Nikki stares at me. I’m sure she doesn’t want to hear about work or my life in New York. I could say something like, “Well, I landed a couple of new accounts. In January, I’m going to London for some training. There are so many opportunities within the company, I can’t just slow down.”

If I say any of that she’s going to lecture me. That’s definitely a conversation for another month. I love my family, but they think I’m overdoing it and it’d be better if I start my own company here, at home.

They just don’t understand. There’re people younger than me with better positions.

“We’re glad you made it,” she says, smiling at her tiny baby. “Are you staying for Thanksgiving?”

I nod. “As long as you guys come to New York over Christmas as we agreed.”

“I wish we could say no. Flying with an infant, a toddler, and a very energetic seven-year-old boy is going to be…I might lose my sanity. Nonetheless, Mom already planned the entire week. Even New Year’s Eve.”

“So I’ve heard.”

Actually, I was able to get them a rental so they can save on hotel accommodations. We’re driving to Vermont for that weekend because Dad and Thomas want to ski. I already made reservations at a resort in Kentbury.

“I can’t believe you convinced her to travel during the holidays.”

“What can I say? I can be pretty persuasive. Plus, you’ll have her, Dad, and Thomas to help you guys during the flight.”

At that moment, as if I had summoned him, Thomas enters the room, holding a cup of coffee or maybe it’s tea.

“Chai latte, room temperature for the new mother,” he says, handing it to Craig and then hugging me. “The baby sister has arrived. You missed the theatrical appearance.”

“It wasn’t theatrical,” Nikki complains.

“Craig caught Aiden midair. The doctor wasn’t even in the room.”

“Wow, that’s quite an adventure,” I say, not trying to think about how that scene would’ve looked like. “Aren’t you lucky your husband is a doctor?”

“I haven’t delivered a baby since my residency. That was years ago,” Craig says. “But I’m glad we had it under control.”

“You two look tired, maybe we should leave,” I say.

“Let’s go for dinner,” Thomas suggests. “We have to be at Mom’s house by seven. If you haven’t heard, we’re camping in the living room. I set the tent already.”

“Take me away before I try to get me one of those from the nursery.”

“I’ll be watching you,” Craig warns me but smiles.

Like I would take a baby. I do want one, but how do I get one of those?

“Can you knock up one of your one-night stands and gift me the baby?”