Page 120 of Family Bonds- Gabriela & Luca

“You’d have child care and for nights or weekends, you’d have us or your partner.”

“And that is how it’s going to be. I’m not asking you to do it, I’m just saying, I’m his partner. This isn’t permanent. Don’t think that. He knows it and I know it and I was clear it couldn’t be. He’s going to need time to find a nanny or some kind of care in place for the morning and days. I can be the one to put the baby to bed at night though if need be. There is still time to work it out.”

Her mother sighed. “I can tell there is no talking you out of this?”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “Why would you do that? This isn’t a bad thing.”

“It’s not really great either,” her mother said. “I’m not trying to rain on your parade. You’re my daughter and I worry about you. This is a lot. And it’s a new relationship on top of it. Like you said, you don’t know what the future holds for you both and what if you get attached and things don’t work out with you and Luca?”

She sighed. “Mom, that’s a lot of what ifs when there are more that will come on sooner. We need to focus on them first.”

Her mother was silent for a second, then asked, “When is the baby due?”

“Mid-May. She’s still in the second trimester. He’s talked to an attorney who deals with adoption and they were going to get it lined up with the best agency they have a relationship with. There will be home visits and certifications. I’m positive there won’t be an issue with him.”

“Most likely not. Not if it’s a private adoption and he has a good attorney.”

“He’s going through Bond Law. I’ll be part of some visits, but not completely. We aren’t married or engaged. So he has to do this on his own and the plan is a nanny on the days he’s working. The fact that someone might only work five days and get ten off could be attractive. Maybe even someone from Boston staying with him those five days and then going back.”

“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that. That might actually work.”

“See, you make it sound like he’s flying blind. He’s not. We aren’t. Mom, I know you’re concerned. I called because I had to talk to someone, but we are trying to keep it quiet since it’s in the early phases. Anything can happen. Taylor could change her mind, though I’m not sure she will.”

“You never know until it’s finalized.” Her mother waited a second. “I’m not trying to be critical. I’m just concerned.”

“I know. I love you for that.” She looked at her watch and had to cut this conversation soon. “I know you always think I’m full of fun and laughter.”

“You’re a very serious person, Gabriela. We all know it. Don’t kid yourself. It’s not that. You’ll make a wonderful mother someday. I just thought...”

“You thought it’d be withmychild first. I thought it too. But at my age, there is a great chance I’d be dating or end up with someone with a child. I knew that.”

“But this is different.”

“No one should put their life on hold for a few months’ relationship, Mom. That is my stance and that is what I told him.”

“So you encouraged him to do this?”

Maybe this call wasn’t that great of an idea, but it had to be done. “I didn’t encourage him to do that. I encouraged him to go with his heart and assured him I’d be here regardless. If he changes his mind, it’s still not going to change mine. I think that is the mature thing to do, don’t you?”

“Very,” her mother said, the pride coming through. “And you know as well as I do, that I’ll help anyway I can.”

“Thanks, Mom. Oh, and one more thing before I go.”

“I’m almost afraid to ask,” her mother said, her voice wary.

“This is good. Kind of funny. Definitely funny. Everyone in the office found out I’m dating Luca now. So there, it’s out in the open.”

“That’s good. How did they find out?”

“I told them,” she said cheerfully. “Or I told Kate and then said she could spread the news. She did my work for me.”

“Gabriela! You never change.”

“Nope. And I’m not going to.”

35

ALL THE GOOD THINGS