The Dinner

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the table set in the garden. Audrey and Liam sat across from each other, the remnants of their meal—a shared plate of risotto and a simple salad scattered between them. The clinking of silverware and the distant chirping of crickets filled the evening air, but the weight of the conversation ahead hung heavily between them.

“Are you sure about this?” Liam asked, his brow furrowing as he leaned forward. “Once you make that decision, there’s no turning back.”

Audrey took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on the flickering candle in the center of the table. “I’ve thought about it a lot, Liam. This isn’t just a whim. I need to take control of my life, and that means making choices that might not please everyone.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just don’t want you to regret it later. It’s a big step.”

“I know,” she replied, finally meeting his eyes. “But if I don’t do this now, I’ll always wonder what could have been. Sometimes, you have to leap into the unknown.”

The two sat in silence for a moment, the tension mingling with the aroma of fresh herbs in the air. It was a pivotal moment, and the stakes were high. But in the heart of that garden, under the soft glow of twilight, Audrey felt a surge of determination. “I’m going to do it.”

Liam nodded slowly. 

“If I don’t have this baby now, when will I ever get the chance again?”

The topic of the conversation was heavy, and it weighed on the duo. Liam was apprehensive about Audrey going forth with the pregnancy while Audrey was determined to keep the baby and become the mother she always wanted to be. It was a secret desire, one that she kept close to the chest. For a long time, she never gave children much thought. And then she reached her thirties and it dawned on her that she had never had a meaningful relationship with anyone. She had never found the right person, she guessed, or maybe the right person didn’t exist for her. And this pregnancy, it happened after a night of drunken passion with a man she met at a bar. She couldn’t even remember his name. 

Liam shook his head, taking a sip of wine. “You’ll have other chances. Besides, don’t you think a child should have two parents?”

“You could be the surrogate father,” she grinned, knowing exactly what he would say. 

Liam rolled his eyes. He stuffed a bite of risotto into his mouth. “A gay man as a surrogate father, yeah that’ll go over well with your conservative family.”

“Oh come on, you love kids,” she said with a laugh. “Besides, I just think it’s time for me to do something big, you know? All my life has been ever since graduating college has been work, work, work and sure, a night out at a bar every now and then, usually with you dragging me there by the scruff of the neck. And I…oh, I don’t know. I just think it’s time I do something big with my life and what’s bigger than a baby?”

“But having a baby is a big deal, Audrey. It’s not like getting a puppy or a kitten like this is a little human we’re talking about, one that you’ll be solely responsible for for at least eighteen years.”

She paused, letting his words sink in, her brow furrowing as she considered the weight of what he was saying. It wasn’t just the content of his message that struck her; it was the sincerity in his voice and the urgency behind his plea.

She leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping lightly on the table as she processed the implications of his words. Each sentence seemed to peel back layers of her own thoughts and fears, exposing truths she had been reluctant to confront. It was as if he had opened a door to a room she had long kept locked, filled with doubts and aspirations she had buried beneath the surface.

What if he was right? What if the path she was on was leading her away from everything she truly wanted? Like a successful career? She could feel a flicker of hope mingling with her uncertainty, igniting a desire to explore possibilities she had once dismissed.

As she gazed at the sky she watched the last rays of sunlight disappear behind the horizon, she felt the weight of his words pressing on her heart. She wanted to be brave enough to embrace change, to step into the unknown, but was she ready to let go of the familiar?

Taking a deep breath, she met his gaze once more, determination hardening in her chest. “I’m going to keep the baby.” She said. The weight of her words both excited her and terrified her. She knew that having a child was no easy task and not for the weak of heart. She knew, just by watching her sister with her own children, that raising a child was hard and difficult and emotionally draining. But she saw how fulfilled her sister was, how happy she was to be a mother, and how much joy her girls brought to her. And her nieces brought joy to her, too. Watching them grow up has been one of the greatest events of her life. And she thought about how much more meaningful it would be if it was her own child that she got to watch grow and flourish. 

As Liam groaned, Audrey smiled, digging into her risotto. “What? Are you afraid you’re losing a bar buddy?”

“Yes,” Liam said, exasperated. “You’re my wing gal, Audrey. I get the cutest guys whenever you come with me to the bar.”

She leaned her head back and laughed. “But think about how much fun it’ll be?”

“I’m thinking about how difficult it’s going to be. You have a career, Audrey, a successful one. And all that is going to come to a halt just for you to have a child. And then you have to think about daycare arrangements and leaving your child with strangers so you can work. Doesn’t that scare you?”

“Mom watched Jill’s kids when they were little while she worked,” Audrey shrugged, sipping her water. “I bet she’ll do the same for me.”

“But your career, Audrey!”

“My career will be just fine, Liam. My job offers a paid month off for maternity leave. I’ll take that and pick up where I left off.”

Liam shook his head, twisting his fork around in the risotto. “I just think you’re making a mistake.”

“Think about it, Liam. I’ve never been in a lasting relationship-”

“Yeah, due to you being such a workaholic.”

“-And I have no real desire for one. I mean, what are the chances of me meeting the right guy in this city and then settling down and having a kid?”

“High,” he mumbled with his face in his hands. “Good men exist, Audrey, and they aren’t all gay like I am.”

She shrugged. “I haven’t met one yet. And you know, I’ve always wanted a child. I mean, I never expressed it but ever since Jill had Cadie ten years ago, I wondered what it would be like to have a child. And I see Jill and how she is so fulfilled in being a mother. Like, she has it all. A career, children-”

“And a husband.”

“Yes, and a husband,” Audrey rolled her eyes. “There are plenty of single moms out there that do it on their own and get along just fine.”

“I know that, I was raised by one. And she had it rough, Audrey. Mom had to fight every damn day for me to have a good life, she had to work two jobs just to support me and my brother.”

“But I won’t have to do that. I’m a corporate attorney, I make $165,580 a year.”

“Okay, fair enough. But I still think you’re diving headfirst into this without really thinking about the reality of the situation. I mean, what are you going to tell the kid about who their father is?”

“I’ll be honest with them when they’re old enough to understand. No big deal.”

“Ugh, Audrey, yes it is.”

“Look, I’m already six weeks along. You know how this state is with its abortion laws. I don’t really have a choice.”

“Yes you do, you could put it up for adoption. Give it to some wealthy couple who will be able to give it everything it needs.”

The thought of giving up her child stirred a whirlwind of emotions within her, leaving her unsettled and profoundly troubled. It felt as if a dark cloud had settled over her heart, weighing her down with an overwhelming sense of loss and despair. How could she even contemplate such a drastic decision? The mere idea sent shivers through her, igniting a fierce instinct to protect and nurture the tiny life that was thriving within her.

“No,” she said quietly. “I can’t do that.”

Liam stared at her, a mixture of concern and exasperation swirling within him. He had known her long enough to recognize the familiar spark in her eyes—the unmistakable sign of her stubbornness flaring up like a wildfire. This was the same determination that had driven her to achieve so much, yet it was also the very thing that often led her into conflict.

He took a moment to study her, noticing how her jaw tightened and her brow furrowed, a clear indication that she was firmly rooted in her stance. Liam had witnessed this dance before, where her passion blinded her to the potential pitfalls ahead. It was both admirable and frustrating, a duality that made him appreciate her spirit while also wishing she would consider other perspectives.

“Come on, you know this isn’t easy for me,” he finally said, trying to break through the wall she had erected. “Can’t you see that I’m only trying to help?” His voice was calm, but beneath it lay a current of urgency.

Yet, she remained resolute, crossing her arms defiantly as if daring him to challenge her further. He knew better than to push too hard; she had a way of retreating deeper into her shell when she felt cornered. He could feel the tension in the air, a palpable force that threatened to derail their conversation entirely.

Liam sighed, grappling with his own feelings. He wanted her to hear him, to understand that his concerns were rooted in care and friendship, not criticism. How could he convey that her stubbornness, while a strength, could also become a barrier to growth? He longed to guide her gently toward a different perspective, to help her see the potential consequences of her choices.

In that moment, Liam realized that he needed to find a balance—between standing firm in his beliefs and allowing her the space to express her own. After all, they were friends, and friendship meant navigating the tricky waters of disagreement without losing sight of what truly mattered.

He smiled. He thought about Audrey and who she was as a person; wickedly smart, wildly compassionate, stubborn as a bull but gentle enough that he could, indeed, imagine her with a baby in her arms. “Okay. Okay, fine. If you’re so sure about it. It is your body after all. I’m just…trying to be rational and look out for you.”

Audrey nodded, grinning. She knew her friend well, she knew how protective he was of her. They had been friends since high school. Whenever Audrey needed someone to back her up, Liam was there. Whenever she needed a shoulder to cry on, he was there. He was the one consistent man in her life and she loved him for it. “I know you are. And I appreciate it. But I would also appreciate your support. I’m going to need it.”

“Of course, Audrey. I have your back, you know that. And who knows, maybe being an uncle would be fun.”

“Oh you’ll love it. Just imagine, in just a few short months, this kid will be here and our lives will never be the same. 

~ ~ ~

Seven Months Later…

Snow fell softly from the sky, each flake drifting gracefully through the crisp air, like tiny dancers in a silent ballet. The world around was transformed, blanketed in a shimmering layer of white that muted the sounds of everyday life. As the flakes settled, they coated the rooftops, trees, and streets, turning the familiar landscape into a winter wonderland. In that serene atmosphere, each snowflake carried a unique story, a reminder that even the smallest things could bring about profound change. The scene was enchanting, and as the snow continued to fall, it wove a tapestry of hope and renewal over the landscape, inviting everyone to step outside and embrace the magic of winter.

And inside the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in a room on the seventh floor, Audrey laid in a hospital bed and in her arms, a seven pound baby. He was beautiful, with a head full of brown hair and milky skin. She counted his fingers and toes and couldn’t believe this little guy was once fluttering inside of her. The door opened and Liam stood there, holding a balloon and flowers. Audrey beamed at him as he slowly came to her bedside. 

“Wow,” he whispered, looking at the baby. “He looks just like you.”

Audrey nodded and looked back down at him. He had her brows, her nose, and her lips. He was like a photocopy of her. She tenderly swiped his hair from his face and bent down to kiss his forehead, inhaling the sweet scent of his skin. “He’s perfect.”

“Have you settled on a name?”

She nodded, lifting her head. “Ashton Liam Reeves.”

Liam pouted, his bottom lip trembling as he took a seat beside her bed. Tears fell from his eyes. He couldn’t believe the sight in front of him. This beautiful baby whose birth he had initially been opposed to was a wondrous sight. “You didn’t have to name him after me.”

“It’s fitting, don’t you think? You’ve supported me throughout this entire process. Went out in the blistering cold to fetch me mint ice cream and pickles. Helped me paint the nursery and helped me choose a color scheme. Plus, your birthday is in three days.”

“Oh, right. The poor kid is an aquarius, too.”

Audrey laughed and the baby stirred in her arms, cooing. “They say he’s perfectly healthy. All the nurses have been aweing over him.”

“Of course they are. I’m sure they do with every baby.”

“Want to hold him?”

Liam looked at Audrey with wide eyes. He gulped and hesitantly nodded. Audrey sat up and directed Liam on how to position his arms. She set the baby in his arms. She laughed. “Don’t be so tense.”

“He’s so little.”

“I know, but don’t be so tense. Babies can sense that.”

Liam eased into it, leaning back in the chair and holding the baby firmly against his chest. Audrey reached out and wiped Liam’s tears away. “He’s perfect.”

“I know.” Audrey sighed and leaned back into her bed. 

As they sat together in that cozy room, surrounded by the soft sounds of the hospital, Audrey felt a profound sense of rightness settle over her. This was her life now—a tapestry woven with threads of joy, uncertainty, and unconditional love. She had taken the leap into the unknown, and though it hadn’t been easy, it had led her to this moment of pure bliss.

“Welcome to the world, little Ashton,” Liam whispered, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, his friend would face them with the unwavering dignity and bravery with him by her side. And with each passing day, they would write their own story, one filled with laughter, love, and the beautiful chaos of motherhood. 

“Thank you, Liam.”

“For what?”

“For everything. For all your support and everything you’ve done for me. I know you were initially against me having him, but now that he’s here, I can see the love in your eyes. It means the world to me.”

Liam smiled and nodded. “I do love this little guy.” He looked back down at the baby. 

Audrey sighed contentedly as she gazed out the window at the snowy landscape. She understood that everything was about to change—and for the better. She was a mother now, and in that role, she felt a profound sense of completeness. How strange it was to find fulfillment in such a tiny life, yet she knew she would never trade it for anything. Gratitude swelled within her for this gift. Her new life was beginning, and she looked forward with hope. She had to embrace this future, not just for herself, but for her son.