A woman stood in the kitchen. Paige was immediately struck by her graceful posture, the understated silk tunic dress that hugged her small but growing belly, and how neatly her dark hair was swept into a perfect twist.
Her smile lit her whole face. “Welcome to our home. We’re so happy you’re here.” She kissed Graham’s cheek, then greeted Paige with genuine warmth. “I’m Nicole. It’s lovely to meet you.”
Paige returned the smile. “You, too. Congratulations. I know this must be an exciting time for you both.”
Nicole rested a hand gently on her belly. “It is. And surreal.”
Andrew slipped an arm around her, pride glowing in his expression. “Nicole is a cellist with the Philharmonic,” he told Paige.
“That’s amazing. You must be extremely talented to have landed a spot like that.”
“My parents started me very young.” Nicole blushed lightly. “We’ve just finished rehearsals for next week’s program. I wish you could be here for the performance.”
“Another time, for sure,” Paige said, impressed. They were quite the accomplished pair.
Graham cleared his throat, holding out the bouquet. “These are for you. Thought they might brighten the place up a bit, though you hardly need it.”
Nicole took them. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”
She passed them to Andrew, who dutifully went to find a vase, leaving the three of them in a pleasant, quiet moment.
Paige met Graham’s eyes. He looked proud, relieved, and maybe even hopeful.
Nicole gestured toward the living room. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. My parents will be here shortly, and we’ve got a little time until dinner, so we can all get acquainted.” She smiled knowingly at Graham. “We want this to be easy. No stress.”
“Marvelous,” Graham said.
Andrew returned. “Would you like a tour of the place?”
“Love one,” Graham said.
Paige nodded.
Andrew and Nicole guided them down a wide hallway where soft lighting glowed from recessed fixtures above. The artwork lining the walls made Paige pause for a closer look. There were framed concert posters from orchestras all over the world, and candid photos of musicians mid-performance along with shots of Andrew and Nicole at various functions, some with famous dignitaries.
Their lives were amazing. Paige wondered if they realized how much a child could change it.
“This is the study,” Nicole said, stopping at the first open door.
Inside, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were lined with leather-bound legal volumes and travel guides. A sleek desk overlooked a different view of the skyline. Obviously, Andrew’s domain.
Across the hall, Nicole pushed open another door. “Guest room,” she said with a small smile. “My mother will be staying with us for the first month after the baby arrives, to help out.”
“That’s such a good thing,” Paige said. “I did the same thing with my daughter after her son was born.”
The room was airy and peaceful with soft blue walls and fresh white bedding, some beautifully framed Monet prints, and an area rug with colors to match.
“And this,” Nicole said, her voice filled with excitement. “Is the nursery.” She opened the door slowly, like a spokesmodel revealing the grand prize on a game show.
The room wasn’t finished yet, but the love that had gone into it was unmistakable. A round white crib waited near the window, bathed in city light. On the opposite wall, watercolor elephants, giraffes, little foxes, raccoons, and a bear marched across a strip of a mural-in-progress.
Fabric swatches in greens, pinks, and blues were clipped to the curtains, ready for a final decision. A short bookcase, partially filled, sat next to a white rocking chair.
Paige stepped in, fingertips brushing the carved edge of the crib. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered. “All of it. I love it.”
Nicole touched her belly, smiling in that quiet, expectant way only mothers truly understood. “We wanted something that felt like a storybook.”
Andrew’s hand slid to Nicole’s back. “And plenty of space for the baby to grow.”
