For a moment, her expression tightened.
Then she smiled again.
“I suppose this is a good time for my final present.”
She reached beneath the gift table and pulled out another wrapped package.
It was tied with a beautiful cream ribbon.
Instead of handing it to me, Diane opened it herself.
Inside was a soft, expensive baby blanket.
She unfolded it carefully and held it up.
Across one corner, embroidered in dark blue thread, was a single name.
BENJAMIN.
My heart sank.
Diane smiled proudly.
“Isn’t it lovely? I’ve already told everyone his name. Carol even ordered a matching stuffed bear with Benjamin embroidered on it.”
She looked directly at me.
“Everything’s been arranged, sweetheart.”
That was when I understood her plan.
She hadn’t simply announced the name because she was excited.
She’d told guests in advance.
She’d encouraged personalized gifts.
She’d arranged everything so that refusing the name would make Levi and me appear ungrateful in front of an entire room.
