Anticipating the big unveiling, friends and family convened, chuckling and engaging in conversation. I noticed Sarah behind the drinks table, sipping a glass of wine and narrowing her eyes at me as we interacted with our guests. Her presence cast a shadow on the otherwise ideal day. Consistently the optimist, Josh ignored her icy gaze since he was too busy making everyone feel comfortable. “Josh, honey, can you help me with the cake?” In an attempt to keep things on track, I called out. His endearing smile returning, “Sure thing, babe,” he said. “Hey, Sarah, you good over there?”Sarah gave a nod, but her gaze stayed fixed on me. I made an effort to ignore the knot of fear that was growing in my gut. I had been dreaming of this moment for years: the time when we would reveal our baby’s gender. I was determined not to let Sarah spoil it. Josh and I were standing by the large
decorated box as the guests gathered around. Nervousness and excitement beat in my heart. Josh took my hand and gave it a light squeeze. In a whisper, “Ready, love?” he said. As we prepared to pull the cords, Sarah suddenly popped into the circle’s middle while holding an envelope. Her smile was victorious, bordering on predatory. All heads turned to watch her as the chitchat subsided.With a voice full of glee, she exclaimed, “Well-well-well, someone IS a liar here!” “Josh, you were told! It’s not your kid at all. Her comments lingered like an unpleasant stench. My breath stuck in my throat and my heart halted. Looking around, I noticed our friends’ and family’s looks of shock and distrust. This was not taking place. This cannot be taking place. Josh paled and tightened his agonizing grip on my hand. Everyone was waiting for whatever would happen next, and the silence was agonizing. Sarah moved in closer, her arms raised like a flag. “Sarah, what the hell are you talking about?” I choked out, stuttering in my voice.She gave me a sneer. “You were cheating on Josh, and I knew it. I had a DNA test completed. The proof is in this envelope.” Unsure of what to say, I turned to face Josh. Despite seeing the bewilderment in my eyes, he swiftly released my hand and left me alone. Josh moved up to grab the DJ’s mic before I could get the courage to say anything. What could he possibly say? My thoughts were racing as I stood motionless, compelled to wait and pay attention to what my spouse was saying.Josh stated, “You’re right, Sarah,” in a steely, icy voice. “It’s not my child.”Cries went up throughout the throng. Wildfire whispering broke out. My head raced, and I thought I would pass out. Sarah seems just as shocked as I was. “What? You… you knew?” she trailed off, seeming less than certain. Our parents were standing close by, looking shocked and demanding to know why. The confusion that ensued was indistinct. With my thoughts racing, I stood motionless. How could things have gone so terribly wrong? Josh went on, his tone composed and unwavering despite the anxiety. Not biologically mine. However, the child IS mine. The father is me. We never intended to bring up this subject, but it appears that we must now. The problem is that I learned I couldn’t become a parent. I’m unclean.Whispers and gasps filled the room once more. Tears stung my eyes, but I forced myself to hold them back and stood erect next to Josh. He surprised me by pulling me to the spot where he stood and giving me a discreet pat on the hand. “Annie suggested that we adopt a baby,” Josh said, gazing lovingly into my eyes. “Yes, we will. But I wanted her to have the bliss of a biological motherhood. Thus, we made use of a donor. We’ll find out if we’re having a boy or a girl in a matter of minutes.” Sarah’s complexion darkened. She began to stammer and mumble, saying, “I… I didn’t k-know… I apologize.Josh looked at her, his face becoming sterner. “You went too far this time. To be honest, I’m not happy to see you here. You could have discussed that with me in private, but you chose to embarrass Annie instead. Sarah, this is it. I will no longer put up with it. Leave this place now.” Tears clouded Sarah’s eyes. She looked around, but nobody stepped up to support her. It was as though the truth of her error had dawned on her. She turned and hurried out of the backyard, leaving a startled stillness in her wake, without saying anything more. I inhaled deeply as I worked to control my feelings. Josh’s eyes softened as he turned back to face me. Gently, “Are you okay?” he inquired.I nodded, but when I answered, my voice trembled a little. Yes, I’m alright. I appreciate you defending me.” Josh embraced me, his strength and warmth slowing my heartbeat. “Always, Annie. Together, we are in this.”Slowly, the guests’ shocked expressions gave way to nods and grins of encouragement. With pride and love in her eyes, my mother moved forward. “We’re so happy for you both, Annie and Josh,” she added, giving us both a strong hug. I said, “Thank you, Mom,” as if a burden had been lifted. Now that the truth was out, it felt nice to be honest, even with the dramatic reveal. Josh coughed lightly, bringing the group’s focus back to the box. “Now, let’s find out if we’re having a boy or a girl!” As Josh and I pulled on the box’s strings, the crowd became electrified once more. We pulled together, grinning together, and the air was filled with confetti and pink balloons.“We’re having a girl!” With joyous tears running down my cheeks, I exclaimed. With a chorus of applause and cheers from our friends and family, Josh grabbed me off the ground and spun me around. “We’re going to have a daughter,” Josh said, his voice full with excitement, whispering in my ear. “I’m so happy, Annie.” “Me too, Josh,” I said, clinging to his person. “Me too.” Our visitors approached us to offer their congratulations, their initial surprise having given way to sincere joy. My father gave Josh a warm, wet-eyed pat on the back. “You’re going to be a great father, Josh.” Josh said, “Thanks, Dad,” with a big, genuine smile. “I can’t wait.”The initial drama subsided as we celebrated for the remainder of the evening. Joy and laughter rang through the air as we celebrated our pleasure with everyone we cared about. At one point, my best friend Claire took me aside, her eyes sparkling. Annie gave me a quick hug and added, “I’m so happy for you.” And I’m really pleased with the way you managed things. You’ll be a fantastic mother.” I said, “Thank you, Claire,” overcome with thankfulness. “It’s been a crazy day, but I wouldn’t change a thing.” Josh and I sat there together, letting our friends enjoy the evening as the sun started to drop and put a warm glow over the garden. He pulled me in by putting his arm over me.“You know we’re going to be alright no matter what,” he added quietly. We have our baby girl on the way, and we also have each other.” I rested my head on his shoulder and felt incredibly at ease. Josh, you’re right. We will not encounter any problems.” After saying our goodbyes and exchanging embraces with the final guest of the evening, Josh turned to face me with a wry smile. His eyes gleamed with enthusiasm and love as he inquired, “Ready for this adventure, Mom?”“Yes, of course, Dad,” I grinned in return. “Let’s do this.” We then closed the previous chapter and began a new one, prepared to face whatever lay ahead for us both.Here’s another story you might enjoy even more if you thought this one was interesting: It was intended for my baby shower to be a celebration of fresh starts. Rather, it turned into a scene from a soap opera. Instead of greeting us with congratulations, my husband’s ex-wife waltzed in and dropped a bombshell that had everyone in stitches.
