Alma and I share our plans for the day. It’s supposed to be a warm late-April day, so I propose a long walk to the park. Alma likes my plan. When breakfast is over, I carry Libby up to change from her pajamas. We giggle and play as she attempts to run around in only her diaper. Eventually I win and wrestle her into her first outfit of the day.
Liberty and I are still laughing as we approach the top of the stairs at the same time Alma opens the front door. We made so much noise I didn’t hear the doorbell. I stand frozen holding Liberty in my arms as Adrian stares at me while holding her baby carrier. My heart pounds loudly in my chest as my palms begin to sweat. Her eyes are locked on mine, there is no way she doesn’t see us.
This is karma for not divulging my secret by now. I knew this day would come, I just wanted to control the narrative. I mentally berate myself for not telling Hamilton already. I gather myself as I descend the stairs. Liberty waves at our guests. Alma recognizes Adrian from our many video calls and stands frozen in the doorway. I’m sure she’s as shocked as I am.
I hug Adrian awkwardly with Libby on my hip and over her baby carrier. “What are you doing all the way down here?” My voice squeaks showing my surprise. “Alma, please help Adrian come inside.”
Alma snaps back to the present inviting Adrian to come in while assisting her with the diaper bag. I keep Libby on my lap to prevent her investigating the new baby.
“I missed my best friend. I spend too much time at home alone, so I decided to drive down and surprise you.” She tilts her head while squinting at Libby. “But you win. Your surprise beats my surprise visit.” Adrian pulls her daughter, Isabella, from her carrier.
Here we go—I can avoid this no longer. I allow my squirming daughter down and she toddles close to Adrian to get a better look. Liberty places her palms on Adrian’s knees while she peeks at the sleeping infant. Alma excuses herself to the kitchen for drinks.
“She looks just like Hamilton,” Adrian blurts before I may explain. “Funny though, my friend denied on more than one occasion having ‘taken a nap’ with him.” I want to smile at her signaling air quotes with her free hand while talking in code.
“I didn’t lie. I promise. If you look closely you will see there is no way that I ‘took a nap’ with anyone in the off season. It happened in early June before he went to Des Moines. I’ve wanted to tell all of you, but I have to wait until I tell him.”
“Momma,” Liberty’s voice draws my attention. She points at the tiny baby in Adrian’s arms. She looks back to me and nods her head. This is her way of asking permission.
Adrian sensing Libby’s desire to see the baby suggests, “Let’s give the baby to your mommy and I will help you get closer.” Scooting next to me on the sofa Adrian extends her six-week-old daughter to me. “Bella, this is Madison,” Adrian’s voice morphs into the tone of a mother.
I cuddle her tiny, bald baby. “Hi, Bella.” My free hand straightens her tiny pink headband. No doubt Adrian places it on her head so others know she is a girl. “She’s so tiny.”
“I’m sure this one was once that tiny,” Adrian retorts while lifting Libby into her lap so my daughter can see.
“Actually, she was nine pounds three ounces and 23” long at birth. I don’t think Bella is quite there yet. I didn’t get the opportunity to hold anyone this tiny.” I smile at Adrian. “Liberty, this is mommy’s friend Adrian.” I point and Liberty smiles. “Adrian, this is my daughter Liberty. We call her Libby.”
Adrian greets Libby, but my daughter is more interested in the tiny one in my arm. She points at Bella then looks up at Adrian. “Can you say baby? Baby?”
Libby shakes her head then extends her arms. I imagine she thinks Bella is a baby doll like the ones we play with most evenings.
“Libby go get your baby and show it to Adrian.” She climbs down and toddles to her toy basket beside Alma’s rocking chair. She doesn’t show it to Adrian. Instead she plops down and proceeds to pull every toy out of the basket onto the carpet around her. Her short attention span allows me to talk to Adrian.