And that stung worse than the banner ever did. Earlier I’d looked at Diane’s joy and thought about everything my mother was missing.
Now I finally saw what that joy was asking for. Diane wasn’t making room for herself as Grandma.
She was taking room from me as Mom.
Every gift went the same way.
So I stopped smiling. I just sat there with my hands in my lap.
I found Levi’s eyes across the circle, and this time I didn’t give him the little head shake. I didn’t squeeze his hand. I let him see everything.
He started to rise.
Diane tapped her glass first. “I have one final surprise.”
I let him see everything.
My stomach clenched.
“Since we’re all family here, it’s time to tell you. Our little boy is going to be named Benjamin.”
Applause. Delighted gasps.
I didn’t clap. I thought I was going to be sick. Judging by the look on Levi’s face, he shared my disgust.
Benjamin was the one name Diane knew we’d never use.
I thought I was going to be sick.
It was Levi’s father’s name.
