Page 221 of Say My Name

“She was.”

His fingers tap once against the countertop. “Are you happy now?”

The answer is immediate.

“Yes.”

Sophie enters the apartment lugging a pink duffel bag that looks heavy enough to tip her over.

“Uncle Dominic, tell Dad I can pack my own suitcase.”

Cliff comes in behind her with a second bag. “She packed three stuffed animals, seven books, four bathing suits, and no socks.”

“The hotel has a pool,” Sophie says.

“We’re staying here.”

“You have a pool too.”

“It’s December.”

“It’s inside.”

Theo squeezes past them, sees me, and raises both arms. “Up.”

“Hello, Theo.”

“Hi. Up.”

I lift him, and he immediately begins telling me about the dinosaur display in the hotel lobby where they stopped to use the restroom. I catch the words “teeth,” “giant,” and the phrase “Dad scared.”

“I was not scared,” Cliff calls from across the room.

Elena comes down the hall, and Sophie drops her bag to run to her.

“Aunt Elena!”

“Careful,” Cliff says.

Elena crouches enough to receive the hug without letting Sophie hit her stomach at full speed. Cliff notices. So do I.

Sophie leans back. “Dad says you’re having a baby.”

“I am.”

“Can I help name it?”

“No,” Cliff and I answer together, the response so instinctive it’s startling.

Elena looks between us. “That was unsettling.”

Sophie plants her hands on her hips. “I have good names.”

“What are they?” Elena asks.

“Princess Sparkle if it’s a girl. For a boy…” She pauses. “Maybe Kevin.”

“Strong range,” Rachel says as she walks in carrying two large paper bags.