She was trying to sound shocked that I’d disparaged myself, but she sounded more relieved that I was honest

I looked at the double pink lines, then picked up the other test from the sink vanity. Also double pink lines. I’d taken two just to make absolutely sure.

“Hello, baby.” I closed my eyes and smiled. The warmth that oozed through my body was something I hadn’t felt in a while. I kept my eyes closed a minute longer, letting the feeling overwhelm me. I’m going to have another baby. I thought those days were past me, when no babies came after Tzvi. I’d done my mourning. But a new day is dawning.

I popped my eyes open. Should’ve kept them shut, bathrooms are not the most glamorous places to be contemplating and celebrating life. The hamper was starting to overflow, the toothpaste was uncapped — later, I’d deal with this later. I needed to get dressed, make myself all presentable and official looking; I was “doing lunch” with Yehudis Schloss.

***

When I got there, she was already sitting in a corner table, nursing a coffee. I looked at my watch — five minutes early. Yehudis 1, Chana 0. She looked up at me, and broke out her megawatt smile. Which was kinda nice of her, considering that the last time we saw each other I was making a bumbling mockery of her event.

“Rebbitzen Schwartzberg, good to see you.” I wish she’d drop the title, it would help my breathing.

I took a seat and accepted the proffered menu.

“They make an excellent kale salad. And their Skinny Caramel Macchiatos taste full fat!”

I waved a hand and laughed. “If I’m indulging, I do it all the way.”

Yehudis raised a brow, and, after a too-long pause, gave a small chuckle.

I glanced over the menu, all the usual, Penne alla Vodka, Fettuccine Alfredo, Salad Nicoise, blah blah blah. What do we have here, Eggs Benedict, I’ve never had them, only heard of them. I read the description: English muffin topped with poached eggs, smoked salmon, and hollandaise sauce. A bajillion calories of yum.

A waitress approached. “Ready to order?” Yehudis waved her hand to send her off. “She just came—”

“I’m ready,” I interrupted. Yehudis gave me a surprised look. “Eggs Benedict, please, and a latte.”

“Would you like the eggs with a croissant, or an English muffin?”

“Always go with more.” I gave the waitress a little wink. “I’ll take the croissant.”

“Skim, regular, or full milk in the latte?”

“Full.”

The waitress took our menus and left.

“I wish I was a bit thinner and could indulge like that,” Yehudis said. I suddenly was conscious of my waistband digging into me.