Mother’s Day has always been painful for me. After years of fertility treatments, miscarriages, and heartbreak, I still wasn’t a mom. It’s the one thing I’ve wanted more than anything — and yet, every year, I’m reminded of what I don’t have. This year, my mother-in-law Cheryl invited me to a “ladies-only” Mother’s Day dinner. Just her, my sisters-in-law — both moms — and me. My husband, Ryan, encouraged me to go. “Just get through it,” he said. “You know how she is.” I knew exactly how she was. From the moment I arrived, I could feel it. Cheryl wore her good pearls and a smile that always means trouble. She handed gift bags to my sisters-in-law, toasted “the real mothers,”

and barely acknowledged me. I wasn’t given a glass of prosecco, or a “Happy Mother’s Day.” Just water, and a pat on the arm. Then came dessert. Three rich chocolate cakes — and one plain fruit bowl set in front of Cheryl, who can’t eat sweets. Everyone laughed, swapped baby stories, and talked about diaper blowouts and preschool crafts. I smiled politely and stayed quiet. And then it happened. Cheryl tapped her spoon on her glass and stood up. “Kaylee, dear,”she said sweetly, “you’re the only one here who isn’t a mother. So it doesn’t seem fair to split the bill. Maybe you could treat us this year?” She slid the check toward me — $367. Most of it for their lobster tails, desserts, and prosecco. I had grilled chicken and water. I smiled, opened my purse, and placed $25 on the table. “That covers my meal.” Then I looked her in the eye and said, “Actually, I am celebrating something. Ryan and I are adopting. We were matched this morning — a baby girl. She’s being born tomorrow in Denver.” The entire table went silent. I stood, put on my coat,
and added, “So yes, this is my first Mother’s Day. And no, I won’t be paying for yours.” The next morning, I held my daughter Maya for the first time. She wrapped her tiny hand around my finger, and I felt everything shift. Cheryl never called me. She called Ryan instead — said I embarrassed her. But he told her the truth: “You embarrassed yourself.” We haven’t heard from her since. And honestly? That’s okay. Because I’m finally a mom — and that’s all I ever wanted to be.