Christmas With The Houstons (Acceptance #4) by D. Kelly Read Free Book Online

now, April, but out of all my children, you’re the one I see with a house full of kids. There’s a reason you became a social worker. Right now they’re just words but I promise you, once your baby boy is born, the way you feel about children will change.”
    “Ha! That’s funny, Mom, keep dreaming.”
    “You think you love him now, April, and you do. But when the doctor places him in your arms, it’s a completely different experience. We’ll see how it all pans out. Hopefully, you’ll have him a little bit early and I’ll be able to see it for myself.”
    “I’m sorry, Mom. I wish it didn’t have to be this way.”
    My entire family is leaving December first for a trip to Italy and Greece. They’re spending fourteen days in each country, visiting family and seeing the sights. It’s been planned for almost two years and because I’m due in December, Jake and I can no longer go. They offered to reschedule the trip until next year, but there’s no way I wanted that on my shoulders. Something was inevitably going to come up; you can’t take a trip with twenty people and expect it to all go smoothly. 
    “I know, sweetie. Just be ready to have your house invaded when we get home. I’m going to need to see my grandson immediately and so will your brother and sisters.”
    “You’re welcome as soon as you come home, I promise.”
    “I’m talking straight from the airport, April.”
    “Mom, I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re not the only one who’s sad you won’t be there. I’ll miss you more than you know.”
    My phone rings and as much as I want it to be Jake, I don’t want to talk to him right now. After I dig it out of my purse, I’m disappointed. It’s not him, it’s work.
    “Hey, Marie.”
    “Hi, April, are you busy?”
    “No, not really. I’m just visiting with my parents, but I’m actually heading home in a few minutes. Do you need something?
    She sighs in relief on the other end of the phone. “Yes, I’m stuck at the station. I was supervising a visit that didn’t go as planned, and things got a little out of control. Mia was having a hard time adjusting last night when I left, and I promised I’d come by before five to check on her, but I’m not going to make it.”
    It’s a little after four.
    “No problem. If I leave now, I should make it as long as there’s no traffic.”
    “April, thank you! You’re a lifesaver.”
    “Don’t even worry about it. I told her I would be by in a few days to check on her, so I’ll just be checking in a little early. I’ll call you when I leave and fill you in.”
    “Sounds good. Thanks again.”
    When I hang up the phone, my mom is chuckling to herself and shaking her head. She looks at me with her all-knowing mom gaze and smiles.
    “What, Mom?”
    “Three will never be enough for you, April. You’ve got too much love inside of you to stop at three.”
    “You’re crazy, old lady. Tell Dad bye for me, will you?” With a kiss on her cheek, I turn to leave.
    “Of course, see you next week for dinner. Love you.”
    “Love you, too, Mom,” I call over my shoulder as I walk outside to my car.
    On the way over to check on Mia, I think about what my mom said about me and kids. She raised me but sometimes I don’t feel like she knows me at all. Growing up in a house with seven kids wasn’t fun. Well, it could be fun, but it was also a lot of hand-me-downs, endless chores, hours of cooking, and after all of it, I’m still not very close with my sisters.
    Maybe it’s because I was always closer with my brother. Johnny and I were like two peas in a pod until we were teenagers. He’s a year older than me and when we moved the summer before my freshman year of high school, he decided to stay at our old school with my sisters but I chose the new school and a new start. I’ve never once regretted that decision… it’s what brought me to Jake.
    It’s only been recently my youngest sister, Sophia, and I have started to get closer.