Carter grinned from ear to ear and his hand joined mine on my belly.We stood in the hallway, both waiting for another flutter.It didn't come, but it didn't matter.For the first time since we'd found out about the pregnancy, I let myself believe that just maybe, everything would be okay.
* * *
I stoodin front of the full-length mirror, tugging at the fabric of my dress.My belly protruded prominently, stretching the material taut.No matter how I adjusted it, I felt like a beached whale.
“I don't know about this dress.”I sighed, turning to the side.“Maybe I should just wear sweatpants.”
Carter appeared behind me, resting his hands on my waist.“Are you kidding?You look incredible.”
I pouted.“You have to say that.You're the one who did this to me.”
“I mean it.You've never looked sexier.”
“Really?”I raised an eyebrow at his reflection.
“Really.”His hands slid down to caress my swollen belly.“In fact, if I had my way, I'd keep you pregnant for years.”
I laughed, slapping his hands away.“Oh no, mister.Gonna need you to keep it in your pants.”
“Aw, come on,” he teased.“Don't you want a whole brood of little Cassidys running around?”
I turned to face him, wrapping my arms around his neck.“How about we compromise?Two kids—one boy, one girl.”
He tapped his chin thoughtfully, pretending to consider.“I suppose I could live with that.”
“You'd better.”I grinned, pulling him down for a kiss.
As our lips met, I felt Pete's paws scratching at my legs.We broke apart, laughing as we watched our furry friend dance excitedly at our feet.
“See?”Carter bent down to fondle Pete's ears.“Even Pete thinks you look amazing.”
I smiled, basking in the love of my little family.
“Alright, we're going to be late if we don't leave”—he glanced at his watch— “five minutes ago.”
“Crap!”I scrambled to grab my purse, nearly tripping over Pete in my haste.Carter stood by the door, his eyebrows raised in amusement.
“It's fine.You're only the guest of honor.”
I shot him a glare, waddling as fast as my pregnant body would allow.“Shut it, Cassidy.”
His lips twitched.“Yes, ma'am.”
The drive to Callie and Emmett's house was short, but my nerves grew with each passing minute.As we pulled up, I gasped.The front yard was decorated with blue and white balloons, and a banner reading “Welcome, Baby Boy!”hung across the porch.
“Wow.They went all out.”
Carter gave me an arm to lean on as I heaved myself from the car.“Of course they did.They love you.”
We made our way inside, and I was nearly tackled by a hug from Meghan.“You're here!”she squealed.
“Hey, careful.Precious cargo.”Carter put his hands on my arms, steadying me.I rolled my eyes, feigning exasperation at his overprotectiveness.
“Sorry, sorry.Come on, everyone's waiting.”
Meghan led us into the backyard, which had been transformed into a magical oasis.Twinkling lights hung overhead, and tables adorned with blue and white flowers dotted the lawn.A group of familiar faces turned to greet us, and my eyes brimmed with tears at the sight of so many people gathered to celebrate our baby.
My mom rushed over, enveloping me in a tight embrace.“Oh, sweetheart.You’re glowing.”
