gotten through difficult things on your own before, you know. Didn’t you go to Rome all by yourself?”
“That was completely different!” Elise protested. “Anybody can get on a plane.”
“No, they can’t,” her mother said. “You saved for years to make that trip a possibility. You were dedicated and determined, and you made it happen. That’s how you’ve always been. And I know you’ll bring that same dedication to motherhood. You’re going to be a wonderful parent, honey.”
“I don’t know if I can do it,” Elise said faintly.
“You can,” her mother said. “I’ve watched you grow up, sweetheart. I know what you’re capable of. I don’t have any doubt that you can handle this. It’s going to be a challenge, but you’re up to the task.”
Elise buried her face in her hands. “This just keeps getting harder and harder.”
“Are you having second thoughts?” Her mother moved to sit beside her on the exam table and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“No,” Elise said. She was surprised at how easily the answer came. “It’s going to be next to impossible to be a single mother to triplets, I think. But no, I still can’t regret it. They’re mine. I feel like I already love them.” She looked at her mother. “Is that crazy?”
“No.” Her mother tightened her arm around Elise’s shoulders. “I loved you quickly, too.”
“I just hope I’ll be as good a mom as you are.” Elise leaned against her mother’s shoulder. “And I’m glad the babies will have you for a grandmother.”
“You’ll be wonderful,” her mother assured her. “And you’ll always have me to help you. I think I’m looking forward to these babies as much as you are.”
Elise rested a hand on her stomach. “I’m going to be huge, aren’t I?”
“Uh-huh,” her mother said lightly. “Maybe we should go to the store after we leave here, pick up some maternity clothes for you. That would make a good celebration.”
Elise agreed. “That would be fun.”
“And maybe we could go and get some of those milkshakes you like?”
Elise smiled. “That would be nice. Thanks, Mom.”
The doctor returned and finished the examination, giving Elise a due date to look forward to and pronouncing her and her babies to be in good health. A few minutes later, she and her mother headed out to the car.
“You know what you need to do, don’t you?” her mother asked.
“Buy two more cribs?” She had just chosen the perfect one two days ago and had ordered it online, but it had taken a significant chunk out of her savings account. The idea of ordering two more was stressful.
“No,” her mother said. “Or rather, yes, but before you do that, you need to get in touch with Lucas.”
“What?” Elise said. “Why would I call him?”
“You need to let him know that you’re expecting triplets.”
“He doesn’t want to know that,” Elise said. “He was clear about it. He doesn’t want to be involved with the babies. I’m not going to start calling him after every doctor’s appointment to give him updates.”
“This is more than just an update,” her mother said. “You said Lucas had offered to support the baby financially. Three babies are going to be a lot more costly than one. He should adjust how much he was planning to give you accordingly.”
“No, Mom,” Elise said. “Absolutely not. I’m not going to call him and ask him for more money.”
“You said you were over being angry with him.”
“I am,” Elise said. “I get why he had to make the choice he did. I’m not wild about it, but I do understand it. But that still doesn’t mean I’m going to try to get his money.”
“He wants to support you, Elise,” her mother said. “Please don’t be stubborn about this.”
“I’m not being stubborn,” Elise said. “I’ll take the money he originally planned to send. But I’m not going to try to get anything more. We can make it stretch a little farther if we’re smart about it.”
“Three babies,” her mother said. “Three times the expense.”
“They’ll just have to share things,” Elise said. “That’s not such a big deal. Lots of siblings share. And I’ll have a job eventually. We’re not going to be living on Lucas’s money forever.”
Her mother shook her head. “I don’t know how you can say you’re not being stubborn,” she said. “You have a wealthy CEO who’s happy to give you as much financial support as you need to make sure your babies have a good future. If you tell him you’re expecting triplets,