much longer.
The door opens to Dad pushing a plastic crib into the room. Mom lets out a sigh as does Charlotte.
“I’ve got someone special wanting to meet everyone.” Dad smiles proudly.
Mom hovers around the crib, then lifts the baby in her arms to pass to Charlotte.
“She’s just beautiful. Do we have a name?”
“Ava,” I say softly, glancing at Charlotte, knowing how much she loves the name.
Charlotte’s lips curve into a relaxed smile. “So, we’re going with the tradition of names starting with A? I thought you hated that?’
“Hmm,” I murmur, looking at Ava. “Maybe I might feel different when we have the next kid.”
“Next kid?” Charlotte blurts out.
“How about we give you two a moment with your daughter,” Dad suggests, then quickly ushers Mom outside.
Alone with Charlotte and Ava, I choose my words carefully.
“I know we don’t have to decide now, but maybe another baby wouldn’t be so bad.”
“How about we talk about this when my vagina isn’t torn up?” Charlotte notes with dark amusement. “Push me, and you’re getting the snip.”
I rest my hand on her arm. “Hormones look beautiful on you.”
Charlotte breaks out into a smile. “You’re lucky you’re so damn good-looking.”
“I guess it helps,” I tease.
The second the words leave my mouth, Charlotte moves her face closer, wrinkling her nose.
“Have you been drinking?”
“Not drinking. I had a small serving.”
“Where?” she demands, then rolls her eyes. “Rocky is here?”
“How did you know?”
“Nikki just sent me a text. Apparently, he was in Vegas for some boxing match then took a private plane as soon as he heard.”
“Eric’s outside too,” I inform her.
All of a sudden, her face turns panicked. “Amelia?”
“Mom left her with Adriana. She texted me when she was on her way here with Dad.”
Charlotte's shoulders relax. At the same time, Ava makes a little sound.
“She’s perfect, looks just like you.” Charlotte sighs dreamily. “I bet she has your eyes.”
“She has your nose.”
“Your stubbornness.”