Page 70 of Bless My Heart

I guess that’s why he’s such a good partner. I was stupid not to see it until it was almost too late. I’m kicking myself for how I acted with him. Caroline is kicking me too. She was the first to say I told you so when I told everyone I made a mistake, and Wes generously accepted my apology.

He accepted it over and over again all over my apartment that day. A day I’ll never forget. The day he told me he loved me. I can’t even describe how my heart felt hearing those words from his mouth. It was like everything we went through was worth it now that we were at this point, and we appreciated it so much more.

Wes is having a family dinner to introduce me to his friends. I’ve already met Ozzy, but it was at the hospital, so it was kind of weird. I’ve been hesitant to ask Wes how things are between the two of them. I’m not sure how he feels about Ozzy and Stella being together, but I guess I’ll find out at the dinner.

He asks me to come over around seven for dinner. The spring semester is about to start, but I don’t have anything to do since I’m on leave. I’ve just been sitting at home thinking of every possible outcome for this dinner tonight.

What if they don’t like me?

What if Stella thinks I’m not good enough for her brother?

What if Ozzy and Wes still aren’t speaking, and we sit in silence while we push food around on our plates?

My mind is constantly racing about stupid stuff like this. I just want to get this dinner over with and stop stressing about it. Which is why I show up at their house right at seven.

Wes must hear me pull up because he comes out of the house and meets me at my car. He’s in jeans and a Brunswick University hoodie, and his hair is a mess on top of his head. Just the way I like it.

“Hey, babe,” he says when he gets next to me. His hands immediately go to my growing belly. It’s hard to hide it anymore, so I’ve stopped trying. I’m wearing jeans—my first pair of maternity jeans, thank you very much—and a light pink sweater.

Wes leans in to kiss me. “Thanks for coming.”

“Of course. I’m excited to meet your friends.” Excited, anxious. It’s all the same, really.

He grabs my hand and walks me to the front door. “I made lasagna. I hope that’s ok.”

“Ah, so that’s why you have sauce stains on your hoodie.” I laugh. He looks down, grabbing the bottom of his hoodie to check for stains.

“Ah, shit. Yes.” He looks at me and smiles. All my worries melt away when he smiles at me.

He opens the door and ushers me inside. This is the first time I’ve been inside his house. I look around and can definitely tell that guys live here. It’s clean, but it’s plain. The living room has a big couch with a TV hanging on the wall, and there are cords everywhere hooked up to different gaming consoles. His roommates are sitting on the couch watching some game on the TV.

“Guys, this is Hazel,” Wes announces to the room. I take a deep breath and squeeze his hand, hoping my face doesn’t turn red from everyone staring.

I give them all an awkward wave with my free hand.

A young blonde woman stands up with a smile on her face. As soon as she turns to me, I know she must be Wes’s sister. They have the same emerald green eyes.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” she says, coming over to us. “I’m Stella, Wes’s sister.” Instead of shaking my hand, she comes right in for a hug. “I can’t believe he kept this secret from us for so long, but I’m glad you’re finally here.”

“Thank you,” I say, looking to Wes. “I’m really happy I’m here too.” Wes smiles at me.

“Oh my God. Look how cute y’all are,” Stella says. Ozzy comes up behind her, and I don’t miss that his hand falls to Stella’s waist. Wes doesn’t miss it either because he tightens his grip on my hand.

“Nice to see you again, Hazel,” Ozzy tells me.

“So, Ozzy and Stella are officially together,” Wes explains, and I nod my head. “I’m still coming to terms with it, but he seems to make Stella happy, so whatever. I guess she’s into idiots.” He laughs, and Stella punches him in the arm like siblings do.

I recognize the next guy from the first night I met Wes. He’s strikingly handsome with piercing blue eyes.

“I’m Ezra. Welcome to the family, Hazel.” I shake his hand.

Finally, a peppy redhead bounces her way over to us. I notice that Ezra’s eyes are on her the entire time. I wonder if something is going on between them.

“I’m Stella’s best friend, Celine,” the girl says. “I’ve kinda just forced my way into the family here.” She laughs, and Stella throws her arm around Celine.

“Yeah, she didn’t really give us a choice. She just keeps showing up,” Wes teases.

“Shut up. I’m a good time, and you know it.”