“But you’re having a baby,” her mother states with her hands up, gesturing to Ligaya’s stomach.
“We are co-parenting,” Ligaya says.
“And we’re having twins,” I blurt, her parents’ elation prompting me to share more good news.
The squealing that follows could shatter glass. Her mom hugs her. Her dad hugs me. Her mom hugs me. Then her dad takes a selfie with us. They send it to her sister, Amihan, who is stuck in Texas.
In a flash, we’re on a video call and everyone is talking at once. I nod and smile and let the warmth of the Torres family wash over me. They are so affectionate and easy with each other. I’m already dreading my parents’ reaction, which will have none of the natural warmth that emanates from Orlando and Cathy. Not sure exactly what my parents will say, but I doubt clapping and squealing will ensue. Not sure they’recapableof clapping and squealing.
I lock eyes with Ligaya. While my mind wandered, she had been watching me. Before I know it, our hands are entwined. She squeezes and so do I.
“You ready for this, Tristan?” Ami asks from the blurry screen. Although the picture is badly pixelated, her warning tone is loud and clear.
It would be easy to be insulted by Ami’s condescension, but honestly, I kind of admire how much she looks out for her younger sister. She’s fierce and protective and only ever has Ligaya’s well-being in mind. I concede to her authority not because of intimidation, but because of awe. She’s able to look out for her sister in a way that I wanted to look out for Olive. I never had the chance.
“Yes. I am more than ready to take care of Ligaya and the twins.”
“How will this work with playing hockey? Are you moving to Centerstone so you can help with the kids? Will your hockey schedule even work with—”
“Ate, enough,” Ligaya interrupts. “We’ll figure it out. Lots of hockey players have kids. It won’t be a problem.”
“I’ll move closer if that’s what Ligaya needs. I’ll do anything,” I state honestly.
“How about during the pregnancy? You’ll get her those ridiculous chips she’s obsessed with? Rub her stinky feet? Set up a nursery? Say sorry when you’re wrong?”
Ligaya is shaking her head and glaring at the screen. She’s about to complain about her sister’s line of questioning. I jump in.
“Yes to all of those things, and I’ll try to get her to eat vegetables to balance out those disgusting chips.”
“My feet do not stink!” Ligaya exclaims.
Ami rolls her eyes, and I simply squeeze my baby mama’s hand.
“What if I’m not wrong? Do I still need to apologize?” I ask playfully.
Ligaya’s father chuckles.
“Son, that’s when youreallyneed to apologize.”
“Yes, sir,” I address him, and we clink our drinks.
Cathy pats my cheek. “You’re family now.”
I’m speechless.You’re family now.I don’t know what exactly I expected tonight, but this kind of joy, this level of acceptance . . . I never dared to hope her parents would be so supportive.
“Help Ligaya set up themahjongset,” Cathy says, shooing us away. “We have to go, Amihan, the guests are arriving soon.”
“What’s themahjongset?” I inquire. “Is it hard to set up?”
“Didn’t I mention?” Ligaya states mischievously. “We eat, drink, sing, dance, and gamble. I hope you brought cash. I’m fleecing you tonight.”
She walks out of the room, and I follow without hesitation. The last few minutes had been a bit overwhelming in the best way.
Her family is welcoming and kind to me. Ligaya looks so relieved, she’s glowing. I’m damn ecstatic because I get to eat, drink, and . . . did she say gamble? Anyway, I get to do all of that with the one woman I can’t stop thinking about. And if that wasn’t enough Christmas miracles, there are two babies growing inside her.
That’s when it hits me: it’sher. No matter how or when we told the world, and whether or not I was accepted in the family, it is Ligaya’s willingness to share this future with me that is the best miracle of all.
CHAPTER 24
