Marisol gasps, acting scandalized while clearly loving every second. “And now?” Her tone turns serious. “Are you playing around with her, Rasmus?”
The question hits like a slap, even though I know she means well. She’s looking out for Haisley, which I’m grateful for. “No games. It’s serious. We actually have some big news to share.”
I glance at Haisley, and she gives me a small, reassuring smile that settles the nerves fluttering in my chest. Marisol studies us both and her face breaks into a beaming grin, not letting me finish. “Bueno, then I suppose we can forgive the way you two met. Especially if there's going to be a little sobrino or sobrina in the future.”
Haisley freezes beside me as my aunt uses the Spanish terms for nephew and niece, and so do I.
“Tía,” I say slowly, “how did you—? I didn’t have a chance to tell you!”
She winks. “You’re not as subtle as you think, mijo. And I saw the way she touched her stomach just now. A mother knows.”
Haisley swallows, then smiles faintly. “It’s still early. We haven’t told many people yet.”
“Well, you’ve told the right people now,” Marisol says with fierce affection, her eyes shining with happiness. “Congratulations. I don’t even have words to describe how delighted I am to hear the blessed news. This baby is going to grow up with so much love around them.”
“And they’ll probably have a custom jersey or two by the time they’re born,” Manu jokes, still grinning. “Congrats, you two.”
“Thanks, primo.”
“Just promise me you’ll take care of each other. And bring her to Mexico soon. I want to meet this brilliant girl in person before she starts waddling,” Marisol adds.
“I’m not sure how I feel about being called a waddler,” Haisley says with a dry smile, but she’s clearly charmed.
“Get used to it, Preciosa. You’re family now. Speaking of which…”
Haisley laughs as Marisol starts rapid-firing questions next.
When is the baby due?
Do you know if it’s a boy or girl?
Are you moving in together?
When do I get to meet you in person?
Haisley answers each question like she’s been part of the family for years. No nerves, no awkwardness. Only ease and confidence. Even through the small FaceTime screen, I can see how naturally she fits. She’s curled up beside me on the couch, talking to my aunt and cousin like she’s known them forever. It knocks the wind out of me in the best way.
After another question, Marisol presses a hand to her chest, her eyes misty again. “I’m so glad you’re now ours, Haisley. Whether you like it or not.”
“I think I like it,” she replies.
“She’s a keeper,” Manu comments, his grin aimed at me. “You better not screw this up, primo.”
“I’m working on being worthy of her.”
Haisley glances up at me like she wasn’t expecting that. I give her a soft smile, and she returns it without hesitation. The conversation continues with more questions.
We say our goodbyes a few minutes later, after promises to call again soon.
When the screen goes black, Haisley sets the phone down on the coffee table and leans back into the cushions with a soft exhale. “Your aunt is kind of a force of nature.”
“Yeah, she is. But I wouldn’t want her to change,” I chuckle, still grinning after the call. “She reminds me a lot of my abuela.”
She turns to look at me, her expression soft. “It’s clear that she loves you. A lot. Same with your cousin.”
“I’m lucky to have them both, even if we live thousands of miles apart.”
“And now I’m lucky to also know them.”
