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Or will they just be Hannah\u2019s baby\u2019s grandparents? I didn\u2019t have an answer. The baby shower invitation came when I was 8 and 1\/2 months pregnant. Hannah was 6 months along, and Patricia had planned an elaborate garden party at their estate. The invitation was addressed only to me, no plus-one for Marcus. When I called to ask if he could attend, my mother sighed dramatically.<\/p>\n
Lauren, this is Hannah\u2019s day. We want to keep it intimate. Just family.<\/p>\n
Marcus is family. I said, \u201cYou know what I mean.<\/p>\n
I should have declined right then.\u201d Marcus certainly thought I should, but some small, pathetic part of me hoped that seeing me this pregnant, this vulnerable, might trigger some maternal instinct in Patricia. Maybe she\u2019d realize she was about to have two grandchildren. maybe things would finally balance out. I was so stupidly hopeful.<\/p>\n
The baby shower was scheduled for a Saturday in June. I was 37 weeks pregnant, and my doctor had cleared me for the outing with strict instructions to stay hydrated and sit frequently. My due date was 3 weeks away, and I felt like I was carrying a bowling ball between my hips. Walking was uncomfortable. Standing for more than 10 minutes made my back scream.<\/p>\n
Marcus drove me to my parents estate in Lake Oiggo. Their property sprawled across three acres with manicured gardens and a view of the lake.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrowing up there, I\u2019d always felt like I was living in a hotel. Beautiful, but impersonal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCall me if you need anything,\u201d Marcus said, kissing my forehead.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean it,\u201d Lauren.<\/p>\n