The family gathering was my masterpiece. I suggested hosting Aiki’s extended family for a pregnancy celebration, knowing the wine would loosen their lips.

“Tell them about Matt,” her mother urged in Japanese after her third glass. “They’ll think it’s funny.”

I busied myself with food, my phone recording from my pocket as Aiki giggled with her cousins about how she was taking me for a ride. Some laughed. Others looked horrified. Her aunt tried to shush her, but Aiki was on a roll.

“Mata nishin shitara, mata onaji koto suru. If I get pregnant again, I’ll do the same thing.”

That’s when I made my move. I walked in with a tray of appetizers, smiling blankly. “What are you all laughing about? I wish I could understand.”