“Our kid,” I repeated quietly.
He didn’t react, but his hand drifted back to my belly, thumb rubbing absent circles like he didn’t even realize he was doing it.
For a moment, everything felt… almost okay.
Then Eleanor clapped her hands.
“Before gifts, there’s a surprise guest. Courtesy of Cal.”
I frowned.
The tent flap opened.
“YOU DID NOT THINK YOU WERE DOING THIS WITHOUT ME, BITCH.”
Zariah stormed in dragging a suitcase behind her, sunglasses perched dramatically on her head.
I burst into tears immediately.
“You... How...?” I waddled toward her, nearly tripping before she grabbed me.
“Cal flew me first class,” she said proudly. “Threatened to murder me if I didn’t come.”
I turned slowly toward Cal.
He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact. “You said you missed her.”
My heart cracked open.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
He nodded once, jaw tight.
Zariah plopped beside me during gifts, whispering, “Girl, you’re glowing. Also you look like you might murder someone if they touch your feet.”
“Accurate.”
Gift opening turned chaotic in the best way. Tiny shoes. Blankets. A stroller that probably cost more than my car back in Vegas.
Cal sat beside me, opening packages and reading tags carefully.
“This one’s from my aunt,” he said, holding up a tiny leather jacket onesie. “That’s… aggressive.”
“Our baby is not wearing a biker jacket at two months old.”
“Speak for yourself.”
I laughed.
And then...
Sydney arrived.
Like a storm wrapped in designer fabric.
She walked in late, dressed in a sleek black dress that clung to her like she was attending a funeral instead of a baby shower. Her makeup was flawless, but her eyes were slightly red like she’d been crying just enough to be believable.
“Sorry I’m late,” she said smoothly.
