"I’ll help, if you help me with something in return."
"What do you need help with? I’ll help you regardless, you know that." This is why Viola was so loved. She was always there to do anything for anyone.
"I want to do something for Lilli and I need your help. I would like it completed by the time of the shower."
"And what is it that needs to be completed?" She pushed.
"The nursery, I want an elaborate nursery set up for her and the babies."
"Oh, Aidan, that is so sweet. That only gives me two weeks! I will get right on it but, first, I need to know what you want." She paused. "Oh, and how are you going to keep it a secret from Lilli? She is in the house."
"I already have some ideas for the nursery and I will tell her that I am having construction done on the room and she needs to stay away from the paint and hazardous area. Plus, I'm counting on you to keep her out of the house during the day when they are working." Then I remembered she had called me for a reason. "What do I need to do with the party planning company?"
"Well, they are arguing that I will not be able to—"
"Give me twenty minutes to speak with Greg. You will be getting a call from them soon"
"Get them, Aidan." She laughed.
With a short goodbye, we hung up.
~
Lilli
Once Aidan was gone for the day, I decided to go to the pool. Feeling like a whale, I might as well get in the water.
In the water I felt weightless and loved it. Swimming also happened to be one of the most comfortable ways to exercise now. Knowing I had to meet with Viola today, I didn't stay in too long. Getting dressed was a bit more complicated. Maternity clothes were becoming the bane of my existence. I longed for the day I could slip into a pair of worn jeans and a t-shirt again. Instead, I slipped on a dress and some flats before going downstairs.
When Viola arrived, Jay helped me into the car. He had become just about as protective as Aiden these past few weeks. Once he saw that I was tucked away into the back of Viola's car, Jay closed the door gently.
"Dear, we are going to have to start working from your house soon." She spoke as soon as the door was closed and smiled widely, rubbing my oversized stomach.
"Ugh, I really am about done with all of this pregnancy stuff." I huffed.
Viola laughed. "Well, can you at least hold off until we have your shower?"
I rolled my eyes and groaned.
"Now, now, I know you aren’t excited about all of the gifts but I promise we will try to make it as fun as possible."
"If you let me have Maggie and Phoebe as my official gift openers then I will plaster on my fake smile and be gracious." I winked.
"Done!" She giggled. "So, I have some news I wanted to talk with you about." Viola seemed nervous, which was very unlike her.
"Sure. What’s going on?"
She looked up and smiled.
"Liam and I discussed adopting last night."
"Really?" My voice rose with surprise and excitement. "Is it a child from one of our homes? Have you already decided on—?" Her small smile provided the ‘yes’ to my questions. "Who?"
"Well, I want to take Abby into our home."
My shock must have been easily read on my face since Viola felt the need to explain.
"Lilli, we want to take Abby in and help her with her baby. We would become the legal guardians until she's of age."
"Viola…" Tears began forming. Damn hormones. "That's so wonderful." Pulling her into my arms, I embraced her tightly.
"Well, we are only just discussing it and have yet to go through any other processes. Besides, I haven’t talked to Maggie or Abby yet. I want both of them to have their say in this." She took a deep breath and exhaled.
"We both know Maggie will be thrilled and supportive." I paused. "Abby, may need some time to think about it, but I’m sure she will realize the opportunity in front of her."
"You think?" Viola looked more nervous.
"Of course." I said firmly, shocking myself with how certain I sounded.
A week had passed before Viola and Liam had spoken with Maggie about Abby. As I predicted, Maggie was thrilled. She couldn’t wait to have a ‘sister’ and to be an ‘aunt’. Hell, Maggie was already planning the nursery between her and Abby’s room.
Aidan was surprised by the news of Viola and Liam adopting a pregnant teenager but was supportive of their decision. Just as I knew he would be. Henry and Anne were, well, they were themselves, large plastered smiles with small remarks about a pregnant teenager. James and Elora, however, were excited for them.