Chapter 41 Visitors
The doorbell rang before Lily had even finished straightening the living room. Emma, nestled in the bouncer, cooed softly, tiny hands reaching toward the sound. Lily glanced at Ethan, who was kneeling beside the crib, brushing a soft hand over Emma’s tiny head. He gave her a small, reassuring smile. “Here we go,” he whispered. Her mother had warned her this morning. “They’ll be excited, but remember—you set the pace. Don’t feel like you have to entertain or explain everything.” Lily nodded, but as she opened the door, her chest tightened. Standing there were her two best friends from high school, arms laden with gifts: soft blankets, a hand-knitted hat, and a tiny stuffed bear. Behind them were Ethan’s parents, looking more nervous than she expected, and a small bouquet of flowers clut
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