Then Kelsey set down her fork, giving Trevor that silent, loaded glance that married couples share. It was time.

“Mom,” Trevor began, his eyes shining as he tapped his glass. “We’ve got some big news. Baby number five is on the way.”

The children erupted. “A baby! When? Is it a boy or a girl?”

Kelsey leaned back, a hand resting protectively on her stomach, glowing. Trevor beamed like a man who had just won the lottery. My own smile felt like a mask I was struggling to keep from cracking. Inside, my heart sank like a stone in a well. A fifth child. Another cycle of diapers, sleepless nights, and surrendered days. I knew exactly what this meant: they would lean on me harder than ever.

A few evenings later, the other shoe dropped. Trevor asked me to stay after the kids were asleep, his tone carefully rehearsed.