A few days later I’m at the playground with Alfred swaddled to my chest. But this time, I’m not alone. Caroline, Grace, and their kids have come to spend the morning with me and Alfred. Today must be my lucky day, because Flora has the day off and is able to come as well. It feels so nice to be surrounded by family and friends.
I can’t stop smiling as we sip coffee and watch all the kids toddle around the playground. I look at Caroline and Grace, both gorgeous in their understated designer duds, and wonder if we look like a group of posh moms, or maybe like we should be on some reality show. I didn’t wear anything fancy today, though, just my same old blouse and jeans. Boring.
“Ciara, how are you doing with the wedding? I thought my mom would get her way for sure,” Caroline says, taking a sip of her coffee.
“I was against it at first, but I’m warming to the idea.” I shrug.
“I’m so excited for you!” Flora shrieks. “Caroline, have you started thinking of dress designs?” she asks. I shoot Flora an exasperated look. I haven’t even talked to Caroline about dresses, let alone asked her to design mine. Thanks Flora.
“I’d be flattered to design the dress, if that’s what Ciara wants, of course,” Caroline says gracefully.
My heart swells with happiness.
“After all, who wouldn’t want a Caroline Leonard original?” she quips. We all burst out laughing because Caroline’s waitlist is like years and years long. As Caroline shares some funny stories about wedding gowns, I think of the kind of dress she would design for me. I don’t want a big, poofy ball-gown kind of dress, just something slimming that will make my post-baby body look great.
Once we’ve exhausted the dress talk, Flora changes the subject. “How are you adjusting to staying at home?” she asked me. “I know it wasn’t part of the plan.”
“It’s been kind of hard,” I sigh. “I already missed a twin delivery and a breech baby.” It was embarrassing enough telling them all what happened at work, but surprisingly everyone’s been supportive.
“You’re lucky to have the chance to really cherish these moments,” Grace says. “They go by so quickly!”
Caroline nods. “Alfred isn’t going to be this little forever. You have to savor this time because you won’t get it back.”
Everyone sounds like a broken record, but I’m so happy they aren’t judging me for having to take more leave.
“But what about you?” Flora asked. “How are you handling it?”
She’s so sweet for thinking about me. She’s such a good friend.
“I don’t want to sound heartless. I love Alfred with all my might, and I treasure the time I get to spend with him, but I still find myself bored and lonely sometimes.” I tug at my ponytail feeling awkward.
“I know what it’s like to feel lonely,” Grace says, rolling her eyes. “Sometimes I feel like Murphy would rather play golf than spend an afternoon together.” We all chuckle.
“No guy in his right mind should pass up an opportunity to spend time with Grace,” Caroline says.
Grace shrugs. “I guess Murphy’s mind must not be right.” I’m about to ask her what she means by that when her face lights up and she turns to me.
She smiles at me triumphantly. “Ciara,I know exactly what you should do.”