He laughs. “I did no such thing; I simply told you it was the safest one. The fact that the charging dock is atourhome is simply an added bonus.” He kisses my forehead again. “So… when would you like to tell people? It’s your choice. If you want to wait, I’m okay with that,” he asks quietly.
“No, I think it’s time to do it. There’s no point on putting it off any longer…” I feel my anxiety rushing through me, but I focus on Shane and how safe I feel in his arms.
“Okay, and do you want to do it one at a time? I think starting with your brother might be the best thing.”
“Actually, my parents are coming down next week and will be staying until Emma gives birth. I think we should tell them all at once, and maybe having more people around might help settle Greyson’s reaction faster. I really don’t know how he’ll take this, but I can’t imagine it will be pretty.”
I bite my lip, not at all prepared to do this, but it’s not like I really have a choice. “I could get everyone over for dinner and have you join us, like that we can tell them together.” I feel my face flush harder, the tips of my ears burning at the thought that maybe Shane doesn’t want to be present when I tell them.“I mean, if you want to be there… If you don’t, it’s okay… I understand.”
He frowns, pulling away and taking my face in his hands. “Of course, I want to be there. You’re my girlfriend, and this is our baby. There’s nowhere else I’d want to be.” He presses his lips to mine. “We’re in this together, Angel.”
I sigh, my nerves settling at his words and touch. “Thank you… I don’t think I could do this without you.”
“You’ll never have to do anything without me.”
~ One Week Later ~
Today is the day we’re planning on telling everyone. My family and friends are already all gathered at my brother’s house for dinner; the only ones left to show up are Shane and me.
I had a few things to do at the bakery this afternoon, since I took the night off for this occasion. Which means Shane and I are arriving in different cars, and I happen to arrive first. Although that might be for the best, rather than walking in together.
Honestly, I’m not sure what is better anymore.
Parking on the street, I pull out my phone and send a quick text to Shane asking how far out he is. He answers immediately, saying he should be here in fifteen minutes. I take a few calming breaths, then step out of the car and head inside, praying no onesaw me arrive in the Porsche because I’m not ready to answer questions without Shane being here.
Once inside and having removed my jacket and boots, I make my way toward the noise in the open kitchen and living room, where everyone seems to be gathered. Gracie comes running toward me with open arms.
“An Bey!” Her arms wrap around my legs, squeezing tight as Dante runs not far behind her. With his chestnut-colored hair bouncing around and green eyes, he’s an exact replica of his father.
I pick up the little cutie who looks identically like me and my mother with her ashy-blonde hair and pale brown eyes. She even has the dusting of freckles over her nose like I do. “Hey, princess. God, you’re getting so big!” I kiss her cute little cheeks and rub my nose against hers.
Emotions swirl inside my heart as I watch her. To think that by the end of the year, I’ll be holding my own baby. I wonder if he or she will take after me or Shane—I just hope he or she has his eyes. I love his eyes.
“There’s my beautiful daughter.” My mother strolls over and hugs me once I’ve set Gracie down, letting her return to her play session with Dante.
“Hi, Mom.” I smile at her as she holds me by the arms.
“How are you, sweetie? You seem different, happy.” She watches me closely.
“I am happy,” I tell her honestly. I can’t lie to my mom.
“And is there a reason behind this happiness? Something you might not be telling us?” She’s always been good at figuring me out. I’m sure one of the girls has told her about Shane and me, but I haven’t voiced it myself yet, and I’d rather wait until he’s here to do it.
“I’m just… happy. You don’t need to worry about me.” I take a step back, smiling as I walk around her and toward the rest of the girls in the kitchen.
“Oh, I’m never worried about you, Aubrey. If there’s one child I never had to worry about, it was you.” My mom laughs as I come up to the island beside Ronnie and Cecilia.
Morgan is seated on one of the stools in front of me, looking exhausted and ready to get this pregnancy over with. “Are you okay?” I ask her as I reach across the counter to take her hand.
“Yeah, I’m just really tired and everything hurts.” She laughs, but it sounds weak. “I’ve been having Braxton Hicks contractions all week, and even though they’re considered fake, they hurt like hell.”
Hmm, I didn’t know you had fake contractions before labor. I’ll need to do some research on all that.“I can only imagine. Hang in there, you’re almost done.” I smile tenderly and release her hand as she offers one back.
“I can’t wait to see those beautiful babies.” Cecilia sighs with dreamy eyes. “It’s crazy how much our little family has grown in such a short amount of time. Dante just turned two, Gracie’s going to be two in four months. And by the beginning of March, we’ll have four new little munchkins around.”
“We can say goodbye to normal dinner nights.” Ronnie laughs. “Two toddlers are easy to control, but two toddlers and four babies?” Her eyes widen. “Yeah, I’m really not ready for kids.”
“Ha! Maybe you should pass the message along to your men.” Emma wobbles over. “They’ve both been staring at my belly with big googly eyes since they arrived, and I’m pretty sure I heard Gabe telling Noah they’d try to convince you again soon.”
