If Only We Knew by Ancelli Read Free Book Online

eat.
    “What he meant to say is I can’t have kids,” Karen said, staring at Matt.
    “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” Sherry got up, and st alked back into the kitchen.
    “She didn’t know.” Shannon walked over to Karen. “Are you okay?” She touched her on the shoulder.
    “Yes, I’m great,” she said sarcastically, leaning away. “I’m okay with not being able to have kids. We’ve been thinking of adopting.” She looked over at Matt.
    “I’m happy for you guys. I know you’ll make good parents.” Shannon sat down.
    Matt finished eating , getting up and entered the kitchen to wash his plate. “Thank you, Mom. It was delicious as always.” He washed the plate and put it on the rack.
    “I could’ve done that,” Sherry said, not looking at him.
    He walked over to Sherry and hugged her. “You’re okay.” Then he left the kitchen.
    Karen stood up. “It’s been nice.”
    “Is the baby still sticking his feet in your ribs?” Matt asked star ing at Shannon belly .
    “Not really. Now the baby likes to push on my bladder. That doesn’t hurt, but it makes me run to the bathroom.” She smiled, touching her round belly . “How’s your uncle’s therapy coming along?”
    “He’s doing great. Therapy has helped him a lot. When you see him, you won’t even notice he had a stroke.” Matt moved towards the door. “I have something for you. I’ll be right back.”
    “I’ll wait in the car.” Karen followed him out.
    When Matt came back in , her mom and sister were sitting next to Shannon on the couch.
    “Oh, Matt, that’s beautiful,” Shannon said, trying to get up. Sherry pushed her up.
    Matt had a hand-carved wood bassinet in his hands with blue lace wrapped around it. “It was my brother’s and then mine when we were newborns,” he said, staring back at her. “I want you to have it.”
    “Matt, are you sure? You should keep it in your family.” She got teary-eyed.
    He caressed the side of her face. “You’re family to me. I know where to come if I ever get the opportunity to have one of my own.” He took her hand.
    Shannon pulled him in for a hug. “Thank you, this means so much to me,” she whispered in his ear.
    He hugged her tighter, with her big baby bump between them. “You’re so very welcome, Mamita. ”
    She saw the way her mother and sister just stared at their interaction.
    He pulled away and gently kissed her. “I’ll see you later.” He rubbed her belly before turning then walked over to her mom and sister, bending down to kiss them goodbye as well.
    He walked out the door, closing it behind him.
    “What was that?” her mom asked.
    “Yeah, Shannon,” Sherry said. “What was that?”
    Shannon rolled her eyes. “I’m tired. I’m going to take a nap. Thank you for everything. I love you guys,” she said, walking to her bedroom.
     
***
     
    Matt opened the door to h is SUV , and jumped in. He could tell Karen was agitated by the way she looked. She sat with her arms crossed.
    “Why did you give her our bassinet?” She asked a nnoyed at him.
    “I gave her my bassinet because we aren’t using it.” He turned on the car and drove off.
    “It’s been in your family since your brother was born. Why give it to her? Your brother might have a baby someday.”
    “I gave it to her because she’s like family to me. When, and if, Andrew has a baby, she’ll have no problem giving it back to him. You told Shannon we were thinking of adopting. I guess you changed your mind?” He glanced at her.
    “I told her about the adoption because I didn’t want her sympathy. After losing our baby, I don’t want kids.”
    “You made that decision without discussing it with me. We are married, Karen. Those kinds of decisions should be made together. You knew I wanted kids.”
    “I can’t have kids, Matt!” she yelled, facing him.
    “I’m sorry about that, but there are other ways. We can get a surrogate or adopt. I don’t care if the child is biologically mine or