“We’ve waited so long for this.”We signed the paperwork in a conference room. Mr. Pierce, the Hollisters’ attorney, slid pages toward me with a pen that probably cost more than my rent. He didn’t smile, but lawyers never did, so I let that go too.
The first trimester passed in a blur of saltines and overtime.
Vanessa came to the early appointments wearing soft sweaters and perfume. She’d rest a hand on my belly and whisper:
“A healthy little one. That’s all we want. Just a healthy one.”
I’d nod.