When I wondered whether I still looked like myself, he said, « You look like the woman I love carrying the child we prayed for. »
***
That morning, surrounded by peonies, lanterns, and tiny seed packets tied with cream ribbon, I believed him completely.
Our backyard had never looked so beautiful.
Mom had spent weeks planning every detail.
« You look like the woman I love carrying the child we prayed for. »
White roses climbed a wooden arch near the patio. Pale pink flowers filled mismatched glass jars she had collected from thrift stores. Each table held a packet of wildflower seeds stamped with the words, « Love makes beautiful things grow. »
She had even covered the old fence with strands of greenery.
« You know the fence is still brown behind there, » I told her.
« Today it isn’t! » she said.
